Suggestion for a cheap Silvertip (or similar?)

I'm so indecisive. Just wanted to get that out there, lol.

So I'm of the mindset that I should absolutely have one good (for me) badger in the den. I'm a synth user 80% of the time (used to be 100% until I found Boars). I like soft (no stabbing / poking at all) brushes.

At one point I had a silvertip, and thought it was good save for the size of the handle (uncomfortable) and the knot being a bit big for my taste (it was 26mm). I think 24mm on a silvertip is my sweet spot?

I'm looking to spend around $40. Almost all of the Yaqi fit that group (if bought from the right vendor) and the look of the new Bali is intriguing. Anyone have any personal experience with their Silvertip brushes?

I also like the look of their cavern lake, but it's a 2-band and I haven't been pleased with Maggards 2-band so I think 2-bands in general may be out. Again, I have no experience with their knots specifically.

Any suggestions, info, reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks folks!

That Maggards SHD is pretty amazing.  I think you should put your own brush together.  Did you see the gorgeous handles Paul makes at Trotter Handcrafts? His polish job blows most Artisans out of the water and I don’t even have one yet! 

I did order a Yaqi. If I find I am enjoying it, maybe I'll look into the SHD next. Paul mentioned it to me some time ago, when I was unhappy with the 2-band Maggards.

Trotter Handcrafts? Hmm. I'll have to take a look.

For next brush or someone else:

You can get SHD 2 band 26mm badger from Boti Brush: $22.80 shipping included (also he has $2 coupon)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050038...-recommend


Handle is $20 from Akafashion shipping included:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1060267547/...ck=1&frs=1

You can get 26mm artisan made SHD badger brush around $40:

I'd also put out there that you could get a Whipped Dog brush in Silvertip or HMW for between $35-45 depending on the handle you choose and how deep to have it set... I had a 24mm Silvertip back a few years ago that was a great knot but I felt it was a little too big in diameter after it bloomed so I sold it. I've been meaning to buy another in either 20 or 22mm diameter to replace it.

Considering FS, hahaha!

Yaqi, Oumo or a small Simpson’s would be a good choice