Up next in our shaving brush review series is the Omega Shaving Brush Boar Bristle AKA the Pro 48. We’ve already reviewed several shaving brushes here at A Superior Shave, but this is actually the first boar shaving brush we are going to take a look at.
So what’s the big deal about finally taking a look at a boar hair shaving brush? Well boar hair has a very different feel and performance from badger hair brushes. Does that mean they are inferior brushes? Not necessarily, but they definitely aren’t for everyone.
So is the Omega boar bristle shaving brush the right one for you? Let’s find out.
Pros
- Cheap, entry-level brush
- Good water retention allows you to build a good lather
- Stiff bristles exfoliates skin
Cons
- Distinct smell
- Stiff bristles aren’t as gentle on sensitive skin
Product Overview & Specs
- Boar hair bristles
- Chrome-colored ABS handle
- Made in Italy
- Knot Diameter: 1.1 inches
- Loft Length: 2.7 inches
- Handle Length: 2.4 inches
- Total Length: 5.1 inches
- No stand included
Key Features
Made With Boar Hair Bristles
Like I said earlier, the Omega Pro 48 is made with boar hair bristles. And while these bristles retain really water well for a good lather, they are noticeably more stiff and rigid than badger hair. For some men, this is seen as a benefit because it means the bristles are stronger and subsequently do a really good job of lifting hair while lathering. I’d say this is a particularly good benefit for men that typically shave with at least a few days of growth.
But the drawback of course to the more rigid bristles is obviously that if you want a softer and more plush feel on your face from a brush, this probably isn’t the brush for you. Particularly if you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated, you should probably avoid boar hair.
I consider the bristles on the Omega Pro 48 to be “entry-level” boar hair, but honestly there’s not really boar hair that is much more premium out there. There are a few boar brushes that are slightly more soft and premium, but it’s not a dramatic difference. When it comes to boar hair, this is about as good as you’re going to get.
Sharp Looking, Functional Handle
The Omega Pro 48 has a really superb handle on it. In fact, I think it is one of the best handles you will find on an entry-level brush. Most handles in this price range are made from a cheap wood or plastic, but Omega went with a chrome-colored ABS plastic handle. This makes the handle light but still very sturdy and durable.
Overall, it’s just an excellent handle that is comfortable in size and very functional. My main priority when it comes to finding a good shaving brush is always the bristle quality and lathering capabilities, but it’s always nice when you find a brush that has a really good handle as well.
Noticeable, Distinct Smell
If you’re looking for a shaving brush that is essentially fragrance-free, this isn’t the brush for you. In general, boar hair has a much stronger smell than badger hair and the Omega Pro 48 is no different.
Now it’s not necessarily a “bad” smell, but it is stronger and more distinct in my opinion. Some wet shavers I know really can’t handle the smell. Others I know it doesn’t seem to bother. And some wet shavers I know even like the smell.
So how can you figure out if you will like the smell? Unfortunately there’s no way to find out until you smell if yourself. So my recommendation is to go by your local wet shaving store and smell it to see if you will be able to handle the smell.
In my experience, the smell does reduce after it’s been used for a while, but it never completely goes away. So you really should make sure you’re comfortable with the smell before buying.
Longer “Break-In” Period
The Omega boar bristles shaving brush does get noticeably softer over time, but I still don’t think it ever gets as soft as badger hair though. Boar hair, like human hair, splits -- which is the main reason it softens up over time and use. But this break-in period takes a while before you really notice it, so be patient. But like I said, if it is softness you’re looking for, you really should go with a badger hair brush.
Who Do We Recommend The
Omega Pro 48 Boar Bristle Brush For?
If you’re looking for a shaving brush that has stiff, rigid bristles and is in the entry-level price range, the Omega boar bristle Pro 48 shaving brush is an excellent option. It might smell a little funky when you first get it and it is going to take some time to really break it in, but it’s one of the best boar hair brushes on the market.
What Are Some Other Shaving Brushes To Consider?
Semogue 1305 Superior Boar
If you really want a boar hair shaving brush but want something a little more premium than the Omega Pro 48, then take a closer look at the Semogue 1305 superior boar shaving brush.
The Semogue 1305 is still very affordable, but I think it is a step up in regards to quality and performance. First of all, the hair feels a little more premium. Overall, it’s just very well made. It is handmade in Portugal and they do an excellent job at quality control. It’s very rare that I have a hair fall out of this brush.
So if you prefer the feel and/or performance of boar hair because you want a stiffer brush, this is one of the best. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but in my opinion it is worth it for the better bristles.
Escali Pure Badger Shaving Brush
If you decide you want to stay in the entry-level price range but are not sure boar hair is the right option, then take a closer look at Escali’s pure badger shaving brush.
There’s a reason this is the most popular brush on the market. It’s well made, it delivers a really good lather and it’s very affordable. What else could you want?
The Escali pure badger brush is an excellent shaving brush for beginners. It’s not the softest, but it’s excellent for learning how to use a shaving brush and get a good lather before upgrading to a synthetic or silvertip.
Vikings Blade Luxury Synthetic Shaving Brush
If you’re looking for something a little more soft and luxurious but don’t want to spend a lot of money, I highly recommend the Vikings Blade luxury synthetic shaving brush.
I’m a big fan of Vikings Blade products. Their Chieftain safety razor is very underrated in my opinion, as is their synthetic shaving brush. The synthetic bristles are very similar in regards to both feel and performance of a silvertip.
I think this is one of the best bang for your buck shaving brushes on the market. When it comes to the Vikings Blade synthetic, you’re essentially getting a premium shaving brush in the mid-level price range.
Want to review some other shaving brushes before buying? Then go read my comprehensive review guide of what I think are the 8 best shaving brushes on the market. It has all the information you need to find the best shaving brush in your price range.
