I’m getting ready to submit my order for a pair of shotgun chaps. I’ve picked out the colors I want and it will have a tooled waistband. I am just trying to figure out whether to get smooth out or rough out. They will not be used for western shows. I plan to ride in them, clinic in them, trail ride in them, and perhaps some western dressage shows. Maybe play with cows but will probably never throw a rope off my horse What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks
If you are going to be riding outside and doing things, smooth out will help not get wet, will help shed dirt and unmentionables and it seems a little tougher to snags, etc. on similar weight leather.
We also like some pocket and a ring, but ours are using chaps.
Here is where most locals get theirs if they don’t make their own:
http://oliversaddle.com/chaps-chinks/
For pretty, arena and to show, roughout on a softer, lighter leather wins.
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:yes: Agreed, smooth wears better.
IMO, the suede/rough is missing that top layer - thin as it is - & more prone to wear through in use.
I just sold DH’s almost-30yo shotguns.
They say in my barn for 10yrs+ & I thought they might be a loss, but (a lot) Black Rock conditioner & elbow grease & they softened right up :encouragement:
Rough-out chaps will wear down to smoother in places where they wrinkle and where they rub on things like bucking rolls or swells, along where leadropes when leading another horse or ropes and where they touch the saddle and some all over also.
Smooth out will let most slide right by with not as much wear.
We use the same leather for roughout or smoothout.
Just turn it over depending on preference.
I prefer smooth side out. Both my work and show shotguns are smooth side out.
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Thanks everyone❤
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