I bought a cheap-y one at SLT last year for $10. The nylon is the same as used for cheap hay nets, and I still have 2 of those that are pushing 30yo. The rope is only about 12' long. I bought it to finish training my geldings, and it's doing a fine job. I have lunge lines, so I don't need it for simple lunging.
Don't know if I'll have a use for it after this year, so I didn't want to buy expensive.
Here is what is available from SLT right now.
Basic Poly Rope Halter w/Lead - Statelinetack.com Mustang Knotted Rope Training Halter - Statelinetack.com
My every day halters are Hamilton triple-ply nylon, with an adjustable chin--like this~
Hamilton Products Horse Halters
I even found one to fit my big guy bc he has a draft-size jowl. To tie up and groom I really
prefer this style to a rope halter, any day.
When I was just out of HS, for a year before college, I worked in Chicago and I took a beginning modeling course. I had private lessons, and among other things the model taught me, she suggested that I should be fussy about where I spent my clothes money. She said, if you try it on and you KNOW that it looks great and feels great and you'll probably wear it out, then BUY the expensive one. If you try it on, and it's just okay, but it's new, then buy cheap bc it will sit in your closet when the style goes out. THAT's why I didn't want to spend $70 on this
particular item. Doesn't mean I won't consider buying one of CA's saddles, if I try one and fall in love with it.
I love the idea of tying my own. Thanks for the downloads and other info. =D