Varlet Ranger or Mega?

Hoping to get some advice and experience from the group. I've been feeling the bug lately to pick up a Varlet. Do these brushes live up to their big reputations or will I be disappointed?  I'm thinking about either a Ranger or a Mega. I typically use Morris & Forndran 2XL and 3XL brushes. I like to face lather and sometimes do bowl. What is the opinion of the group on the Ranger and the Mega as far as ergonomics? Can anyone who owns both handles chime in?  Also, I'm leaning towards the XD knot because I like lower lofts and higher density.  I am thinking of a fan shape in either 27 or 29mm.  Thanks for sharing your experience and advice.

I tried one of Aldo's earlier Rangers with a 27mm fan knot and found the knot not to be dense enough. The handle was very comfortable and fit nicely my moderately-sized hands (glove size 8) All other knot characteristics were top notch. Because of the low density, I let the Ranger go. I then was able to get a 29mm Mega with an extra dense hybrid knot (closer to bulb) and it hit every spot. The handle felt as comfortable as the handle on the Ranger. For my big 50 Aldo kindly made me another Mega with a 28mm almost-fan knot with a ~49mm loft, which he packed with even more badger than in my first Mega. I love this brush. While I liked the Ranger's handle, I enjoy the handles on my Megas more.

For me personally I always go for Aldo's XD knots. I owned several standard density and did not like it. Sold them all. I know others that swear by his standard density so it's really a personal preference.
I always aim for 29mm although I have a Gaslamp with a 27mm that I adore due to it's smaller size. It's not a full bulb.
I owned both the Mega and Ranger but kept the Ranger. it just fits my hand better (medium to large hands) and I use it to both bowl and face lather. Aldo made me one brush with a hybrid knot (between fan and bulb). That brush sits at the top of my line-up. If I were to order another Varlet it would be that same hybrid in 29mm XD. All the brushes I do own from Aldo are his older batches of hair that aren't treated like they are today. Superb to say the least.

Gas Lamp is also pretty nice

I have a 27mm standard Ranger. This is my favorite brush. I thought about XD, but the density of the brush in Ranger seemed perfect to me. I want to try Orion. I would like to try a hair density between HD and XD. Aldo was very kind and promised to do it)

I hope to get another Gazlamp soon (from a respected member of our forum) with 29mm HD. It will be interesting to compare. I will share my impressions.

I haven't tried either a Ranger or a Mega but I think you may consider the Mega for the knot and size. I've tried a good handful of the earlier brushes from Aldo and I prefer less density and backbone. Seems like through the years, the Varlet knots have become more dense than when they were first made. There are plenty more people other than me that know the later and current models from the Varlet so you can defer to them. Good luck in finding the right brush and cheers

The brush has arrived!
The Orion is an incredibly comfortable handle.  The Orion handle turned out to be one of the most comfortable handles I've tried!
Aldo patiently and respectfully helped to choose the material and color of the brush handle.  It was worth it - very beautiful and deep color!  I haven't tried the knot yet, but the order was for a special knot between HD and XD.
Aldo is a true master!

I haven't tried either a Ranger or a Mega but I think you may consider the Mega for the knot and size. I've tried a good handful of the earlier brushes from Aldo and I prefer less density and backbone. Seems like through the years, the Varlet knots have become more dense than when they were first made. There are plenty more people other than me that know the later and current models from the Varlet so you can defer to them. Good luck in finding the right brush and cheers

I’m with Zac…..between the two…..Mega XD can’t go wrong for what you like. 

I like the Mega Tall (55mm) over the standard (51mm).  I’m a HUGE fan of M&F and like dense, some scrub, a tiny bit of scritch but most importantly a 6-7 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of backbone, 10 being most firm. I do NOT like floppy knots. The ergonomics of the Mega are fantastic if you enjoy a 2 and 3XL. XD knot is about a 5.5-6 backbone with incredibly soft tips.  His knots are wonderful.  Aldo is a PRO, you get what you pay for.  

If you really have trouble deciding, do what most people here do….get both!

What colour you thinking?

Cheers!

I haven't tried either a Ranger or a Mega but I think you may consider the Mega for the knot and size. I've tried a good handful of the earlier brushes from Aldo and I prefer less density and backbone. Seems like through the years, the Varlet knots have become more dense than when they were first made. There are plenty more people other than me that know the later and current models from the Varlet so you can defer to them. Good luck in finding the right brush and cheers

I’m with Zac…..between the two…..Mega XD can’t go wrong for what you like. 

I like the Mega Tall (55mm) over the standard (51mm).  I’m a HUGE fan of M&F and like dense, some scrub, a tiny bit of scritch but most importantly a 6-7 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of backbone, 10 being most firm. I do NOT like floppy knots. The ergonomics of the Mega are fantastic if you enjoy a 2 and 3XL. XD knot is about a 5.5-6 backbone with incredibly soft tips.  His knots are wonderful.  Aldo is a PRO, you get what you pay for.  

If you really have trouble deciding, do what most people here do….get both!

What colour you thinking?

Cheers!

My original post was from 2020, so some time has passed. I currently own 3 Varlets, one Beehive and 2 Rangers. Love them.