I know I’m too late to the game, but what I’ve done is cover the kwik-out’s pad with those super comfort pads. They also collect arena dirt like it’s their actual job, but I’ve always felt like I’ve had a good grip - I like having the wider base while jumping. Glad to hear you like your acavallos so far! I have composites on my dressage saddle and it definitely takes getting used to.
I have the SafeStyle and the Acavallo. I prefer the Safestyle but both work fine.
I’m looking into safety stirrups and one thing that worries me about the SafeStyle is that the open branch is on the inside, against the horse. Am I hallucinating or would that make it more difficult for the foot to come out in a fall, especially a forward fall? When I imagine falling, seems like having the outer branch be the one to release would make more sense…
EVneo, I’ve wondered if you could put those pads on the KwikOuts. I never got further than wondering. Do you think the new pads affect the function of the release at all?
Wow! The SafeStyle stirrups are new to me. Interesting design. I have to agree that I would worry about the “breakaway” being on the inside of the stirrup. I can see that the outside edge looks much like a traditional stirrup. That can be a positive.
I still like my Acavallo stirrups… I still wish they were heavier, but I really really like the grip and the wider foot bed. I do think they help me have a quieter leg.
Arch = branch 
glad you found something that works for you!
In regard to lighter composite stirrups versus heavier metal stirrups: I did a product survey on stirrups for The Horse Journal a decade ago. I was very surprised when a jumper rider and an eventer who were testing Royal Riders (composites) both said they were easier to pick up in motion than heavier stirrups. They said the reason was that heavier stirrups would start swinging while the lighter stirrups tended to hang straight down. These were jump riders, so I don’t know if the composites vs. metal comparison would work as well for dressage riders – however I would not shy away from composities over a concern that they would be harder to pick up if dropped.
I use the Tech Venice as well, I really like them. They feels slightly cheese grater but they havent done anything to my boots. Super easy to clean and a must have for all the youngsters I ride.
Side note - I have a tendency to play with my stirrup when it doesn’t ‘feel’ right. I never have the urge with these.
