|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 418
| Is there a huge difference in them compared to the "brand" ones? |
|
| |
|
 Saint Stacey
  
| I would assume there is a huge difference. Just like there is a huge difference in a machine made bit when compared to a custom made one. I wouldn't touch a bit made in China myself. I wouldn't trust the balance or the cheaper materials they typically use. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 3815
 
Location: The best kept secret in TX | I would be very leary of a bit made in China. Mainly because of the metals and chemicals in the metals. They go directly into the horses mouth so I wouldn't want to stick anything in there without knowing exactly what is in the metal.
Keep in mind tho many brands that say they are made in the US actually order their materails from china and ASSEMBLE them here in the US... |
|
| |
|
 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | I just don't like to buy China made. I don't trust their manufacturing facilities and the materials used. Save your money and get an all American made bit. |
|
| |
|
 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| I guarantee most of the bits you buy are made in China. Even some of the more expensive trainer name bits like Sherry Cervi, Jim Warner, Pozzi. I have a Goosetree that is a Reinsman. I am almost sure it is made in China. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1611
| streakysox - 2015-03-18 12:13 PM
I guarantee most of the bits you buy are made in China. Even some of the more expensive trainer name bits like Sherry Cervi, Jim Warner, Pozzi. I have a Goosetree that is a Reinsman. I am almost sure it is made in China.
Yupp! Order from shallow creek or L&W. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I think there is a difference in ANYTHING made in China, I have not been happy with any Chinese made products for horses... avoid at all costs I'd say! I love my American made, it also keeps the money in the USA. |
|
| |
|
Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| astreakinchic - 2015-03-18 11:15 AM
streakysox - 2015-03-18 12:13 PM
I guarantee most of the bits you buy are made in China. Even some of the more expensive trainer name bits like Sherry Cervi, Jim Warner, Pozzi. I have a Goosetree that is a Reinsman. I am almost sure it is made in China.
Yupp! Order from shallow creek or L&W.
I live near Don Wasson. He and his family are very good friends. He makes anything I need. It is raining and I really don't want to walk on to the trailer but I think my favorite little Ed Wright is made in China. I don't know if you realize it but the bits have to be made to certain specifications. Personally I prefer things made in the USA but unfortunately some things come from China or Japan. My New Holland Tractor has a Japanese engine in it. Heck, my husband's Dodge dually was made in Mexico.
Edited by streakysox 2015-03-18 12:51 PM
|
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| streakysox - 2015-03-18 10:13 AM
I guarantee most of the bits you buy are made in China. Even some of the more expensive trainer name bits like Sherry Cervi, Jim Warner, Pozzi. I have a Goosetree that is a Reinsman. I am almost sure it is made in China.
Yes because even though people use their name on a product, they are still mass produced and machine made. That's why you are better off going with people like Don Wasson or L&W, etc. There is no comparison between a Wasson and a Reinsman. |
|
| |
|
Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | streakysox - 2015-03-18 1:43 PM astreakinchic - 2015-03-18 11:15 AM streakysox - 2015-03-18 12:13 PM I guarantee most of the bits you buy are made in China. Even some of the more expensive trainer name bits like Sherry Cervi, Jim Warner, Pozzi. I have a Goosetree that is a Reinsman. I am almost sure it is made in China. Yupp! Order from shallow creek or L&W. I live near Don Wasson. He and his family are very good friends. He makes anything I need. It is raining and I really don't want to walk on to the trailer but I think my favorite little Ed Wright is made in China. I don't know if you realize it but the bits have to be made to certain specifications. Personally I prefer things made in the USA but unfortunately some things come from China or Japan. My New Holland Tractor has a Japanese engine in it. Heck, my husband's Dodge dually was made in Mexico.
I am sure the bits are made to certain specifications in China. But that doesn't mean there isn't something that can't be seen with the plain eye.
So was the dog food that China made that had the chemicals in it that killed the dogs. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1611
| To add one more thing these bit makers will customize however you want and can make anything your little heart desires. |
|
| |
|
Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| Metal is not treated with chemicals. Steel is an alloy. That is a mixture of metals. Alloys are tested to make sure of their composition. Like 14K gold, an alloy, has to meet certain standards. Metals are not treated with chemicals.
Well, it stopped reining for about 3 minutes and I went and looked at the bits in the trailer. Not one is stamped China. I have about six Jr Cowhorse bits and not one says China. There is a sweet six and an Ed Wright. Jarrett Guidry is the one that pointed out the Wright bit was made in China. I really think he could tell. I know that some of these bits were made in China. I don't buy cheap stuff so these are all quality bits. Some of my bits came from Jarrett Guidry, some came from Smith Bros or NRS. One from the Tack Stop. The Wright bit came out of Martha Wright's trailer. The point I am making here is that most bits come from China and you are not going to know. Do I prefer American made? Of course. I buy what I need though. How many of you have a Josey Million dollar bit? Unless it is a Wasson bit, it is imported. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Ed wright said a person who lives close to him makes his bits.
Here is something else to think about, and I do not know the answer, all these people who custom make the bits, where are they getting the raw materials
The thing I would be worried about is lead being used in the raw material |
|
| |
|
Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| cheryl makofka - 2015-03-18 8:22 PM
Ed wright said a person who lives close to him makes his bits.
Here is something else to think about, and I do not know the answer, all these people who custom make the bits, where are they getting the raw materials
The thing I would be worried about is lead being used in the raw material
Jarrett Guidry pointed out Wright bit. He bought and sold enough bits I am sure he knew what he is talking about. If you look at it the welds are very inferior to those of my Wasson bits so whoever makes the bits does not take pride in their work like Don. |
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 73
| Bits made in China are difficult to avoid unfortunately. Most bits that we use are made in China and because they have a "brand name" on it people look past the fact that they are made in China. Classic equine, professionals choice, and even myler bits are all made in China buy the same manufacture infact. I personally refuse to buy bits made in China for the simple fact that I feel buying american made is better in many ways. If you don't take the time to look for american made things and support the people that put in the effort to make sure the bit is well constructed, balanced correctly, and more importantly made by people that probably know the head of a horse from the ass then all there will be one day is China made crap ! |
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Has anything bad ever happened from using chinese bits? |
|
| |
|
Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | streakysox - 2015-03-18 5:00 PM Metal is not treated with chemicals. Steel is an alloy. That is a mixture of metals. Alloys are tested to make sure of their composition. Like 14K gold, an alloy, has to meet certain standards. Metals are not treated with chemicals. Well, it stopped reining for about 3 minutes and I went and looked at the bits in the trailer. Not one is stamped China. I have about six Jr Cowhorse bits and not one says China. There is a sweet six and an Ed Wright. Jarrett Guidry is the one that pointed out the Wright bit was made in China. I really think he could tell. I know that some of these bits were made in China. I don't buy cheap stuff so these are all quality bits. Some of my bits came from Jarrett Guidry, some came from Smith Bros or NRS. One from the Tack Stop. The Wright bit came out of Martha Wright's trailer. The point I am making here is that most bits come from China and you are not going to know. Do I prefer American made? Of course. I buy what I need though. How many of you have a Josey Million dollar bit? Unless it is a Wasson bit, it is imported.
What you are saying is true about the alloy. Where I work, (we build bridges), we cannot use metal imported from China. It must start from the beginning to the end in America.
I am not trying to pick on you. Just raise awareness. Just like you did about the name brand bits. Unfortunately, some things we all must purchase that are made somewhere else. I won't even buy some styles of Lucchese boots because they are not made in America. Some are, some aren't. Iit is just like people thinking that the green grapes they eat in February come from America. No they don't. There isn't any grapes ripe at this time of year in America. I am just chosing in my old age to try and get American made only. Hard and I don't always succeed. But in bits I have only bought L&W, which suit me fine.
And, to answer the other question has there been harm from a bit not made in America. Maybe only that the product didn't last as long.
|
|
| |
|
 Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2076
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | Interesting question that I have not thought much about, but do care very much about my horse's mouth --- pinching, correct signals, etc.
I do know that I brought brand new salad tongs - made in the USA - to church for a pot luck, last Sunday, and before I was finished eating, someone took all the utensils out of the dishes to begin washing them.....I came home with someone else's made in China tongs --- I compared to the other part of the set I had just purchased at home and there is definitely a difference in many aspects -- and these are just stainless steel, medium length salad tongs!
Edited by txbredbr 2015-03-19 8:51 AM
|
|
| |
|
 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | Cheaper materials............I don't buy bits made in China.........Reinsmans still has some bits made in America.....but they do have another brand they sell at TSC.........that is made in China...... |
|
| |
|
Blessed 
Location: Here | bmchicky - 2015-03-18 9:06 AM Is there a huge difference in them compared to the "brand" ones?
Absolutely Try this put a china one in your mouth then a USA steel you can taste the difference... |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1343
Location: East Texas | I guess I know why after I unbridled my horse the other day and offered him a treat he said "I would rather have a fortune cookie!" LOL... just couldn't help myself!!! |
|
| |
|
Curve Ball
Posts: 2258
Location: Pelham, TN | As the owner of Shallow Creek Bits, I will say we do still make everything in our shop in these TN hills!! There are still a few bit makers in the US but the majority are made in China now. I will say it is hard to compete with the prices with the cost of purchasing our products in America. Boyce puts a lot of time and effort in making bits that we feel really fit a horse.  |
|
| |
|
Blessed
Location: Here |
  |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| SoCalBarrelracer - 2015-03-18 11:47 PM
Bits made in China are difficult to avoid unfortunately. Most bits that we use are made in China and because they have a "brand name" on it people look past the fact that they are made in China. Classic equine, professionals choice, and even myler bits are all made in China buy the same manufacture infact. I personally refuse to buy bits made in China for the simple fact that I feel buying american made is better in many ways. If you don't take the time to look for american made things and support the people that put in the effort to make sure the bit is well constructed, balanced correctly, and more importantly made by people that probably know the head of a horse from the ass then all there will be one day is China made crap !
I spoke with the Mylers, and not all Myler bits are made over seas.
If the bit is stamped myler toklat it is made overseas
If the bit is stamped myler USA it is made in the USA
|
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
|
My question is where does the raw material come from? |
|
| |
|
Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2076
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | cheryl makofka - 2015-03-21 2:41 PM SoCalBarrelracer - 2015-03-18 11:47 PM Bits made in China are difficult to avoid unfortunately. Most bits that we use are made in China and because they have a "brand name" on it people look past the fact that they are made in China. Classic equine, professionals choice, and even myler bits are all made in China buy the same manufacture infact. I personally refuse to buy bits made in China for the simple fact that I feel buying american made is better in many ways. If you don't take the time to look for american made things and support the people that put in the effort to make sure the bit is well constructed, balanced correctly, and more importantly made by people that probably know the head of a horse from the ass then all there will be one day is China made crap ! I spoke with the Mylers, and not all Myler bits are made over seas. If the bit is stamped myler toklat it is made overseas If the bit is stamped myler USA it is made in the USA
When this thread first started, the first thing I wondered about was handmade antlers and their Toklat bits.....so I went on Toklat website and it says they are made in the USA??? I am remenbering from last week, maybe I will go check. Again. |
|
| |
Opinions on bits made in China