Lets talk QUALITY

What's the difference between a $50 Bit, $150 Bit, $250 Bit or even a $350 Bit?

It may seem like a very big range in prices, but rightly so. In a fitting I always try to find the cheapest option for a client, because I know myself paying $300 odd dollars for one Bit is a big investment. What may not seem like a lot of difference to begin with, the closer you look the more you appreciate why these higher value Bits are marketed with the hefty price tag.

Let's look into the finer details and compare-

Bore Holes-

The Bore holes are the holes at the end of the mouthpiece that the ring of the bit slides through. In a cheaper Bit, you will see these varying in size, some will be very large which increases the chances of the horses lips being caught and a wound created. Others will be very small limiting the amount the ring can slide through, this impinges on the effect of the loose ring. The holes often have very sharp edges, enabling the soft flesh of horses lips to be cut.

Then we go to the other end of the scale with pricier Bits, you'll find a very regular symmetrical shaped Bore Hole, creating consistency in the sliding of the ring. These are also chiseled out, creating a rounded edge which prohibits the lips getting caught.

Joints-

You'll see in the better quality Bits the joints in the mouthpiece are small and discrete. They are shaped with the horses mouth in mind; on a curve, set on an angle, and tight joins, all this creating less movement and pressure points from a larger surface area. In most cheaper Bits, you'll find the joints creating big knuckles. These stick out into the horses mouth creating small yet intense pressure points, while also enabling a lot of movement within the joint from the big joins.

Materials-

When you first buy the Bits they will look the same, but it's how long they stay like that. Bit's on the bottom end of the scale will often dry out and crack (which can cause major problems if you are mid ride!) if they are made from plastic. Stainless steel is prone to eroding and creating sharp points, especially when not looked after. Good quality plastic Bits like Nathe, Trust, Limo etc are made to last; you are literally paying for more quality ingredients that go into making these Bits.

Of course, any Bit that is not looked after is going to deteriorate, you can still make a plain stainless steel Bit last a looooooong time by keeping it clean and dry.

After Bomber took the world by storm with their 'Blue Sweet Iron' mouth peices, there are have been lots of other brands come out offering similar options, some genuine and others that give you that pretty blue colour for the first couple of weeks then very quickly deteriate to loose the full effect of the sweet iron.

Designs-

Every good design is copied, yes small changes are made so they are legitimate but you'll typically find the design of a lesser value Bit has stemmed from another Bit. Good quality Bits have erognomically shaped mouthpieces, created with the horse in mind. For example, Bomber Happy Tongue has a forward facing curve in the mouthpiece and a port proportionate to the size of the Bit. There have been many Bits similar to this bought out, often with less curve (which creates more Bar pressure) and ports aren't adjusted to the size of the mouthpiece (meaning you'll have the same size port in a 150mm Bit as you would in a 120mm size Bit even though they are fit for different size mouths/width of bars).

Now, this is not a blog to tell you cheaper Bit's are rubbish, and they have no good features, this is not the case at all! It's just not that often that I fit a plain stainless steel or lesser value Bit as horses are typically happier in better quality Bits. It is not that I am bias towards higher value Bits just because of the brand or because every top rider uses them- it is because at every fitting I see proof of why these Bits are better for the horse. Companies invest huge amounts of money into researching and creating the design, using only the best of materials and methods to create a Bit with the horse in mind, this is what you are paying extra for. There are very good options that have been made super similar to original designs, it is just even more so important that they are looked after so they last...