Need Help Choosing D-Ring Bit: NS Tranz-Angled or Tranz-Angled "Hunter"?

[eclectic]

From the NS website, I can’t tell whether there’s a huge difference between the “Tranz-Angled Lozenge” and the “Tranz-Angled Lozenge Hunter.”

The “Hunter” appears to have straighter cannons? (The other is more curved).

I’m thinking the straighter version would be the gentler, more comfortable of the two - whilst being equally effective.

Does anyone happen to know the difference between these two models and which would be more comfortable for the horse?

Thanks very much!

[CHT]

The website says the Hunter is 16mm in diameter, vs the other which is only 14mm. Hard to tell if the curve is different as they show them at different angles, but typically more curved is more on the lips and tongue, and straighter is more on the bars.

[eclectic]

@CHT

The website says the Hunter is 16mm in diameter, vs the other which is only 14mm. Hard to tell if the curve is different as they show them at different angles, but typically more curved is more on the lips and tongue, and straighter is more on the bars.

Thanks for your answer. I wasn’t sure about that - that straighter cannons would lie any more on the bars than curved ones would? The shape of the cannon where it connects to the ring is the same.

I was at first interested in the Sprenger KK Ultra bit, which is very similar to the Tranz Angled Hunter. From Sprenger’s more detailed description I gather this:

When contact is taken, the ends, or cannons, of the bit are lifted up. Until then I believe, either the more curved or straighter shape will lie on the bars. Sprenger makes the point that their more curved bits will have a “louder voice” - since they will press on more of the tongue. The KK Ultra focuses the pressure on just the central piece (lozenge), when contact is taken.

[IPEsq]

I have the regular trans angled and my horse that liked the HS Dynamic RS (a curved bit) liked it. As far as whether the curve is stronger I think that depends on mouth shape. This horse couldn’t really accommodate straighter bits, preferred the way the curved one laid across the tongue. I chose the NS because it came in an eggbutt cheek that’s nicer than the HS eggbutt (which has corners kind of like a weird D ring). I haven’t seen the “hunter” bit to comment on whether it is actually straighter.

I would say the bit is not similar to the HS ultra.

[eclectic]

Update:
I’ve become more convinced the straighter cannons are to be preferred - for us, that is, as they place less pressure on the bars. (This is a preference that depends on what is needed for the individual horse). I believe I will be ordering the NS tranz-angled Hunter D - after a brief side track to look at some newer brands that have cropped up.