I believe i made a thread either asking people this, or what type of brush they use...Let me go find that and i'll edit that in this post may be helpfull to you.
Only 37 people answered the poll, and 11 responded, but here goes
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=192121
Anyway, i brought a denman, boar bristles, round bruhses...and ever since i stopped using brushes 2/3 years ago i still havent went back...always feels wrong when i try
I use a toothbrush on my edges though.
I kept wondering though when i tried to do smooth ponytails/buns why they didnt look like they used to and it was because i didnt use a brush. Boar bristles are supposed to be the safest though