Thread: Simpson Polo 10 vs Chubby 2

I have had both the chubby 2 and I have the Polo 8. I sold the chubby 2 and kept the polo 8. I suppose that action speaks louder than words. Personally I prefer a shorter loft than the 10. The 8 is really fine for soaps and decent for creams. The general consensus being that larger lofts are 'better' with creams and shorter better with soaps. I've found that I agree with that consensus. The longer handle on the polo is very convenient.

I have both the Polo and the Chubby.
I have the 12 and 3 though, and in 2 band silver-tip.
They are both superb brushes, but if I absolutely had to choose between them, I would select the Polo.
IMO it looks better, and the grip is more comfortable on the Polo.

The Chubby is more densely packed. In fact, it is likely the most dense brush available. Whether this is desirable depends on what you like in a brush. The Chubby is a stiff brush with tremendous backbone. For some the Chubby is too dense for optimal bowl lathering. It's density can make it harder to create good lather than a less dense brush like the Polo. My guess is that the Chubby's density leads to less flow of water and air, both of which are necessary for good lather. Also you will use far more soap or cream with the Chubby. However, owning a Chubby at some point is something every serious shaving enthusiast should experience.

I have both of these brushes, though from the Gloucester Simpson era not the Isle of Man. The knots are essentially the same, and the difference lies in the handle alone. The PL10 is a heftier brush, and for me it's well suited to lifting soap off hard cakes and whipping up a lather in a bowl. For slightly softer soap such as MWF I prefer the CH2. I agree with the comment above that the Chubby 2 should be experienced! It was the flagship model in the Gloucester Simpson's era, and when I spoke to David Carter to place an order he said that this was their most popular brush. However I ended up buying a Tulip 4 on that occasion, and didn't regret it—this is a 2-band piece, a wonderful brush, particularly for creams.