Branded bits - is the extra money worth it?

[Paint Me Proud]

I'm looking at getting a universal bit for my gelding and had a look on ebay to see what's on offer.

There is quite a difference in price bewteen the branded bits, such as neue schule, and the unbranded or 'budget' brands like Shires.

All my current bits are neue schule or mylers but I'm wondering is it really worth the extra money for these brands, or are the cheaper ones just as good?

In reality what extra do you get for the money?

 

[pansymouse]

If you are going for a like for like bit e.g. a basic snaffle I think as long as you don't go very low end and check the finish, an unbranded bit is fine. Most of the extra you pay for things like Mylers is because they are a unique design which requires development and specialist manufacturing. I use Bombers bits which I have come to through lots of experimentation and advice from biting specialist; I happily pay the extra for them because my mare goes so well in them and is so much happier.

 

[hannahlow]

I have tried the neue schule universal, and loved it

I found the Jeffries precision bit and it is exactly the same I cannot find any difference in it at all, and it's only £25!!

 

[Sukistokes2]

I like myler, my horse Ffin has been in the same bit for over ten years.

 

[Llee94]

Cotswold sport bits are meant to be very similar if not the same as NS bits - They do have a universal http://cotswoldsport.co.uk/shop/ind...id=468&zenid=660ae4c81c7a126f3528fe9b06c86038.
I have a Cotswold Sport Cheltenham gag which is very nice but I don't have a NS one to compare it with. I do have a NS verbidend and think it is more than worth the money I paid for it.

 

[Annagain]

My horse is in a Myler mullen mouth hanging cheek snaffle. I bought it because he needs a 6" and it was the only one of its type I could find that went that big. Having said that, the curve of the mouth piece is far more pronounced than other similar ones and it has a far smaller diameter so I think I've probably found a very suitable bit for him without intending to buy a branded bit. I would always try a cheaper option first!

 

[Paint Me Proud]

I have tried the neue schule universal, and loved it

I found the Jeffries precision bit and it is exactly the same I cannot find any difference in it at all, and it's only £25!!

Thanks, thats the sort of feedback I was after, to know if the cheaper ones are really the same design without paying extra for it to say neue shule on it!

I'll have a look at the jeffries and cotswold sport bits, thanks

 

[rachk89]

I got a shires bit that is exactly the same as the neue schule team up. Was a third of the price.

 

[saskiahorsey]

I use ns i did try cotswold as looked the same but mare was a bit fussy in it so went back to ns i think the metal is diff hence the price

 

[MrsMozart]

I think you have to feel the weight, look closely at the curve (where / how), the thickness all the way along, how it balances on the bridle, and then see which one your horse prefers

 

[poiuytrewq]

I have the Jefferies universal gag for old retired and it was the same as my friends Neue Schule. I've just purchased a snaffle from Cotswold Sport which I'm very pleased with.