I am not much of a bowl latherer, however I would have to say that large bubbles don't last and you should work it longer in the bowl. When I bowl lather I start with a tiny bit of water and as the lather starts to work I add a little more water. When adding water the amounts are very small. Otherwise it my fall for lack of better words and take quite a bit to get thick again. I brush that your face likes is always the best one. I went through several brushes to find that the first one I had was pretty darn nice, and then I got gifted a couple of nice customs that are just a step above. There are so many different shaving style and techniques that you really do need to try a few different things before you find your perfect brush and technique. That is where meets come into play. I recommend that everyone should go to the meets, as often as they can. There is so much to know and learn and different gear to check out.