I am relatively new to straight shaving but have used a shaving brush for almost 40 years. I used badger until about 6 mos ago when I saw how inexpensive synthetic and boar brushes are. I've settled on using boar, but I tried a few Omega synthetics. They are OK but nothing special. As another poster said, they are good for travel because they dry completely in no time. You do have to re-wet them to make lather, because they don't hold as much water as boar and a lot less than badger. They are usable though. If you are looking mostly at home use and don't mind using animal products and don't want to spend a lot, you won't go wrong with an Omega or Semogue or Jaguar boar. The latter are incredible bargains, as is another Turkish product, Arko shave sticks.

Good luck.

Chip