Any of the biothanes are pretty sturdy, whether shiny or a flat, matte type finish. The difference is in softness. The shiny, original biothane, beloved of those bright color lovers, has the sharp edges, no cushion depth in most cases. Just a plastic dipped nylon strap. The newer offerings in the shiny or matte finishes, beta-biothane, named types like Granite, have a thicker layer of plastic coating, softer edges that are rounded like good leather. Different makers may label their strapping by various names, could really be different, or not, when compared to other makers. Ask, perhaps they can tell you the differences.
Where the major price differences come in between brand name makers and the Amish guy in his shop, are the qualtity of buckles and metal hardware, styling of pieces to fit horse comfortably. I have been told that the strapping is really almost equal from all strap sellers. Zilco strapping is a harness made by a different process, should be considered apart from the others.
Your harness is only as good as the hardware that holds it together. Cheaper harness uses cheaper buckles, not the stainless steel or good brass with steel tongues, that the better quality makers use. Would you rather depend on a buckle with a thick, stainless steel tongue or a plain steel buckle with a piece of wire for a tongue? Brass buckle tongues are to be avoided for ANY use, except maybe a tiny dog collar. Brass bends very easily under strain, will bend inside out and allow strap to come off within a buckle. So any brass buckles NEED steel tongues on a harness to be reliable.
There is a big thread where we discussed the need for “built-in breakability” of harness in a wreck to release the horse. I personally don’t ever want it on my horses. A weak spot is ALWAYS a weak spot, will break when you need the strength the most! Horse feels any give, they fight harder, make things worse.
There is a nylon strap harness, soft webbing made in the UK, by Tedman. It has been a very good harness for us, well fitted, quality hardware. This strapping is not coated, but has not rubbed or sored up any of my thin-skinned horses. It washes well in my washing machine. A vast improvement in quality over the cheap nylon strap harness in tack catalogs for about $100. Those catalog ones don’t fit anyone, are very stiff strapping, junk hardware. No comparison in quality, though they are both “nylon strap” harnesses. You may hear bad stuff about junky nylon harness from folks who went the catalog, cheap harness, route. Do ask about the name brands, Tedman has been very good for us.
I would consider a well-made synthetic harness to be a good investment, if it has good hardware. They are easy to maintain, lighter in weight to carry around. Sturdy. They are less expensive than leather, but not ususally cheaply priced. You can find deals on used equipment, but get good measurements, so it fits your horse. You want straps to be using the middle hole when done up for work. Not in tightest or last hole out. You can’t change things when you are already in the last setting.
