Recently just splashed a little cash on some new brushes from Rosemary and Co. After ruining my winsor newton ones (before I discovered that you shouldn't have paint in the ferrel) and not being able to afford to replace them, I opted for some Series 33. We have a 2/0, a 1 and a 2. Going back, I would have just got the size 2 and the 2/0. The 1 isn't going to get used much.
Cost me £12 for all three, pretty decent price for sable hair.
It's so much easier painting with brushes that dont have split ends!