For me this year, the main positive Hit was - the synthetic knots.
In ascending order of preference:
3 - Tuxedo knot APShave CO brush - this knot finally made me get it with synthetics. It changed my daily routine. I got my first Tuxedo in August and since then it's been synthetics and finally settling with the Cashmere as my main (see below).
2 - Envy Shave 8Ball brush - a tuxedo fan brush, by now I'm in love with Synthetics. But still not happy...
1 - Cashmere knot in a Cadman brush - this brush alone made me shelve all my silver tip badgers including my beloved Plisson HMW and my M&F Chief.
Roll on 2018.