barrel vs. roping reins for both events

Should I get barrel reins or roping reins? I want to do a bit of both... whats the difference?

Hmm, I've always thought they were basically the same thing. I would think that a good pair of either would work for both.

The same - basically - they are 8 foot continuous reins.

The biggest difference alot of the time is that barrel reins have knots... where most roping reins do not. I prefer Roping reins when I run.

If the barrel reins have knots, then I would definitely avoid those for roping. Sometimes you have to slip a few inches of rein when you're roping and I can only imagine how difficult that would be with knots in them, especially when you have the extra coils in that hand as well.

Not all barrel reins have knots in them.. my reins are were called barrel reins and they didn't have knots..

I think a lot of the time the leather ones are called roping reins and cotton/nylon/other materials are called barrel reins

If you get reins like this:


ALWAYS double check to make sure they are in the buckles securely (before EVERY ride) - these are famous around here for slipping and a rein coming undone - I've seen it probably half a dozen times in the middle of barrel & pole runs)

These come in the knotted and just one continuous flat rein - just be cautious of using them ;)

Personally, I don't like knotted reins - if I use them, then I "custom" knot them myself - I buy a pair of handmade ones in a 10-12ft length then add knots where I need them

Also I would not purchase flat nylon reins unless you plan on wearing gloves every ride - these can give horrible rope burns

IMO a nice set of cotton or leather reins is the best

There basically the same. Alot of barrel reins don't have knots. Some roping reins are a little longer.

Ususally roping reins are leather and barrel reins are braided nylon. They are sort of specific to the event....why not get a pair of each?