I'm using two brands of waterbrushes, Pentel (this) and the Holbein. Both are made in Japan. The design is slightly different but the way they work is the same.

From the top to bottom:

• Holbein waterbrush
• Pentel waterbrush (broad, medium, fine)
• Ashley brush size 4
• Daler Rowney brush size 4 (came with this)
• Da Vinci travel brush size 4

The Pentel waterbrush is just slightly taller than a mechanical pencil. It's a fantastic travel companion for any watercolour set. It's well constructed, holds enough water for a few sketches and doesn't leak. The cap can clip onto the back of the waterbrush so you won't lose it.

The artificial bristle is the transparent type which looks a bit strange at the beginning. It's durable and can maintain a sharp point.

Using a waterbrush can be tricky because the water is continuously being replenished as you're using. That means it requires practice to be able to achieve flat even washes — even harder for the fine tip. The waterflow is quite good, while drawing, I think it dispenses just the right amount of water without turning into a watery mess.

Oh, see that Derwent packaging above? I bought that as a Derwent waterbrush on Amazon UK. It came in the Derwent packaging but inside is actually a Pentel waterbrush.

There are three sizes, namely fine, medium and broad. They are sold separately as well as in a packet of three. If you're just getting one, then probably get the medium or broad one because the tip is larger can can hold more paint. If you do small sketches in A5 sizes, get the medium. If you require broad washes, then the broad one. Again, note that it's very difficult to achieve flat even washes, especially with the broad tip. The broad Pentel waterbrush is roughly a size 6.

They are affordable and good value for money. Durable, convenient and portable.

These are available at:
Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.de | Blick Art Materials