Top 6 Gag and Leverage Bits in the United States for 2025 — Expert Guide to Tunable Control, Welfare-Conscious Design, and Show-Jumping Performance

Metalab's stainless steel ring gag is praised for its durability and classic, polished finish that resists corrosion and requires little maintenance. It holds a best-in-class place for riders who want a reliable, midweight gag that gives clear rein signals without the premium price of specialty mouthpieces, making it more affordable than the copper‑lozenge Pessoa and longer‑lasting than untreated blue‑steel alternatives like Korsteel. Compared with the lighter, anodized Bombers option it trades modern styling for rugged longevity, and versus Shires EquiKind it favors straightforward control over a softer, welfare‑oriented action.

The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Roller Gag is an economical, widely available pulley gag that pairs a roller mouthpiece with sweet iron to encourage salivation and acceptance at a lower price than many specialty brands. It delivers many of the functional benefits of Bombers’ roller concept but is positioned for budget-conscious riders and general-purpose use rather than high-performance tuning. While it lacks the premium materials and fine adjustability of the Neue Schule or the softer profile of the Trust Inno Sense, its accessibility and value make it a sensible mass-market option.

The Neue Schule Turtle Top Universal Gag is positioned as a market-leading, anatomically focused option that uses ergonomic shaping to distribute pressure more evenly while preserving the sliding-cheek gag action, appealing to sensitive-mouthed horses and performance riders. Technically more sophisticated and typically higher priced than the Shires and Bombers entries, it offers a quieter, more refined feel that distinguishes it from the harsher-feeling traditional stainless designs on this list.

The Korsteel Stainless Steel Full Cheek Gag Bit earns its best-in-class spot for delivering reliable, corrosion-resistant performance at a budget-friendly price — a practical choice for riders who need a durable gag for regular use. Compared with the more specialized Metalab antique finish and the feature-driven Centaur roller, Korsteel stands out for straightforward value and low maintenance while offering a firmer, predictable action than softer options like the Happy Mouth.

Sprenger's Dynamic RS Eggbutt Gag is the technical market leader thanks to its advanced Dynamic RS alloy and anatomically designed mouthpiece that delivers exceptional responsiveness, lightness, and refined feel in gag action. It outclasses the others on this list in material science and rider-sensitive performance, making it the go-to for competition riders willing to pay a premium for subtle communication and reduced metal harshness compared with standard stainless or sweet-iron options. The higher upfront cost is offset by longevity and top-level performance, especially when precision and horse comfort are priority considerations.