I am disappointed with Simpson model line up

[ChiefBroom]

My guess is that Simpson's marketing strategy is to offer a luxury brush for everyone ranging from the entry level 46, Berkley up to brushes in the multiple hundred's of dollars. Certainly one doesn't need an expensive brush to make a fine lather, but Simpsons is marketing a degree of quality, tradition and luxury which like luxury cars are appeal to more to our emotions.

I suspect that the wide variety of Simpson brushes has to do with appealing to collectors who would over time buy multiple Simpson brushes.

+1

 

[ChiefBroom]

You're disappointed that you can't differentiate easily between Simpson models and with that I'd agree but the BMW analogy isn't appropriate because not everybody likes a large brush and there's the crux...what you end up liking is completely subjective.

A better analogy might be match box cars.

 

[ChiefBroom]

Awesome post Edgerunner.

You are spot on with your decision making and direction here.

+1

I think Boris ought to start a new thread with essentially a re-statement of his post above, only not focused on a specific brush maker's line. It would make for a great separate discussion.

 

[brucered]

+1

I think Boris ought to start a new thread with essentially a re-statement of his post above, only not focused on a specific brush maker's line. It would make for a great separate discussion.

It's reason 27b why he's my Go-To Brush Advisor.

Plus, last time we met he brought me Bulgarian Cookies

 

[Mendel]

Plenty of other fish in the sea. Try (in no particular order): Thater, Rooney, Shavemac......

+1 and don't forget about Kent brushes. I have found Simpsons to be overhyped and inconsistent. I love my Shavemac, Rooney, Thater, Kent, and Semogue brushes. I have never missed my Simpsons - I sold them all.

 

[Mendel]

I agree with the above to a certain degree. Prioritizing and putting together a list with your expectations from your next brush helps making an easy decision not only when selecting a Simpson but any brush.

At the same time, I think bowl vs face, and soaps vs. creams is an overrated classification. Most brushes don't have problems with those except some extreme handle designs uncomfortable to use with a bowl, or brushes with complete lack of backbone not capable of loading soap.

I also don't think that the budget should be a top priority to start with. It is a constraint that should be considered last, when you've narrowed down your selection to a very few models to choose from.

From the experience with my brushes, I've figured out that the following list of priorities put in order of importance, helps me decide if I want to buy a certain brush, or when hunting for a new brush:

- softness;
- flowthrough and lather release;
- backbone;
- knot size and shape;
- handle aesthetics and comfort;
- budget;
- brand.

There's only one exception in the list - brand selection can go to the top, if I'm curious to try a brush from a particular manufacturer, like in OP's case, he wants a Simpsons.

Here's an example how my selection of brush would be, if I were the OP.

I'm curious about Simpsons brand, so I focus on their models.

First comes the softness. Their 2-band is soft and feels great but I already have two of those. I've tried a few in Best, and they are too scritchy for me. I know their Super is in between, so I want a Simpsons in Super.

Next is the flow. I like brushes which release lather easily. Dukes and Chubbies are not for me in this respect. And they are not available in Super anyway unless are LE.

Then comes the backbone. Simpsons Super knots have plenty of it.

Size and shape - I like fan shape. Super knots are fans. My favorite size knot is about 24 mm, with 50 mm loft.

This means I have only two choices - PJ3 and T3. I have T2 and I love the handle. So, I want a T3 in Super.

Now about the price. If my memory serves me well, T3 is $220. The price is too high for me. There are competing brands which can give me the same knot properties for less.

Finally, I decide I won't have a Simpsons brush in Super.

This was easy!

Well written!

 

[tm3]

After years of contemplation I happened upon a deal on a used BMW, and bit.

It is a ridiculously over the top car, but holy moly it sure is fun!

Now my goal is to find the 335ic of the brush world, Simpson or otherwise.

 

[Barefoot Joe]

I"ll take the Z4 in Manchurian!

 

[Crag]

I understand the frustration. I believe the dilema is that the Simpson's website is very sparse when it comes to WHY one should buy this brush over that brush, but in Simpson's defence there is simply no way to accurately describe every nuance of every brush with regard to performance and face feel because it is such a personal choice. I think the best way is to read and research. I asked my friends which ones they liked best, and ultimately I went with my gut.

Another thing I considered was how many do I want to own, which ultimately told me which levels to buy in. I could get ONE really NICE brush or two brushes of the same quality but perhaps slightly smaller, ultimately I went with three brushes. I'm not a big brush guy, so for me the answer in that respect was simple, two smaller brushes. So that's how I determined what my budget was...I still spent $270, but I got 3 brushes for the money, CH1 2-band, Jubilee LE and a Wee Scot. Of course I bought them all on the BST, too which made it much easier for me.

 

[Kevan]

Guys,
I regret to inform you that I am officially fed up looking for my next simpson.

there are so many models, sizes and hair types and no clear differentiation between those models. I am so confused and had spent so much time deciding on my next model, that I have given up completely.

Take BMW for instance, a beginner might start with a 3 series and then move up to 5 and then up to a 7 series. If you want a convertible you buy a six series. If you want utility, you buy the x3 or x5. If you want a faster version you buy the M. One know the differences between all the lineups and the price reflects the differences.

As for the simpson, I can't tell the difference between the polo, the emperor and the Persian. Nor can I tell the difference between the fifty series, the duke or the chubby. Adding to this you have the different sizes and similarities. And above all that you have all the different hairs such as pure, best, super, super in 2 band and manchurian.


seriously now why can't they just have a well defined line up with clear target markets, and missions. The Art of Shaving has done it. The name of the game is not to sell everything but to decide what to sell and what not to sell.

pi rest my case

Go with Rooney then. Three sizes, 3 styles (in the regular line anyway).

When people buy Simpson, they are buying it primarily because they know that Simpsons are uniformly a little denser than everyone else, and they like the handle shapes. That's how I chose my first one...handle shape. Then I chose based on size after that.

Where it gets confusing is when you look at Dukes vs. Chubby, LE offerings, "handmade variation" among each model lineup....

 

[ElmerK]

How to choose a Simpson's:

Step 1: Order a Colonel
Step 2: Wait for the mailman to deliver
Step 3: Enjoy

Lol, That is exactly what I did. After spending days trying to decide, I came to the conclusion that the Colonel was the best value for my price point. No other choices to be made the Colonel only comes one way. I love it. I used it today!

 

[RNQubain]

I agree with the above to a certain degree. Prioritizing and putting together a list with your expectations from your next brush helps making an easy decision not only when selecting a Simpson but any brush.

At the same time, I think bowl vs face, and soaps vs. creams is an overrated classification. Most brushes don't have problems with those except some extreme handle designs uncomfortable to use with a bowl, or brushes with complete lack of backbone not capable of loading soap.

I also don't think that the budget should be a top priority to start with. It is a constraint that should be considered last, when you've narrowed down your selection to a very few models to choose from.

From the experience with my brushes, I've figured out that the following list of priorities put in order of importance, helps me decide if I want to buy a certain brush, or when hunting for a new brush:

- softness;
- flowthrough and lather release;
- backbone;
- knot size and shape;
- handle aesthetics and comfort;
- budget;
- brand.

There's only one exception in the list - brand selection can go to the top, if I'm curious to try a brush from a particular manufacturer, like in OP's case, he wants a Simpsons.

Here's an example how my selection of brush would be, if I were the OP.

I'm curious about Simpsons brand, so I focus on their models.

First comes the softness. Their 2-band is soft and feels great but I already have two of those. I've tried a few in Best, and they are too scritchy for me. I know their Super is in between, so I want a Simpsons in Super.

Next is the flow. I like brushes which release lather easily. Dukes and Chubbies are not for me in this respect. And they are not available in Super anyway unless are LE.

Then comes the backbone. Simpsons Super knots have plenty of it.

Size and shape - I like fan shape. Super knots are fans. My favorite size knot is about 24 mm, with 50 mm loft.

This means I have only two choices - PJ3 and T3. I have T2 and I love the handle. So, I want a T3 in Super.

Now about the price. If my memory serves me well, T3 is $220. The price is too high for me. There are competing brands which can give me the same knot properties for less.

Finally, I decide I won't have a Simpsons brush in Super.

This was easy!

great methodology, should be in the articles section a a brush buying guide