Neoprene cinches should be saved and used with bareback pads. They are hot and make the skin tender even cause it to break down. A string cinch provides more grip and is cooler. Mohair is the best material for a string cinch. With care it will last many years.
My land is infested with cockle-burs, called sand burs around here, and they get into everything. I switched to a neoprene cinch because it's easier to keep clean than string. It has worked well and I'm happy with it, but if I didn't have a bur problem I would use a string cinch.
Neoprenes cause more sweating on the girth. My experience is that there is less chance of girth sores. I've never had one with neoprene. Can't say that with string girths.
I HATE neoprene. Hot, uncomfortable things that sore many horses. If you are not riding for very long or hard they can be alright. For me they have been awful. I swear by mohair string girths. I ride lots of long trails with steep hills and it is the ONLY type of cinch I have not had sore my mare who is very sensitive. Posted via Mobile Device
Personally I prefer string cinches, mohair to be exact. Although I have never had a bad experience with neoprene I find they sweat less with the mohair. After feeling mohair I know I would prefer it over neoprene. Plus you can get some pretty neat looking mohair cinches and even make them yourself!
We switched from string to neoprene many years ago. With our wide, big barreled Paints, the neoprene seems to grip a lot better and doesn't need to be tightened as much. They do sweat under it, but they have never caused sores, and they are easy to clean.
Neoprene is about the best in my book. They sweat, but hey it's southeast Texas and we sweat during the "winter"!! Never had a problem with sores or irritations of the skin. Easy to clean and they aren't as tight.
Neoprene does not breath and not a product that I would indorse for extended riding or ranch work. A good quality mohair cinch or alpaca cinch is the way to go. They breath well and provide more comfort for the horse.
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