Newbie: Used EJ Super vs Best Badger for first brush?

[blackbarba]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for a few weeks getting to know my way around. Great, great site although one can easily get lost in the swirling vortex of acronyms and paraphernalia.

I'm still acquiring my stash of tools and I'm in need of some advice.

I shave in the shower, using hot water, so I'll be face lathering when I make the transition to the DE.

For my first brush, I'm deciding between an EJ Best badger new or an EJ Super Badger used for the same price (~$30). The Super looks great, feels soft, but I'm concerned about it being used. Honestly, my untrained eye's first glance couldn't tell, but with the time I've spent on here and around researching I could see that the "bulb" isn't as high and some of the middle tips bend in.

I'd appreciate any advice, thanks and I look forward to contributing my experiences.

Here's the actual Super:




The Best:

http://www.mensdirect.com/product/Ed...FQSxnQodckXNYw


The Super how it's supposed to look:
http://www.royalshave.com/p/411-183-...ush-ebony.html


My current yet-to-used kit:
Kiss My Face shaving cream
SS Flare-tip (still looking for a stick for the other holster)
Need brush for under $50...so

EJ Best New, EJ Super used, or keep looking?


Thanks!

[Vlad]

I don't think anything is necessarily wrong with the super, but I would rather spend that money on a new boar brush, or one practically new pff the BST. You are also near the price range of a low-end Simpson, or, even better in my opinion, a small custom brush from one of the brush makers on this forum.

Welcome to b&b!

[soloz2]

EJ has been putting black badger in their best brushes of late... its not nearly as nice as other companies best quality such as an older EJ or a Simpson IMHO.

I'd get the used super or better yet a new Semogue 1305 and spend what you save on a new soap or two or a blade sampler.

[blackbarba]

Thank you gents. I'd love a custom brush but I don't know exactly what to ask for yet. I'll look into it or try the Semogue/sampler route until I get my face wet.

Looking forward to it either way, half the fun has been the research/discovery.

[Gingerbread]

You may want to search for the old EJ Best Badgers. Just make sure it's at least the medium knot size.

[Absolute Mustard]

That best is crap

There are much better brushes out there for the price

Either get the super or keep looking

[MightyPir]

Another vote for the super, it's really great. The EJ best series is very good, but the super takes it to another level IMHO.