Which bit tape is best? Our top 3 choices

If you have a horse with a sensitive mouth or one who likes to chew their bits, you know what a lifesaver bit tape can be. The goal for every kind of bit tape is to reduce pinching, repair chewed areas, and soften the mouthfeel. But which one is the best? We compared four different bit tapes to see how they stack up.

The blue Sealtex bit tap is OG… so OG we had to dig it out of the barn to write this. This was the perfect solution for many years. You simply peel the outer blue coating to reveal the soft, stretchy bit tape. The texture is similar to a bandage, but the latex material sticks to itself. It’s also waterproof to ensure that it lasts in the horses’ mouth. 

When equestrians lost access to Sealtex in 2021 it was a sad day. Riders and trainers across the country used this unique textile to wrap legs and bits and for awhile, we didn’t seem to have a good replacement.

However, when we found the EquiFit Essentials bit tape, we knew it would be a good successor to Sealtex. Made from silicone, this tape boats a super slim appearance which can help you avoid some lumps and bumps. It’s very comfortable and long-lasting with regular and wide options. Whichever size you choose, it’s easy to use and versatile.

The well-beloved name of Sealtex was later passed on to Trust Equestrian with the release of their Sealtex Latex Bit Bandage. For good reason, Trust has since been a go-to for super simple, reliable bit tape. You can easily adjust the bandage to fit your individual horse’s needs. The tape’s adhesive effect makes application a breeze and the silicone material does not absorb water. You can wrap the whole bit or each part. It’s especially good for wrapping jaw pieces and the side of the bit. The tape lasts for about a week, depending on the horse.

An alternative to Trust is Equine Healthcare International’s Bit-Wrapping Tape. This tape is a latex-free, soft, self-adhesive silicone tape. It’s great to reduce pinching and repair bits. The self-adhesive silicone makes this product extra secure. It does need to be applied precisely to avoid lumps and bumps, but it’s highly elastic, taste free, and is 4 only c.m. thick.

When we cut, wrapped, and pulled each tape, we could definitely see why Trust has become the new go-to. It was easy to use and durable. Without a doubt, they live up to a lot of the qualities we appreciated from the original Sealtex. We also liked the self-adhesive approach of the Equine Healthcare International tape.

No matter which you choose, we have the scoop on how and why to use it.

Common uses for bit tape:

1- Protecting or softening the bit:

As we mentioned, bit tape is great for sensitive horses. Instead of having steal or even a softer material like leather or rubber, the tape makes the bit super comfortable for horses. It can be a great short term solution if your horse’s mouth is extra tender or has recently been injured.

It’s also great for mouthy horses. If you use rubber or a similar softer material with a horse that likes to chew, you know they will go pretty fast. You can use bit tape to protect from bite damage before it happens or when you first notice small bite marks to extend the life of the bit.

2- Repairs:

Bit tape can also be used for a quick repair if you’re not able to replace the bit right away. However, if there are any sharp edges on the bit, it’s still not a good idea to use it as this could hurt the horse’s mouth.

3- Changing the function of your bit:

Another use for bit tape is to change how the bit works. For example, if you have a jointed bit but want to move to a mullen-mouth or similar bit, you can wrap the joint to make it a straighter bar. Use the altered bit to try out the new style short term before you spring for the new style of bit. You can also modify twisted bits to soften them if you wander off without your bit box.

How to apply:

For the bit tape options we mentioned above, there’s a similar process to applying the tape. 

• Clean the bit so the tape with a bit cleaning kit so the tape has an even surface to adhere to
• Cut the tape to roughly the length you will need (usually around 6 inches)
• Remove the backing from small sections at a time and begin to wrap the bit at one end
• Place the starting edge on the front of the bit to avoid creating a bump against the horse’s tongue.
• Pull the tape to activate any self-adhesive properties as you go
• Overlap the bit tape about 50% onto itself as your wrap.
• Once wrapped, squeeze the material firmly to ensure proper adhesion (particularly for the silicone products)

If you have any questions about how bit tape can be used and which one may be the best choice for your horse, come by the store! Or if you’re ready to make your selection, shop online now.