Opinions on Biothane Harnesses?

(I originally posted this in the Driving Section, but think it probably needs to be here...)

I have only used leather, but with all the use they get, dust, rain, sweat, etc....
I am looking for a good alternative.
Does any one here have any experience using the Biothane harness?
I've read it is suppose to be a product that is stronger and more durable than leather.

Sounds like it would be much easier to keep looking nice, but I do not know any one who has tried them.....
I think I have heard that they tend to stretch out over time, is that true?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I've never used a biothane harness, but I do use biothane!
From the research I've found on it, it's stronger than leather. From personal experience, it's very durable, definitely doesn't absorb water, sweat or grime, and wipes clean. It doesn't get that 'used' look as much.
I haven't found mine has stretched at all.
I hope what I worte made sense. I realllllllyy need to go to bed.

Hey thanks!
What biothane do you use then? A headstall?
How long have you had it?

I also see it comes in shiny and non-shiny, which do you have?

Oh, I use beta-biothane, the matte variety.
I use two biothane bridles and a biothane stirrup leathers. The billets on my saddle are biothane as well. I've had all three for 2 years, and they look basically new. The saddle is quite old too!
BTW, the 'shiny' variety is called biothane. The kind I have is sometimes called betathane as well.

ETA: My reins are betathane too, and one of the bridles I got used. It's quite durable material.

Well thank you so much for all your input!

Sounds like I will be doing some shopping around for me a new harness to try out this year!

I'm ordering this one today: https://www.mydrafthorse.com/cfwebst...D945FE45B12D59
I like that it comes with all the padding, you can pick a color, and I can get it spotted with nickel. I can't decide if I want the shiny or betta bio, though. Anyone have any input on which you prefer? One person told me the beta tends to be more rounded and not as sharp and abrasive as the shiny...

Thanks for sharing that site BackInTheSaddleAgain.
Looks like they have some great stuff, and lots of choices too.

I would love to see pics of your harness when you get it, I am a fan of the spotted ones too.
I was also wondering about shiny VS matte. I suppose the shiny would look like patten leather, which I have found tends to show marks and scratches easier, but also looks a bit dressier. I don't know if the shiny biothane would do the same?
Let me know what you decide to go with?

So if there is any one out there who has input/advise on that yet, we'd love to hear it!

Personally I think that shiny biothane looks tacky, not classy. That's a matter of opinion though.
I would opt for matte.

That's what I'm worried about. Thanks :)

OP, Thanks for letting me in on your post! Just thought I would add that I've been researching draft owner opinions on biothane and beta-biothane for about a week and people rave about it. There's no doubt it's the way I want to go.

Do you have your eye on any specific harnesses?

I didn't order that harness last night. I'm getting ready to change my mind. I have good refrences for this one and the maker is known: Carriage Driving Essentials - Smuckers Synthetic Pleasure Harness I would be able to show in this one, but not the other. It looks more classy to me than the previous one:

I have a custom biothane headstall, breast collar, and reins made from these guys! Let me just say, you will not be disappointed and the pieces are fully customizable! Endurance Tack