Switching bits opinions?

It is a big improvement over a TT in terms of correctly signaling a horse, and not sending confusing, mixed signals. HOWEVER, it is still a pretty severe bit. Twisted wire mouthpiece is rough on the horse's sensitive bars, and the top half of the shank being equal to the bottom half increases the leverage. One good point is the dog bone in the middle, that cuts down on the nutcracker action of a broken mouthpeiced curb. Does your horse really need this severe of a bit? Maybe a sweet 6 with a smooth dog bone mouthpiece?

That is a very severe bit. As bad as a Tom Thumb. I'm guessing your horse just could use some slow, correct, patient retraining so he/she learns to respond to a mild bit and soft hands. . . . if you need leverage for competition or situations where the adrenaline gets raging, just use a mullen or low port with short shanks - much milder but still adds poll and chin groove pressure (as well as tongue, bars lips).

Both bits are severe. Go back to a snaffle or bitless! Imagine that on your gums, the edges digging into the soft tissue, aswell as the fact that there is a very sharp bone under there! Think like a horse and what is best for him - not what is easiest for you!

This video is what made me go bitless - watch it and you will see why. You don't have to agree but I find it 100% true. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-aV0Rsxmg

It's like going from bad to worse.