
I have a Rough Collie and I use a synthetic "mason pearson" style brush. Its good for removing that fluffy undercoat and for general top coat brushing and finishing. I just went to see who made it but the name has worn off the handle, it might be Hindes? Incidentally, I still use a combs and rakes too.
I asked a Sheltie owner how she got her dogs coat to look so nice and this was what she recommended.
You can get the Mason Pearson ones in Chemists, in various sizes. I'm saving up for a proper one!