There are many brands and artisans out there that offer well balanced brushes. I mostly use Shavemac two band Silvertip knots and have Rudy Vey make my handles.

I have never been a fan of Simpson Manchurian, I had own probably fifteen of them and always end up selling them. I think Simpson Best, is the best Simpson offering IMO.

Thater? Love them. If I had to pick one brush only, a Thater would be my choice. The ones I own are consistent from one to the other.

Rooney and Somerset Simpsons? My friend you are talking about an era that will never return IMO.