I was part of the group that got to use the Chubby 2 Synthetic. At best, it's a $75 to $100 brush and even then, my Muhle 25mm V2 is a far better brush.



I'm pretty sure we all "want" this brush to be a home run...generally all Simpson Chubbies are. The synthetic however is closer to a base hit and only then, due to the excellent handle, not the knot.



$180 or so will get you a Chubby 2 in Best. It is a FAR better brush in every possible way than the synthetic version. You can get a Duke 3 in Best for under $120; it too, destroys their synthetic.



For $80 or so, you can get the Muhle 25mm V2; once again, a far better brush than the current Chubby 2 synthetic.



I can't help but think that Simpson is simply selling this brush "because they can", not necessarily because it meets their otherwise high brush standards.



I LOVE Simpson badger brushes; however, the Chubby 2 synthetic that I tested/reviewed/compared is a disappointment.