Difference between Sprenger flexi irons vs competitors?

sidesaddlegirl

sidesaddlegirl

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www.sidesaddlegirl.co.uk
One of the horses I have started to hack out for a friend has the Herm Sprenger 4 way jointed irons (not the bow balance ones) on her saddle. I'd never used them before and immediately noticed the difference in my knees and ankles (although I'm only 32, I have arthritis and bad osteoporosis runs in my family on my mum's side) compared to the normal irons on my own saddle.

I REALLY want to get a pair but it's just the price that I'm balking at. I saw some cheaper no name brand ones and Metalab ones on ebay (ranging in price from 99p start bid to about £25.00) and I found a pair of 6 way flex ones that Thorowgood makes as well for about £50.

I know Sprenger is an excellent brand and I trust their safety standards but is there any difference between them and the knock-offs besides price?

Thanks!
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They probably all come out of the same factory in China!

I had a pair of the Sprenger ones when they first came out. When the rubber parts wore out after a year or so I got some cheapo ones (you couldn't get cheapo ones at teh time I bought the posh ones) I find there is no difference between them as far as my knackerd knees and back are concerned!

The ones I am using now cost about 20 pounds from a local sadlers. I woudl be reluctant to pay any more as tehy don't last forever, even the Sprenger ones... chain links grinding on rubber...
 
The cheapy ones only flex one way, so can actually be dangerous as they can trap the foot in some cases. I have the Thorowgood ones on my jump saddle and highly rate them. They feel exactly the same as the sprengers and are lovely to ride in, the cheesegrater treads, although rattly, are also very grippy
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