New to Badger

So for the last two years I was using an Omega Boar Bristle brush with fantastic results. However, there is always that desire for the bigger and better. So I picked up a cheaper badger brush (still pricier than boar bristle), but from my first shave experience it isn't nearly as good as my boar bristle in terms of softness.
Granted, this is comparing a new brush with one that has two years of breaking in time under it's belt. Boar bristle splits at the end over time and gets very soft, but I don't remember what it was like in the beginning. So my question is, will the badger hair split at the ends as well? Do I need to give it a chance to endure a break-in period?

Sounds like you got a pure badger and they are notorious for being prickly. It may soften a little but probably not that much. If you want soft you should get either a best or a silvertip.

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Originally Posted by WongKonPow

... However, there is always that desire for the bigger and better.

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There is no such thing when you are used to Omega brushes. Try Omega 48, it’s the biggest, and the best (imo).

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Originally Posted by WongKonPow

Granted, this is comparing a new brush with one that has two years of breaking in time under it's belt. Boar bristle splits at the end over time and gets very soft, but I don't remember what it was like in the beginning. So my question is, will the badger hair split at the ends as well? Do I need to give it a chance to endure a break-in period?

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Badgers do not split as boar bristles do. Moreover, while boar brushes become better with the use, the badgers give their best at the beginning and they do not improve with time.

Of course these are all my opinions and most of the people here do not agree them.

So I have to pay at least $40 to get the same quality of performance that deteriorates over time that I get from a $12 brush that gets better over time?

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Originally Posted by WongKonPow

So I have to pay at least $40 to get the same quality of performance that deteriorates over time that I get from a $12 brush that gets better over time?

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That's an interesting way to think of it. But yes, kind of? Different brush materials do not really increase the performance or quality of the shave. It's about what you prefer or want out of a brush.

Sounds like you picked up a pure badger. They can be prickly , but some actually prefer that. IMHO There are a few affordable good badgers out there especially in less than 40 price range. Many will be similar to your current brush. You just have to figure out what you want then find a brush that fills the need. Brushes are like everything in shaving. YMMV

I don't agree that badger doesn't change as it ages.
It is also improper to say that they get better or worse. They change, they are different.
Some people like badger while others prefer boar, that is just how it is. I know of a few people like this. I like them all (if they are of quality). I would also agree that you probably got a pure, you may want to try a silvertip of some variation. Some are available for lower prices; while I haven't tried them others give them rave reviews. What is nice about a quality brush is that they are easier to sell if you find that you don't like them.

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Originally Posted by WongKonPow

So I have to pay at least $40 to get the same quality of performance that deteriorates over time that I get from a $12 brush that gets better over time?

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First of all a quality brush will not deteriorate over time. if cared for it will outlast you. Second you can't look at everything as though it was a ledger. You pay more for things because sometimes there are things that equate to quality but don't directly translate to performance or at least not in direct ratio to price.

If you do want to look at things that way then we should all be using Williams Soap and a VDH Brush.