I got a Parker synthetic recently at a discount. I like it so far, but I agree about the lather running down my arm. I have not tried any other synthetic, but I have tried a couple of boar brushes, and they are no where near as soft as the parker. You've got me curious, so now I'll try a boar again tomorrow to compare.
I have two synthetics in my rotation. I bowl lather all the time so I have no experience with water running all over my forearm. I have no issues creating lather, they're soft, do as good a job as any of my badgers, to include my silvertips, and my boars - no complaints.
I have several brushes that I have re-knotted with TGN synthetic knots and they are fantastic. Like Steve, I bowl lather and haven't had any of the problems the OP is having.
I don't remember having the problem with the boar. I just ran up and made some lather with both in a bowl and took this photo. With the Parker, I noticed it was more messy, perhaps that is reflective of a floppy backbone? I'm not sure, since I am new to this, and only recently switched away from the cheap VdH boar that came with my first $9 kit.
Synthetics have their place in the shaving world I have some not because i am a "vegan" but for other reasons.
I have a synthetic brush I take on trips. It drips when I'm face lathering. I guess it would be fine for bowl lathering
I've never been interested in synthetic brushes. I'm a badger guy. I'd probably try one just to say I did, but I'm in no rush.
i have muhle V1 synthetic which i use everyday as a bowl latherer...i did notice when i face lathered it was a bit messy. i also have a HIS synthetic which i planned to use as a travel brush...i dont travel much so i put it up for sale on the buy/sell section. both are good though and i like the synthetic brushes so much...i sold off all my other badgers.
The HIS claims to feel and perform like a badger brush. At least according to the Amazon description. Do you feel this is true?
I have a synthetic brush I picked up from The Body Shop on a whim a few weeks ago. I used it once just to see how it differed from my Omega boar brush. The synth brush lathered well, in a bowl. I rarely face lather, so I didn't try it that way. In the end, I thought the synth brush was good - less stiff than my boar, but much softer. Obviously it doesn't hold water as well as my boar, but no big deal for my purposes. TBS is have a sale right now, $9 brush + an additional 25% off with the coupon I posted in the "Hot Deals" forum. SHAVE ON!!
I have a HIS and overall satisfied. It makes and holds a good lather. Unfortunately I can't compare it to a badger because I don't own one my only other brush is a VDH boar. I do like to use my synthetic for creams more than the boar. The HIS is kinda paintbrushy if you don't press it on your face, and spreads beautifully. Ican cover my entire face in one pass.
As to Parker Synthetics, please read my review below. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/parker-brush-a-cautionary-tale.28248/ As to Synthetic brushes and fibers as a whole, please read this synopsis. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/synthetic-brush-synopsis-generations-updated.33577/ Parker is included as a second generation style brush. Gen 1 and Gen 2 brushes really do not reflect the latest technology in brushes. I hope this provides a balanced view of Synthetic brushes.
Not so compared to Badger-Boar I have tested 2 (and i will test another 2) but the results weren't good.
It has a bit more backbone than an equivalent size badger. As far as performance goes, yes, it is virtually identical. The feel is not quite the same as a silvertip badger. The best comparison I can give is that a top quality badger brush feels like mink or rabbit fur at the tips, and a HIS brush feels like expensive velvet. Similar, but not the same.
Have you ever considered trying a Horse Hair brush? I use a #6 from bestshave and love it...I've used the brush daily for around 2 years...Although the QC at bestshave isn't the best, for around $5 shipped the price for the brush is very reasonable I.M.O and worth a try..... I also bowl lather and the few times I've face lathered with any type brush was a "bit" messy as I reall...
That #6 horse is actually... See the posting below. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/horse-hair-brushes.31218/page-3#post-607303 To try a real horse hair brush, look to Vie Long. They use real horse hair in their horse hair brushes. http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/vica0prhohab.html
You are probably are correct GD, but I'm not ready to conceede just yet..I have both brushes(Vie-Long and #6) and other than the #6 being bleached they look the same to me...In fact the Vie-Long feels like an Art of Shaving bagger brush I have to me...What I will say is whether the #6 is boar or horse I.M.O. it's a "GREAT" little brush for a "VERY" good price...