Blanket Warranty - SmartPak vs others? Experiences with layering liners under turnout sheets?

[HappyGirl77]

Hello all,
I am looking at switching to a turnout sheet and liner system rather than multiple turn out sheets of different weights. So I’m looking at investing in a long lasting turnout sheet, Smartpak Ultimate Turnout has a 10 year warranty that they seem very easy to work with on repairs according to a few others I have talked too. That’s really my main draw with them, they work with multiple liner systems which is nice, they are reasonably priced esp if they go the full 10 years. And they have navy/black/grey type colors. . .

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/smartpak-ultimate-turnout-sheet-13405

Rambo is a bit pricier, only has a 3 year warranty and I’m really struggling with some of their color choices . . .

https://shop.horseware.com/product/rambo-supreme-0g-lite/

Schneiders has some with 10 year or lifetime warranty, and they don’t seem like they have attachments inside for a liner system, not sure how that would work. (edit; their liners have leg strap slots and that is how they stabilize, this would mean I would only be able to buy sstack liners I think) They are the only ones with shoulder gussets and bellyband options which in my experience increase stability. Again some really bold color choices . . .

https://www.sstack.com/armorflex-warrior-v-free-turnout-blankets/p/31434m/a2/100000000522/av2/100000008564/a4/100000000398/av4/100000007711/a5/100000000369/av5/100000005943/

As always, thanks for the knowledge and opinions!

[Simkie]

@HappyGirl77

Hello all,
I am looking at switching to a turnout sheet and liner system rather than multiple turn out sheets of different weights. So I’m looking at investing in a long lasting turnout sheet, Smartpak Ultimate Turnout has a 10 year warranty that they seem very easy to work with on repairs according to a few others I have talked too. That’s really my main draw with them, they work with multiple liner systems which is nice, they are reasonably priced esp if they go the full 10 years. And they have navy/black/grey type colors. . .

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/sm…ut-sheet-13405

The first year or so these launched, the reviews were 4/5 star, but reading through, it was a whole lot of “my horse totally shredded it, but they sent me another one, yay!” and “Leaks like a sieve, but I just keep sending it back, yay!” Scrolling through the reviews now, it looks like there is still a WHOLE lot of that…along with a few “the replacement process takes SOOOO LONG.”

I dunno, just doesn’t sound like something fun, ya know?

My whole herd is in Rambos. I love the way they fit, I love the v snap front, and I love the tail cords. I’ll never go back to leg straps or a traditional front blanket again (and I think Rambo has the patent on the v clips, so not a lot of options for me! :lol:) The Supreme you’ve linked is certainly one of their pricier lines. They are VERY nice, but so are their other options, like the original with leg arches.

[Simkie]

@HappyGirl77

Hello all,
I am looking at switching to a turnout sheet and liner system rather than multiple turn out sheets of different weights. So I’m looking at investing in a long lasting turnout sheet, Smartpak Ultimate Turnout has a 10 year warranty that they seem very easy to work with on repairs according to a few others I have talked too. That’s really my main draw with them, they work with multiple liner systems which is nice, they are reasonably priced esp if they go the full 10 years. And they have navy/black/grey type colors. . .

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/sm…ut-sheet-13405

The first year or so these launched, the reviews were 4/5 star, but reading through, it was a whole lot of “my horse totally shredded it, but they sent me another one, yay!” and “Leaks like a sieve, but I just keep sending it back, yay!” Scrolling through the reviews now, it looks like there is still a WHOLE lot of that…along with a few “the replacement process takes SOOOO LONG.”

I dunno, just doesn’t sound like something fun, ya know?

My whole herd is in Rambos. I love the way they fit, I love the v snap front, and I love the tail cords. I’ll never go back to leg straps or a traditional front blanket again (and I think Rambo has the patent on the v clips, so not a lot of options for me! :lol:[IMG2=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“src”:“https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/core/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==”}[/IMG2]”‹) The Supreme you’ve linked is certainly one of their pricier lines. They are VERY nice, but so are their other options, like the original with leg arches.

[wildlifer]

I’ve put 3 horses in SP Ultimate sheets/blankets (all were purchased on sale). They’ve been well-made & durable, excellent waterproofing. I did have some tears in the first sheet, got a replacement within a week or so. The service has always been good for me, no questions asked. I have not had any problems with the last two I got, about 2 yrs ago.

I have looked at the Schneider’s warranty, it is not as inclusive as SP’s, so read all the fine print & decide if that would work for you.

I also use Horseware liner with my blankets – love it! Doesn’t shift & much easier to handle than heavyweight blankets. I have not had any problems using them with regular blankets (SP & Centaur), I don’t use the neck velcro, just the leg strap rings & everything stays put. Once I got used to using them, I can now swap out the liner faster than I can switch an entire blanket (yes, I’m a dork & I timed myself).

[RedHorses]

I have Rhino rain sheets and used various weights of stable quilts underneath for several years. Last year I got a Horseware liner in the most used weight and liked having effectively one blanket on my horse. For colder/nasty days I either put a light quilt under the sheet with liner (a short period of time), or put a heavy quilt on under the rainsheet without liner (for longer cold spells).

My other horse has a Rhino rainsheet Wug, a 100g Amigo with neck rug, and a Rhino 200g Wug. The Amigo is almost exclusively used over the 200g Wug when it gets very cold and nasty weather.

My personal preference is for no more than two layers as I feel the layers could shift unevenly, and I don’t think the layers of chest closures can be comfortable even though I try to have different configurations on each layer.

[ABDR4]

Everything I got from Schneiders has faulty waterproofing and it was hell getting them to honor the warranty. Then they just couldn’t honor the warranty at all for a neck cover at all because they changed their sizes so much was now a medium would fit a draft not a pony. Total waste of money IMHO.

Rambo is pricey and may not be pretty but it holds up very well. I got the 2 I have on sale and am so glad I did. I also have a Weatherbeeta sheet which is good…better than Schneiders but not as good as Rambo.

[Xanthoria]

I am done with Rambos and their tight shouldered, non-adjustable design. Got a Smartpack sheet and yep, first one wasn’t waterproof and got replaced promptly. Second one is great! It’s an 87" and I was able to cinch in the shoulder (unlike Rambos) and make it fit a weedy TB who wears a 75 normall without anyone gasping. ALSO I have been clipping my Rambo various weight liners into it - clips at the rear attach to legstrap dees. Front of those liners is a velcro, but in a pipe corral (ie no big gallops) it seems to work just fine.

[Equkelly]

I have the Rambo duo system and I love it. Bought it for my girl as a 2 year old and there’s no rips or tears and she’s 4 and has always been on 24/7 turnout and in Colorado so it gets used very heavily. I personally am a fan of the horseware brand because I hate leg straps and I think they are the most durable. I know the warranty is only good for 3 years but I don’t see myself needing it any time soon. I will say buying the duo system was a good investment for me, but I do self care and I’m the one blanketing. If I was in a full care boarding situation I don’t know that I could get someone else to mess with the liners and the shell and get it right and also not hate me for it. But if you’re doing it yourself liners are nice!

[NaturallyHappy]

@Simkie

The first year or so these launched, the reviews were 4/5 star, but reading through, it was a whole lot of “my horse totally shredded it, but they sent me another one, yay!” and “Leaks like a sieve, but I just keep sending it back, yay!” Scrolling through the reviews now, it looks like there is still a WHOLE lot of that…along with a few “the replacement process takes SOOOO LONG.”

I dunno, just doesn’t sound like something fun, ya know?

My whole herd is in Rambos. I love the way they fit, I love the v snap front, and I love the tail cords. I’ll never go back to leg straps or a traditional front blanket again (and I think Rambo has the patent on the v clips, so not a lot of options for me! :lol:[IMG2=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“src”:“https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/core/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==”}[/IMG2]”‹) The Supreme you’ve linked is certainly one of their pricier lines. They are VERY nice, but so are their other options, like the original with leg arches.

This. We use the Rambo green sheets w the V neck closures and various weight liners. The v neck closure is da bomb. I did purchase the Supreme-it was so heavy to put on I sold them second hand. Rambo liners seem to work w w other TO sheets as well. Schneider’s have never fit any horse I’ve seen them on. We also had good luck w Dover Riders Brandeis liners. That said, the Rambo neck covers work really well w their sheets. I did not like Riders at all-very poor attachments and weird fit. Hope this helps. Edited to add the color wasn’t my favorite but I’ve learned to love it. They also wash well using the Rambo wash.

[Snowdenfarm]

Three or four years ago I invested in the Rambo Optimo vented shells, hoods and 100g, 200g and 400g vented liners. Besides the fact that shoulder rubs are a thing of the past, they wear like iron. I know they are expensive and everyone has different experiences with products, but I have found them to be extremely functional, comfortable and, so far, cost effective in the long run.

[Cynical25]

Schneider’s Warranty Dept was easy enough to work with on my one experience ~3 yrs ago, and they sent me a temporary blanket while mine was being repaired. I have had several Schneiders turnout sheets and blankets last beautifully for well over 10 years, with no more than some exterior fading - even the smaller sizes used on rambunctious youngsters.

I found a sheet over blanket liner to be kind of annoying for the 2 winters I used them - you still need to remove the sheet to add or remove the liner, so it’s not really saving any time or even storage space. When my greenie outgrew those pieces, I opted for a Schneider’s sheet, Tekno-Fleece, and medium weight moving forward.

[xcjumper]

I am currently in the search same as you. I would like Horseware brand but their warranty only covers the waterproofing and the hardware. It does not cover rips/tears etc. My horse is young and goes out overnight with another young horse. They play of course. Last year he completely shredded a blanket so that was money down the drain. Schneiders warranty seems to cover everything. Help…LOL

[theresak]

@xcjumper

I am currently in the search same as you. I would like Horseware brand but their warranty only covers the waterproofing and the hardware. It does not cover rips/tears etc. My horse is young and goes out overnight with another young horse. They play of course. Last year he completely shredded a blanket so that was money down the drain. Schneiders warranty seems to cover everything. Help…LOL

If your horse fits the SmartPak Ultimates, I’d do those. I tried those for my growing young horse - the fit is not great for his build but for the little he wears a sheet/blanket, I can make it work. SmartPak sent me a new chest buckle and replaced a sheet that was leaking (in a size up) without charge.

My older horse goes in Rambo Wugs almost exclusively since they fit him the best and are pretty indestructible. He’s always been very tough on his blankets and Rambo has held up the best. For a growing horse, the cost of a Rambo isn’t usually worth it for <1 year of wear before they grow out of it or it goes into storage for next year (when they’ll likely have grown out of it).

[HappyGirl77]

@Xanthoria

I am done with Rambos and their tight shouldered, non-adjustable design. Got a Smartpack sheet and yep, first one wasn’t waterproof and got replaced promptly. Second one is great! It’s an 87" and I was able to cinch in the shoulder (unlike Rambos) and make it fit a weedy TB who wears a 75 normall without anyone gasping. ALSO I have been clipping my Rambo various weight liners into it - clips at the rear attach to legstrap dees. Front of those liners is a velcro, but in a pipe corral (ie no big gallops) it seems to work just fine.

Man I am not finding the SP with the shoulder cinch! That is one of the things I liked the best about the Schneiders plus it seemed like a really good thing to have if the layers underneath were going to be variable…

Well I think I’ll continue trolling ebay for used Horseware liners and I’m still on the fence about buying a new SmartPak Ultimate with the 10 year warranty or a Rambo . . .

Any thoughts on the Amigo Bavo line? Turns out the 3 year warranty is only on the Rhino/Rambo lines which put me a solid $100 over the SP and I would have to dress my horse as some variation of Christmas tree colors . . .

Ideally maybe this will show up lightly used on ebay in a size 78 hmmm?

https://shop.horseware.com/product/amigo-bravo-12-original-w-disc-front-closure-0g-lite/

[Xanthoria]

What I meant was you can adjust the chest wider or Narrower to make it fit bigger or smaller shouldered horses. You can’t do that with a Rambo at all. That means you have to buy a certain size blanket for every horse versus being able to adjust to fit in

[xcjumper]

@theresak

If your horse fits the SmartPak Ultimates, I’d do those. I tried those for my growing young horse - the fit is not great for his build but for the little he wears a sheet/blanket, I can make it work. SmartPak sent me a new chest buckle and replaced a sheet that was leaking (in a size up) without charge.

My older horse goes in Rambo Wugs almost exclusively since they fit him the best and are pretty indestructible. He’s always been very tough on his blankets and Rambo has held up the best. For a growing horse, the cost of a Rambo isn’t usually worth it for <1 year of wear before they grow out of it or it goes into storage for next year (when they’ll likely have grown out of it).

I was going to go for the SP Ultimates but the colors available are butt ugly!! Terrible! Yes I’m that vain LOL

[wildlifer]

you still need to remove the sheet to add or remove the liner.

You do not need to do this with open front liners. I undo outer sheet leg straps, belly straps, & liner chest velcro. I fold outer sheet from tail forward to withers. I pull out liner from underneath, tug sheet back to tail & rebuckle. I usually swap while horses eating so it’s easy.

Thanks to a tip from this forum, I stick an old dryer sheet in my winter barn jacket pocket for quick wipe if the liner gets staticky.

[theresak]

@HappyGirl77

Man I am not finding the SP with the shoulder cinch! That is one of the things I liked the best about the Schneiders plus it seemed like a really good thing to have if the layers underneath were going to be variable…

Well I think I’ll continue trolling ebay for used Horseware liners and I’m still on the fence about buying a new SmartPak Ultimate with the 10 year warranty or a Rambo . . .

Any thoughts on the Amigo Bavo line? Turns out the 3 year warranty is only on the Rhino/Rambo lines which put me a solid $100 over the SP and I would have to dress my horse as some variation of Christmas tree colors . . .

Ideally maybe this will show up lightly used on ebay in a size 78 hmmm?

https://shop.horseware.com/product/amigo-bravo-12-original-w-disc-front-closure-0g-lite/

My heavy SmartPak Ultimate has the shoulder cinch - they are called SmartPak Ultimate AdjustaNeck and are on closeout. My horse has actually never worn it, but when I tried it on, it definitely helped the fit.

I have an Amigo Bravo 12 Wug medium for my young horse. It’s probably the blanket that fits him the best right now - he’s a bit too narrow in the chest for the cut of the Rambo blankets, and the Wug neck really helps keep the blanket from getting stuck back on his withers. It seems pretty durable and there are a number of people in my barn who have them and have good luck. I’m actually looking for a used/clearance Amigo Bravo 12 Wug rainsheet in an 81 right now. Adam’s Horse Supply has good prices on Amigo turnouts but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet on buying new.

[HappyGirl77]

@theresak

I have an Amigo Bravo 12 Wug medium for my young horse. It’s probably the blanket that fits him the best right now - he’s a bit too narrow in the chest for the cut of the Rambo blankets, and the Wug neck really helps keep the blanket from getting stuck back on his withers. It seems pretty durable and there are a number of people in my barn who have them and have good luck. I’m actually looking for a used/clearance Amigo Bravo 12 Wug rainsheet in an 81 right now. Adam’s Horse Supply has good prices on Amigo turnouts but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet on buying new.

So as I understand it the Wug is the only one that will not work with the Horseware Liner system? Because of the high neck attachment? Or does the website just say that because the attachments won’t line up and in reality you can use the liners underneath just fine?

Purely hypothetical question since my guy is about as wide as he is tall and has totally average withers, lol. I don’t think the Wug is what he needs himself.

And dang but it the SP Adjustaneck aren’t sold out in the sheet, all that appears to be left are the size 75 or 81 heavyweight (360g).

I did find a Horseware liner on ebay thats coming soon, hopefully that will fit and I can confirm his size and we will cont the search, if not it was a delightful deal and I’ll have a 78" liner for sale. . . .

As always, thank you all for all the comments!

[NaturallyHappy]

@wildlifer

You do not need to do this with open front liners. I undo outer sheet leg straps, belly straps, & liner chest velcro. I fold outer sheet from tail forward to withers. I pull out liner from underneath, tug sheet back to tail & rebuckle. I usually swap while horses eating so it’s easy.

Thanks to a tip from this forum, I stick an old dryer sheet in my winter barn jacket pocket for quick wipe if the liner gets staticky.

We do this. I also spray Static Guard on the inside of the liners after I was them. It smells terrible until it dries but it works.