Thanks for these shopping tips. Very helpful.
Just my two cents worth - the more expensive bits last much longer than the cheaper ones. I have purchased cheaper bits, only to find that they wear quickly - sharp edges, etc. All of the Sprenger bits that I have had over the years are still going.
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One fellow had his bit break on the Hunt - it was Korsteel brand ! Quality control fail.
I put my first bit for my first horse in my own mouth and rolled it around to test the sharp edges thing. It was an oval link Korsteel. No pinching no sharpness no problems at all.
There were at least two show jumper events I know of where a Myler bit broke, so higher cost does not always dictate lack of breakage.
Interesting that the articles reporting them took the brand off after a few days though.
I am leery of plastic in terms of longevity, scratching, and likelihood of harboring bacteria. But horse likes a 200 dollar Beris so what can I do.
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Try My Bits in Florida has a selection. There is a nominal fee for trial (nominal in the face of the cost of a NS bit, that is). I ended up with a 4.5 10mm for my Welshx three-year old. He’ll out grow it, but it’s what he needs right now.
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I have always found the better bit to be of higher quality and made with metals that are palatable to the horse. I had one Herm Sprenger bit that lasted for 15 years before I had to replace it. For my current horse, I had her fitted for the proper bits by a professional bit fitter for Neue Schuele. It was worth every penny! Pricey? Yes! Especially since my horse wears a double bridle so needed two bits. She actually came to the show to do it which was ideal for us. If I had just ordered bits and tried to determine what I needed, I would never have chosen the one she recommended for the curb and I would have not gotten the sizes correct. The correct bit is every bit as important as correct saddle fit and not worth scrimping on, in my opinion. The NS bits, like many other high end bits, are well made, horses LOVE them and they last forever.
I have used the same bit for years. A loose ring snaffle. No problems.
Assuming you buy something well made with no sharp edges, it really depends. For many horses (especially those in disciplines where contact isn’t maintained continuously like dressage), there will be literally no difference.
Even in dressage, many horses will go perfectly fine in a $30 bit. For some, finding the right fit for the horse/rider combination makes a world of difference. I’ve seen horses change drastically in the Sprenger Dynamic RS, the Sprenger WH Ultra Soft, the Stubben EZ Control, and the NS Turtle Top.
FWIW, I have a substantial bit collection, and access to my trainer’s chest. Out of my last 8 horses, 7 went best in something over $100. One chose the Lorenzini titanium bits, several chose NS and several chose Sprenger. The cheapie horse chose a happy mouth. That said, he chew on it enough that I replace it about every 6 months - so I’m not sure it’s cheaper in the long run.
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