Pitting on sweet iron bit

[Annagain]

Charlie has a loose ring sweet iron snaffle with a copper lozenge. I know sweet iron will oxidise but this appears to be pitting and getting a bit rough at the corners. At the moment it's only on the outside of the mouthpiece where it attaches to the bit rings (on both sides) so it's not in contact with his skin but I'm obviously worried about it spreading. I think it could end up being really uncomfortable for him if it gets to bits that are in contact with his skin.

I'm getting a new one but wondering if this is normal or is it a fault? Should I send it back? It's only about 3 months old, he's very accepting of it and hasn't chewed it at all (and the 'damage' is outside his mouth anyway) I rinse it every time he wears it and this weekend was the first time I noticed it.

It was a relatively cheap one - would a more expensive one be less likely to have this happen? I borrowed one from a friend to try before I bought it and it wasn't like that at all, despite being much older. It's a shame as he seems to really like the bit.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I had to replace a PeeWee bit for the same reason but after a much longer time - and possibly, I can't really remember, after lending it to an eventing friend to establish turning with her horse. That wasn't a cheap bit but equally not one of the most expensive. I think I would at least talk to the manufacturer/vendor about how long they would expect you to be able to use it.

 

[Keith_Beef]

Pitting after only three months of use seems like shoddy material, to me. I'd have no qualms over sending it back for a refund.

 

[rextherobber]

I have a secondhand bomber bit, which is at least 4 years old, and that hasn't pitted.

 

[Annagain]

Thanks all - have gone back through my Amazon orders to find where I bought it from and emailed them. It's supposed to be a Shires one but the photo on amazon is nothing like the way the bit looks. The photo has copper inserts in the sweet iron, the bit doesn't. It had a Shires label when it arrived but I'm wondering if it was fake now - is that even a thing? It was a pound or two cheaper than elsewhere but not enough to make me suspicious at the time.

Anyway, any recommendations for a decent sweet iron, loose ring snaffle with a lozenge please?