Flex-On Hunter Stirrups - worth it?

[kwpn_01]

Hey everyone, I’m in the market for new stirrups and there is a huge craze in my area (and in my barn) about the Flex-On ultra grip hunter stirrups. I’ve ridden in them a handful of times (borrowed from a friend) and I really do like them, but I cannot get over the price tag. My long term goal is to eventually transition over to the jumpers, while still having a foot in the hunter ring, hence the low-key classic looking stirrup I’m looking for. I currently ride in the Tech Stirrup irons and they (in my opinion) are just too light.

Are the Flex-Ons worth the heftier price tag? Have they improved anything during your ride (less pain, better grip, etc.)? Just looking for personal experiences from others. I did do a quick search of the forum and couldn’t find anything about them specifically. Thanks in advance!

[nctoma]

I really like them–the incline ultra grip is very grippy, and the little pins in the footbed don’t get clogged with footing or mud. They give more support than the jointed irons I’ve used before, and definitely have a more classic look. My only wish is that they came with an offset eye like the MDC S-flex or the Sprenger bow balance.

[adultammylife]

I LOVE my Flex Ons. I have the Aluminum ones and they are the best. I feel really stable in them and do feel like my lower leg is more secure. Although I do both hunters and jumpers, I personally don’t love the look of the hunter Flex Ons - to me they just look odd (a bit too tall/long) so I went with the aluminum ones.

[cberry]

Love my Flex ons. They really help my knees. I am not a fan of how they look however.

[kwpn_01]

@adultammylife

I LOVE my Flex Ons. I have the Aluminum ones and they are the best. I feel really stable in them and do feel like my lower leg is more secure. Although I do both hunters and jumpers, I personally don’t love the look of the hunter Flex Ons - to me they just look odd (a bit too tall/long) so I went with the aluminum ones.

I was also looking at these as I find the hunter ones look rather odd. In the same breath, I do really like the uniqueness. I also step into the equitation ring on occasion, so I’m wondering if the blue plate under the aluminum stirrups would be visible? Would these still be acceptable in equitation?

[adultammylife]

@kwpn_01

I was also looking at these as I find the hunter ones look rather odd. In the same breath, I do really like the uniqueness. I also step into the equitation ring on occasion, so I’m wondering if the blue plate under the aluminum stirrups would be visible? Would these still be acceptable in equitation?

Mine didn’t come with a blue plate (at least that I’ve ever noticed - thinking now I need to check next time I’m at the barn lol). I don’t do the eq but I’m fairly confident if I ever wanted to, I could use them.

[Rescuer]

I’ve been interested in the Flex-on’s as well. Has anyone ridden in both the Freejump Air’s and Flex-on that could give a comparison?

One of the staff at a local tack shop was talking down the Flex-on and saying how superior the free jump Air’s were because you can actually squish them with your hand.

But to me that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. A super squishy stirrup pad doesn’t really seem like it should be desirable? But I haven’t ridden in either yet to know if the Flex-on has any squish too or how they would compare.

Age is starting to take its toll on me and my knees and ankles would sure appreciate some shock absorption help so I’m seriously considering the spend…