Nice write up Andre, but based on that I shall forget about ordering one, which is a shame since I had high hopes that the news would have been more positive, your pictures say it all and I've seen enough to keep me form bothering to look at them again and I'll stick with my iwatas.
It was good of you to take the time to put the review together, but it kind of makes me feel guilty that you spent your own money and time to do this while I have been saved the disappointment at no cost at all, having said that, had I received one in the same condition as I see your's in I very much doubt that my review had I done one would have so polite as yours, so thank your for sparing me that embarrassment also
To be just a little fair, I just received a new iwata HP-SB+ from Foxy studios, upon opening the box I noticed that the needle limiter screw part of the preset handle had scrapes on it which where also chromed over, the rest of the brush including the main part of handle is gleaming so I'm not too worried since I never use the preset dial and it nothing to with how the brush operates, also the brush was reduced in price, I know this has nothing to do with Foxy Studios and I'm certainly not about t complain to them.
Thanks again Andre, you've no doubt helped a few to come to an easier decision when it comes to choosing a brush
OH, and your site looks very cool