I have both. The Aquario lasts a lot longer. It lasted me about 5 years, and it still works perfectly. The Ultimo gave out after about 2 and a half, and I bought another one ever since. The Aquario is better for detail work, but you'd never want to do detail work with a brush this size. The reason why it does better with details is because it lays down paint consistently, while the Ultimo lays everything out unevenly. You have to rewet the Ultimo more often as a result. But again, you'd never want to use either of these brushes for detail work. I believe that the Aquario is ultimately more versatile in terms of the different types of strokes you can make with it, but I personally like the Ultimo more because it's so much cheaper. Even if you were to buy several, it's still cheaper than an Aquario. I also find that the Ultimo lifts paint better because it's not as soft as the Aquario, and is slightly thirstier. And because the Ultimo is cheaper, I'm less afraid to treat my brush more severely. I find that with the Aquario, I tend to be more careful with it subconsciously, and therefore I don't lay down paint as loose as my Ultimo.

just got 2 ultimos today 18 and 14 accompanied by a prado 8. i have to say even though i am a total newbie at watercolour drawing and painting as a whole, these are seriously a whole different thing. its ridiculous how smooth and controllable watercolouring becomes once you have proper utensils. they might be expensive (i paid 54€ for all three) but i can honestly recommend them to everyone who is considering to paint on a regular basis

I changed my mind after watching this. I always wanted to get the aquario rather than the ultimo. Both are good and would probably depends on your preference. And the ultimo does have travel brush series that I would love to consider buying as I'm doing sketches as a hobby either at home or outside. Hope everyone is doing ok and soon we can go outside, travel and paint. Stay safe. 👍

Both seem good, I agree with picking the synthetic cheaper one, animal friendly works for me Thank you for the video xoxo

For now I make do with a cheap chinese calligraphy brush I had laying around, works well enough for now ( holds tons of water), biggest drawback being the cheap brush it is, it sometimes sheds a hair.... When this watercolor thing turns out to be a permanent obsession I will invest in such a mob brush. In this comparison I think the synthetic one performs nice enough to let the squirrels keep their hair.

Thank you for the review. It's always interesting to see your take on products. I trust your opinion.

Am using Jackson’s mops, I am always tempted by mops they are such good looking brushes! Just like your test the squirrels spread the colour more evenly, the synthetics seem to dump a lot at the start, however both will give a point if coaxed a little, I tend to shape them a bit on the edge of my water pot before using. I also have some cheap mops from Greatart which actually perform excellently as wash brushes, I have no idea what the hair is except it is natural and came with the most awful gluey stuff on them, took ages to get ride of. They hold absolutely loads of water and the smallest of three has a lovely point. As you can tell I have more than enough mops, and I have posted because there are cheaper options about, Jackson’s Raven are good value too, and might help those with brush lust on a tighter budget. I only really buy synthetics these days, kinder to the animals and no fodder for the moths.

I love the ESCODA ULTIMO series ... I paint only with this series my watercolor paintings! The are absolutely stable and sharp and holds water and pigment perfectly.

I love my aquarios! I have found, like you mentioned, that they have a very nice point.

Great review! I like the Escoda brushes a lot, like the Versatil and the Perla, but I prefer the Casaneo synthetic squirrel by Da Vinci to the Escoda Optimo. A bit softer perhaps, but releases a bit better and the tip is more behaving. Escodas usually run a size shorter than other brands, but the mop brushes are ok in size. The Raphael SoftAqua is surprisingly similar to the Casaneo. Have not tried the SoftAqua in any larger size. The sizes are strange though with a 12 the same as an international 6. Not sure haw quills or mop brushes are measured though.

Great review. I am using Tintoretto synthetic brushes and they are as good as natural hair brushes, yet more economical.

I just ordered the ultimo size 14 and 18 as I have a few smaller sizes. Also purchased a rigger 4 to try. Excitd to get these. zuberick version doesn't seem like a match for my style. I have several large squirrel brushes and they are super soft. So difficult to get anything but back washes and diluted colors with them. Also the soft squirrel just isn't as easy to get the thinner lines. Can't wait to get them. Video was very helpful.

Ultimo is good enough for every day use

Thanks Teoh. Very helpful. I'll stick with my Creative Mark, Mimik squirrel. Also synthetic. But they have more spring than these and not so floppy. Good to know.👍

The ultimo reminds me of the princeton Neptune mop.

Hey Teoh! What do you like to use when you are sketching outdoors? Do you use a mop brush at all or do you just use an 8 or 10 round or something else to cover a larger area. I'm thinking about getting a mop brush right now.

Escoda Ultimo looks well worth it

Hi teoh this stabilo pen 68 which I bought in Amazon is really amazing so can you review this I did use it I am waiting for your review

can fill a sketchbook easy this way

Gonna be watching

that does it..i think i'm getting that big japanese brush i saw ahahaaa

do they shed hairs?

Escoda acuariun

Hey teoh love your videos ! i would love to see some reviews for Indian products, namely Camlin watercolours if that's available to you, either you can also try khadi brand,that's a brand for watercolour paper and brustro ,anyways waiting for the next video as usual, have a great day !! :)

Terrible illiterate subtitles!!