Suggestion for a cheap Silvertip (or similar?)

I'm so indecisive. Just wanted to get that out there, lol.

So I'm of the mindset that I should absolutely have one good (for me) badger in the den. I'm a synth user 80% of the time (used to be 100% until I found Boars). I like soft (no stabbing / poking at all) brushes.

At one point I had a silvertip, and thought it was good save for the size of the handle (uncomfortable) and the knot being a bit big for my taste (it was 26mm). I think 24mm on a silvertip is my sweet spot?

I'm looking to spend around $40. Almost all of the Yaqi fit that group (if bought from the right vendor) and the look of the new Bali is intriguing. Anyone have any personal experience with their Silvertip brushes?

I also like the look of their cavern lake, but it's a 2-band and I haven't been pleased with Maggards 2-band so I think 2-bands in general may be out. Again, I have no experience with their knots specifically.

Any suggestions, info, reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks folks!

One of my first “good” brushes was a Yaqi “Mysterious Space” silvertip.  24 mm
I still have it and use it occasionally.  Not sure where I got it, but it’s $30 on AliExpress. 

I'll give you a deal on a silvertip

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I would recommend these two…..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254350856004

I’m sure any of the 24mm Yaqi silvertip will be similar but I would share that the one above was my new favorite badger when I got it last year. I even bought a backup.

Here is another that is a bit more expensive but has a great balance of face feel due to the natural feeling scrub and is still soft in many ways.

https://www.qedusa.com/select-select-fau...-1243.html

I would recommend these two…..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254350856004

I’m sure any of the 24mm Yaqi silvertip will be similar but I would share that the one above was my new favorite badger when I got it last year. I even bought a backup.

Here is another that is a bit more expensive but has a great balance of face feel due to the natural feeling scrub and is still soft in many ways.

https://www.qedusa.com/select-select-fau...-1243.html

One of my first “good” brushes was a Yaqi “Mysterious Space” silvertip.  24 mm
I still have it and use it occasionally.  Not sure where I got it, but it’s $30 on AliExpress. 

Both wonderfully helpful. Thanks guys!

I do imagine all Yaqi silvertip of the same size are the same knot, just a different handle. The one you posted zaclikestoshave is very tempting, as AliExpress has a great price. Still, I did really like the look of the Bali. I feel like it has a cool 50's vibe. For some reason, I think of Disney Hollywood studios. Lol.

Update... I just ordered the Bali. It's not just that it reminds me of Hollywood Studios, it also reminds me of a trip there with my family. One of my favorite part was walking down the 50s boardwalk in the early morning, before the park opened (early hours thing), with my wife and kids. It's a happy memory... it's worth getting a brush that brings it back.

Although I don't love that Bali handle shape, I've almost ordered it to try out the knot alone. So in a sense, it's basically the same thing I assume that I am recommending. I think you will like it and I hope when you get it and use it some, you will report how it goes for you. They are great brushes in a lot a ways and are some of my absolute favorites.

Hope you like it. Personally I don't have luck with the various cheaper knots out there being to my tastes, but zac and I have similarities in what we like, so maybe sometime I'll try that. I almost thought the maker went out of business, it's just that they are away right now. Says they'll be back Feb 18. I have a 30mm Maseto 3-band silvertip that I found quite good for the price. It was specifically that size I could recommend. Not sure why smaller ones weren't as good as the 30mm one. I preferred the 3-band silvertip over 2-band silvertip. It was the same case for the 2-band in regards to the size. Decided not to keep the 2-band as I liked the 3-band Silvertip better, but that's a common theme for brushes for me. Even Rudy Vey asked me about the knot maker when I had him install a 30mm 3-band silvertip in a higher density in a brush he made. That QED select doesn't look bad, but not sure I'd care for either handle. Otherwise for me I seem to be a brush snob. I'd rather have one of the multi-decade established makers when it comes to strictly the knot. Cost can be mitigated if you haunt BSTs long enough and are comfortable with that route.

Forgot to add the Maseto I was recommending in cost is a bit over. 65 with shipping I think when I lost bought it. Can't look at prices right now since he has his shop and all products not visible due to vacation mode.

I'm so indecisive. Just wanted to get that out there, lol.

So I'm of the mindset that I should absolutely have one good (for me) badger in the den. I'm a synth user 80% of the time (used to be 100% until I found Boars). I like soft (no stabbing / poking at all) brushes.

At one point I had a silvertip, and thought it was good save for the size of the handle (uncomfortable) and the knot being a bit big for my taste (it was 26mm). I think 24mm on a silvertip is my sweet spot?

I'm looking to spend around $40. Almost all of the Yaqi fit that group (if bought from the right vendor) and the look of the new Bali is intriguing. Anyone have any personal experience with their Silvertip brushes?

I also like the look of their cavern lake, but it's a 2-band and I haven't been pleased with Maggards 2-band so I think 2-bands in general may be out. Again, I have no experience with their knots specifically.

Any suggestions, info, reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks folks!

That Maggards SHD is pretty amazing.  I think you should put your own brush together.  Did you see the gorgeous handles Paul makes at Trotter Handcrafts? His polish job blows most Artisans out of the water and I don’t even have one yet! 

I have the same one but in the black marbled handle. I got it couple years back and it's still one of my favorite badgers. Low backbone but easy splay and has that natural scrub to it. Very enjoyable.