As regards to the brush I think its a swings and roundabouts thing, yes its only 11-12 inches but you have more stamina because its nice and light. Alex is going to bring out his new brush soon and that will be 12 inches I think but he may make a bigger one, I dont know. The Bentley brush sold with the sl2 isnt ideal but its alright. I will get Alexs new brush and if I dont like it ( which I very much doubt ) I will be going to use Tuckers converted with a thread plate, Luke