I never really bothered to time as to how long it would take for badger or boar to dry out.

I know people mentioned the "water retention" being highly desirable with brushes. I think it's silly because you have to rid the bristles of water. However, I reckon the reason behind this retention argument is that the bristle stay damp and moist. In my experience of using badgers: Simpson Pure and custom silver tip, I prefer boar. I don't fancy the flared tips of badger as it tends to get messy-at least for me.

The largest brush I have in my arsenal is Boreal #977. I don't fancy it much not because of it's lathering abilities but its size with loft at 65mm and its base at 66mm with 28mm knot. This doesn't make it a bad brush. It simply does not work for me.

I've had great experience with Koh-I-Noor #77J, Omega #71278 and #31064. These brushes are mid-size brushes with loft at 56+ range and its base at 53-54. The tips aren't scratchy nor flaccid.

Omega 21047, 40033, 50068 in spite of their sizes are fantastic latherers. Specifically the 21047 for it's mixed badger and boar. Sure these need a break-in period but for the performance it yields for lather beating, it's well worth it.

#40033 is great because it's densely packed and while the base is plastic you needn't worry about damaging handle so you can go to town if you're one of those who beat's his lather.

#50068 the size may fool you but the lathering abilities of this one is surprisingly nice! It comes in both black and white and I opted for both.

I recently picked up a #10275 from Gary and I must admit during the initial use, it lathered as if it'd already been broken in! I can only imagine how this would fare when it's at full potential.

I also picked up my first Semogue from Leon. Since I've an Omega with similar loft on way I'll compare the two when time comes.