difference between sprenger system 4 and bow balance irons?

[mightymammoth]

Hi,

does anyone know what the difference is between these stirrup irons please? or any thoughts on which are best in terms of reducing impact on joints? thanks

 

[Shay]

About £80!

But seriously - the bow balance are off set and the system 4 straight. The bow balance are said to be better for a stable lower leg position and have better cushioning for the joints (human ones..). I've got the bow balance and love them. I've not tried the system 4 but to be honest they look like any of the other chain type straight stirrups and I prefer the offset ones. IMO they make it easier to keep a more stable and correct foot position and make it easier to release the foot in a fall. But since I haven't tried the others that is only my perception!

 

[Pedantic]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEXI-SAF...hash=item1c2b935e6b:m:mkcFq2V4sxBt38jdKU4r53g

Don't see the point in paying stupid money for the same thing, not even any snob value in having expensive ones, as no one is going to know, unless your wearing a big sign with an arrow pointing at your feet saying LOOK EXPENSIVE ONES.

 

[rachk89]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEXI-SAF...hash=item1c2b935e6b:m:mkcFq2V4sxBt38jdKU4r53g

Don't see the point in paying stupid money for the same thing, not even any snob value in having expensive ones, as no one is going to know, unless your wearing a big sign with an arrow pointing at your feet saying LOOK EXPENSIVE ONES.

Same. I got some of those for £17 and they had that top part to them that means they are easier to find if you lose your stirrup. I only got them like that as after breaking my leg I can't bend my leg properly to be able to find a stirrup if it's lying flat against the horse. The bendy part is good for my ankles and knees neither of which are in good shape anymore.

Never got the point of expensive stirrups. A piece of equipment isn't gonna fix a problem really like keeping your feet in the right place should learn that without the expensive equipment.

 

[ester]

Apart from the inside of my chain-type ones look like this (amidale, the same as on pedantic's link), which don't feel me with confidence

and they don't feel the same as my sprenger systems 4s. The blue put me off the bow balance.

 

[Shay]

Yes the blue is a touch striking - although you can replace the treads with black or non slip I've had several experiences with the cheaper chain stirrups failing mid competition - not on us but fence judging or running PC ODE / HT things. I think we see on average one of these cheap chain things break most months in season. I certainly would not put one on a saddle my child was using. I've never seen a bow balance - or a system 4 in fairness - break. I'm sure they do - everything does! Its just a matter of how often I suppose.

 

[ester]

having said that I do have silver non slip grips in my system 4s . I think with the BB's I would have just liked to try them and compare before deciding to spend any extra.

 

[9tails]

Apart from the inside of my chain-type ones look like this (amidale, the same as on pedantic's link), which don't feel me with confidence

and they don't feel the same as my sprenger systems 4s. The blue put me off the bow balance.

That's a weird link in your flexi stirrups and I wouldn't be filled with confidence either. All those I've bought have bicycle chain links.

 

[ester]

presumably with bike chain they can only move in 2 planes though ie tip up and back because you can't bend the chain sideways? These (amidale) are advertised as 4-way so they go side to side as well. I bought them to see if I got on with them before putting the outlay into sprengers, never really intending to use them long term. As it is the rubber has also now split on one and is currently gaffa taped and they are on the dressage saddle I now have just so I don't keep having to swap leathers over but I wouldn't want to do more than flatwork in them!

 

[Luci07]

Cheap copies didn't work for me. I have weak knees and would come back from a hack in real pain. I borrowed a set of sprengers and found I could ride pain free. That was some 4 years ago and the Sprengers are still going strong on both my saddles. Believe me, I would have had no issue using the cheap ones if they had worked!

 

[sarahann1]

My OH has just bought me Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups for my Christmas, am so excited, these are by far the most comfortable awesome stirrups I've ever ridden in. I never thought I'd see the day where I would think £115 for a pair of stirrups would be a good idea, then I tried them and ate my words! I've been hankering after a set for the last 3yrs.

 

[eahotson]

Love my Sprengers which I got second hand from Ebay.Rode in ordinary stirrups a few weeks back and my joints really felt it.

 

[Casey76]

I have two pairs of the bow balance, one for each saddle as I can't be bothered to swap my leathers over each time!

I think they really help with my dodgy ankles and knees.