received a fine STOUT today and although only used for a test lather I had some initial thoughts. The only other Synthetic I've used is the Simpsons Chubby 2, the stout is designed to be fit in between the chubby 1 and 2 size.
The stout itself is denser, softer and has more backbone than the chubby. It also reacts differently than the chubby when wet, the bristles clump together like I'd imagine Synthetic fibres do.
I think I prefer the chubby as it looks and acts more natural, It's a lot closer to a badger. The STOUT feels fake if that makes sense, none the less it'll be a soap monster and quite soft on the face.
And let's not forget, the stout is a third of the price as the chubby, but for me simpsons carry the price tag.
