What’s the difference between the two? Are the nathe bits much more flexible than the Duos? Anyone know if they are thicker than the Duos? My mare is quite sensitive, and goes well in a loose ring Duo, but trainer suggested trying a Nathe. Would LOVE if I could get one that is fatter than the Duo, as she seems to go best in fat bits. Local tack shop doesn’t carry it, so would have to order it in and I don’t want to buy it if it’s essentially the same as the Duo.
I have had both in the past and I thought the Nathe was slightly thinner than the Duo, and a bit more flexible. There was an old thread on here about this same question and I posted a picture of them side by side (back when I still had them), so let me see if I can find it.
Well, here is the old thread, but the picture links were to webshots, which is gone. And I don’t have the pictures anymore - sorry. But perhaps the discussion on the thread will be helpful.
Nathes are a tiny bit fatter than Duos. exactly where it rests on the bars. I have one of each, so have a current comparison. Nathes are a bit rounded at the rings, while the Duo is squared off at the ring, but since it’s not in the horse’s mouth I don’t think it’s too big a deal at all.
[QUOTE=fanfayre;8495975]
Nathes are a tiny bit fatter than Duos. exactly where it rests on the bars. [/QUOTE]
Funny, that is the exact opposite of what I wrote on the other thread, when holding the two of them in front of me. But I also see someone in that thread mentioned that the Duo comes in different thicknesses, so that might explain it. OP might explore whether that is true (if there is a thicker Duo she could get).
They are super similar. I think the Duo is a bit thinner and a tad more rigid. I have the Nathe and I quite like it - especially for the young ones that need help accepting that contact is OK.
Try wrapping a bit in Sealtex. Might serve as a good alternative.
Nathe = 20mm
Duo = 16mm
both seem quite flexible, however the nathe is much older than the duo
following
Are they both available retail - I think (maybe) one got bought out by the other.
The good thing is that you are using a gentle bit - I use the Nathe for trail riding in an older bridle and have a Trust D ring set up in a nicer bridle for show and jumping (“D” for the turns instead of the ring). Horse goes fabulously well in both, even x-c. Never pulls, and I have no biceps to show for it.
The original Duo was 23mm, but the new one is 16mm. The (new) Duo is a bit thinner at the bars, but the Nathe is a bit more flexible. You can sometimes find the old 23mm Duos online.
