sprenger stirrup irons - flexi vs bow balance

[blood_magik]

I'm looking for a new set of safety stirrups for my GP saddle as my current korsteel ones have moved onto my dressage saddle.

I was wondering whether anyone has ridden in either and if there's a noticeable difference between the flexi stirrups and the bow balance.
From what i've read both allow for the release on tension in the ankles/knee and flex to an extent.

any thoughts?

 

[kerilli]

i've got 2 pairs of flexi and 1 pair of bow balance and can't feel any diff between them at all. the bow balance make it slightly easier to get my foot in the right stirrup when i first get on, because they hold it out a little, that's the only difference i can find.

 

[blood_magik]

seeing as i use a mounting block i cant see that being a big issue

thanks - i might get the flexi and get a nice pair of leathers and a new girth with the difference

 

[CrazyMare]

I have the Sprenger System 4's and I think they are fab! Haven't tried the Bow Balance, because I haven't felt the System 4's are lacking in any way.

 

[kerilli]

or keep checking ebay, i got my bowbalance on there...
i always use a mounting block too, so i think i notice the right stirrup thing because my dodgy/operated on knee is the right one and the one thing i struggle with is getting my foot in the stirrup in the first place, that 'pushing inwards seeking stirrup' thing.
they're both v comfy to ride in and make a big difference to the joints imho.

 

[blood_magik]

thats good to know.
i always find that i feel a lot more tension in my right ankle because i have slightly odd legs so im hoping this might help things a bit - there's nothing worse than landing after a big jump and feeling your ankle lock

im thinking it might be a good idea to invest in the bow balance ones for jumping and save up for a pair of the flexis once i start attempting some dressage

 

[suzysparkle]

Not much difference between the two however I prefer the bow balance ones as the tread is slightly wider from front to back and the angle makes it harder to loose a stirrup. I bought them from Derby House when they had one of their 20% off weekends, and sold my system IV's for £82 on ebay!! The 'upgrade' only cost me about £15!! Horse heaven on ebay is the best price if they aren't on sale anywhere. Both are brilliant stirrups and having been dragged badly after catching a foot in a stirrup years ago I'd never use anything else now.