Thread: Thater 2 band vs 3

After much searching the threads I've yet to quench my thirst. Perhaps you gentlemen can share your experience. I'm looking at a thater 4125/2 26mm, but I wonder what exactly the 2 band adds to the equation vs a 3.

Per my understanding thus far a 2 band has more backbone, I saw a guy on YouTube do a review of both but said just the opposite. He had a bulb vs a fan though.

Also seen BobH post the new 2 bands are a pale reflection of the pre extinction breed, though thater and Manchurian come the closest, yet still totally different.

So I ask you all, what does the 2 bang bring to the table, or even just what are the differences in characteristics of both?

Thank you,

Maxx

My two band Shavemac has back bone and silky tips, actually like it better than the two band Thater, I had, But as I see it the three band tends to be a little floppy, but it's so hard to tell from knot to knot. Tc

Maxx,

I have owned a variety of Thater brushes, two and three band, from 22mm knots to 30mm. I have loved everyone for what it is. My current lineup includes a 28mm two band bulb and a 25mm two band bulb.

In my experience, the two band is more dense and has more backbone than the three band. On the other hand, the three band is far from floppy. The tips are silky soft. My current Thaters are pleasure to use. Whether you choose a two band and opt to stay with a three band, you'll never go wrong with the Thater brush.

As I read your reply, I knew it was you. Not glimpsed the name something in me just knew. I may very well have read every post, on thater, by you. And as I read this one I knew it was you. Thank you sir.

Tc, thank you also sir, I read the forums quite often and can't help but notice you all over with good bottomlin advice.

All in all what's 40 bucks in the span of a lifetime (difference between 2 and 3 band). I have a feeling if I go 3 I'll always wonder what if...

denser and more backbone sounds like what I want, soft is nice and I'm sure I'll get more than my fill off the 2 band.

Thank you gentlemen.

Would love to hear others experience and opinions as well, please don't be discouraged from my deciding.

thanks again,

Maxx

I have a few Thaters and they are all two banders. Are they the greatest thing since sliced bread? No, they aren't however they are mighty fine and like Obie said you can never go wrong with one.

I know mine all have plenty of backbone and no floppiness at all. If you want a little softer (from what I've heard) the three band is the way to go though you also have to take into account the style as the chubby naturally has a denser fill which stiffens things up somewhat over other styles.

I've had a few Thaters, all two band, and they had backbone and soft tips. I've had a few 3 banded brushes, and they were good, but not quite as much backbone as the two banded variety. One of the challenges of finding the perfect brush for yourself when you're new to the game. Short loft, tall loft, chubby knot or a thinner knot, you don't know until you try.

After a lot of trial and error I would say my 'sweet spot' is a two band with a 23-24mm knot, and a 50-52mm loft. I have a half a dozen brushes left out of a much larger herd, having sold some, and not all of them are that size. Some are larger but I like them anyhow. So each brush is sort of individual and you have to use them awhile to see which are going to be 'right' for you.

Two band finest will have more backbone than a 3 band silvertip.
When we say more backbone , that is relative. For me the best combo of backbone and tip softness comes with CH 3 Manchurian. The Tahters and Shavemacs I have tried were not as good for me.

Like Jimmy said it's tough to find that right one, lord knows I've bought more brushes than razors, and everyone's opinion is going to be different , which is why I had a differing thoughts on the three band as Obie's opinion. And yes you won't go wrong with a Thater, very good brush, I wouldn't get another three band one myself. Maybe I have a different standard as to what floppy is to me, Good luck on the hunt. Tc

Originally Posted by Maxx

Also seen BobH post the new 2 bands are a pale reflection of the pre extinction breed, though thater and Manchurian come the closest, yet still totally different.


Maxx

Hi Maxx

I think you have attributed the comment on 2 band badger brushes to the wrong person. I believe it was "thebigspendur" who has made comments like that on the old 2 banders vs the current 2 banders. I have no experience with the older 2 band badger brushes.

I can't comment on any of the Thater brushes either as I don't own any either.

Of the badger brushes I have used the 3 banders have been a little too floppy for my liking compared to the 2 banders. Keep in mind I like to face lather so that may have a bearing on liking more backbone along with soft tips.

Good luck in making a choice.

Bob

I am a huge fan of soft brushes. That does not mean no backbone, rather no scratch or scritch or prickle. Thaters in two band or three band are dense brushes that have extremely soft tips. The fan shape will feel less dense then the bulb but both do an admirable job and are a pleasure to use.