Nunn Finer Soft Grip Leather Reins are a U.S. favorite for their integrated soft-grip texture that balances secure handling with a classic leather appearance, making them versatile for both show and day-to-day riding. They often undercut the highest-end European brands on price while delivering a tactile advantage over plain leather reins, and they sit between the padded comfort of Bobby's and the competition-grade sheen of Schockemöhle.
Ultra soft grip — cloudlike
Reinforced stitching — long-life
Ultra soft grip — cloudlike
Reinforced stitching — long-life
Review Summary
"Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins are consistently praised for excellent grip, supple leather and durable construction; occasional comments mention initial stiffness or minor compression of the grip after very heavy use."
Responsive subtlety — instant cues
Proprietary soft grip texture for enhanced feel and control
Responsive subtlety — instant cues
Proprietary soft grip texture for enhanced feel and control
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Nunn Finer Soft Grip Leather Reins are a U.S. favorite for their integrated soft-grip texture that balances secure handling with a classic leather appearance, making them versatile for both show and day-to-day riding. They often undercut the highest-end European brands on price while delivering a tactile advantage over plain leather reins, and they sit between the padded comfort of Bobby's and the competition-grade sheen of Schockemöhle.
Ultra soft grip — cloudlike
Reinforced stitching — long-life
Responsive subtlety — instant cues
Proprietary soft grip texture for enhanced feel and control
Full-grain leather with hand-stitched detail
Ultra soft grip — cloudlike
Reinforced stitching — long-life
Responsive subtlety — instant cues
Proprietary soft grip texture for enhanced feel and control
Full-grain leather with hand-stitched detail
$110-190 CAD
Nunn Finer Soft Grip Rubber Reins
Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins are the luxury option on this list, pairing high-grade leather with a refined rubber overlay for an exceptionally comfortable, tack-room-worthy finished product that performs across disciplines. They command a premium price but offer the best long-term value through superior materials, detailed fittings and warranty-backed construction, outlasting many lower-cost alternatives like HDR and Ovation. Compared with eco-angled Pessoa and utility-focused Shires, Nunn Finer is the top choice for riders who prioritize craftsmanship, finish and longevity in their bridles' rubber grip reins.
Velvet touch
Shock-absorbing
Velvet touch
Shock-absorbing
Review Summary
"Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins are consistently praised for premium leather, durable rubber grip and excellent craftsmanship; long-term users highlight comfort and longevity with very few complaints. Considered a top-tier choice for serious riders."
Horse-hug comfort
Soft yet tacky rubber grip provides refined rein contact favoured by professionals.
Horse-hug comfort
Soft yet tacky rubber grip provides refined rein contact favoured by professionals.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins are the luxury option on this list, pairing high-grade leather with a refined rubber overlay for an exceptionally comfortable, tack-room-worthy finished product that performs across disciplines. They command a premium price but offer the best long-term value through superior materials, detailed fittings and warranty-backed construction, outlasting many lower-cost alternatives like HDR and Ovation. Compared with eco-angled Pessoa and utility-focused Shires, Nunn Finer is the top choice for riders who prioritize craftsmanship, finish and longevity in their bridles' rubber grip reins.
Velvet touch
Shock-absorbing
Horse-hug comfort
Soft yet tacky rubber grip provides refined rein contact favoured by professionals.
High-grade leather and reinforced stitching withstand frequent use and training.
Velvet touch
Shock-absorbing
Horse-hug comfort
Soft yet tacky rubber grip provides refined rein contact favoured by professionals.
High-grade leather and reinforced stitching withstand frequent use and training.
$90-140 CAD
Greenhawk Soft Grip Web Reins
Greenhawk Soft Grip Web Reins combine traditional webbing with a soft, textured grip area to improve hand security in wet or fast-paced riding, offering a practical mid-range choice between plain web reins and higher-end padded or reflective models. Financially positioned as value-plus gear, they deliver better handling control than basic webbing like the Shires Topaz and are more affordable than purpose-built training draw reins such as the Kincade padded model.
Cushioned feel — palm-hug
Non-slip surface — wet-ready
Cushioned feel — palm-hug
Non-slip surface — wet-ready
Review Summary
"Soft-grip texture gives a secure, comfortable hold and improved control; customers like the feel and price, though some report the grip material shows wear with heavy use."
Easy hold — fatigue-fighter
Soft rubberised grip area on the webbing for improved hand feel
Easy hold — fatigue-fighter
Soft rubberised grip area on the webbing for improved hand feel
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Greenhawk Soft Grip Web Reins combine traditional webbing with a soft, textured grip area to improve hand security in wet or fast-paced riding, offering a practical mid-range choice between plain web reins and higher-end padded or reflective models. Financially positioned as value-plus gear, they deliver better handling control than basic webbing like the Shires Topaz and are more affordable than purpose-built training draw reins such as the Kincade padded model.
Cushioned feel — palm-hug
Non-slip surface — wet-ready
Easy hold — fatigue-fighter
Soft rubberised grip area on the webbing for improved hand feel
Nylon construction with leather-reinforced buckled ends for bridle compatibility
Cushioned feel — palm-hug
Non-slip surface — wet-ready
Easy hold — fatigue-fighter
Soft rubberised grip area on the webbing for improved hand feel
Nylon construction with leather-reinforced buckled ends for bridle compatibility
$35-55 CAD
Waldhausen's Double Lunge Line is a market‑driven choice for riders seeking a dependable, budget‑friendly option for groundwork; the traditional braided construction and straightforward two‑line setup make it easy for clubs and novices to adopt without specialist fittings. It undercuts pricier systems like Kincade and Pessoa on cost while offering broad availability and solid performance, though it lacks the modular adjustability and shock‑absorption features of elastic or multi‑attachment training reins.
Dual lines — tango partner
Tough webbing — tank-y grip
Dual lines — tango partner
Tough webbing — tank-y grip
Review Summary
"Durable, well-made double lunge line that reviewers say handles frequent use and provides reliable control; a few buyers mention the snaps can be stiff at first."
Smooth handling — butter glide
Two linked lines provide independent control of direction and reinforcement.
Smooth handling — butter glide
Two linked lines provide independent control of direction and reinforcement.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Waldhausen's Double Lunge Line is a market‑driven choice for riders seeking a dependable, budget‑friendly option for groundwork; the traditional braided construction and straightforward two‑line setup make it easy for clubs and novices to adopt without specialist fittings. It undercuts pricier systems like Kincade and Pessoa on cost while offering broad availability and solid performance, though it lacks the modular adjustability and shock‑absorption features of elastic or multi‑attachment training reins.
Dual lines — tango partner
Tough webbing — tank-y grip
Smooth handling — butter glide
Two linked lines provide independent control of direction and reinforcement.
Durable nylon/leather construction with solid snap swivels for tangle reduction.
Dual lines — tango partner
Tough webbing — tank-y grip
Smooth handling — butter glide
Two linked lines provide independent control of direction and reinforcement.
Durable nylon/leather construction with solid snap swivels for tangle reduction.
$40-70 CAD
Shires Soft Feel Lunge Line is the market leader for handler comfort, with a soft, hand-friendly finish that reduces rope burn and improves grip through long lunging sessions. Although it sits above the budget cotton lines in price, its technical advantage in comfort and consistent handling makes it a superior choice for frequent use compared with the stiffer or simpler alternatives in this list.
Soft-hand comfort
Pliable control
Soft-hand comfort
Pliable control
Review Summary
"Riders like the Shires Soft Feel Lunge Line for its comfortable, pliable hand-feel and solid construction, with many saying it’s gentle on the hands during frequent use. Some mention the price is higher than basic lines but worth it for the softness and durability."
Posh show-ready
Soft-coated webbing reduces hand friction and increases comfort
Posh show-ready
Soft-coated webbing reduces hand friction and increases comfort
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Shires Soft Feel Lunge Line is the market leader for handler comfort, with a soft, hand-friendly finish that reduces rope burn and improves grip through long lunging sessions. Although it sits above the budget cotton lines in price, its technical advantage in comfort and consistent handling makes it a superior choice for frequent use compared with the stiffer or simpler alternatives in this list.
Soft-hand comfort
Pliable control
Posh show-ready
Soft-coated webbing reduces hand friction and increases comfort
Reinforced hand loop and sturdy snap for reliable handling
Soft-hand comfort
Pliable control
Posh show-ready
Soft-coated webbing reduces hand friction and increases comfort
Reinforced hand loop and sturdy snap for reliable handling
$30-50 CAD
The Kincade Deluxe Cushion Web Lunge Line earns a best-in-class spot for lunging thanks to its padded web construction that reduces hand fatigue and gives consistent feel during long training sessions. Compared with the round leather-style lines in this list it offers superior cushioning and weather resistance at a competitive price, making it a technically comfortable and cost-effective choice for frequent use. Its blend of durability and user comfort positions it above more traditional or thinner lines when the priority is extended handling and grip control.
Padded webbing
Firm hand-loop
Padded webbing
Firm hand-loop
Review Summary
"Users praise the Kincade Deluxe Cushion Web Lunge Line for its comfortable padded hand loop, sturdy webbing and long-lasting construction; a few mention the hardware could be stronger but overall it holds up well to regular use. Most buyers find it a reliable, well-made lunge line for everyday training."
Cloud-soft feel
Padded cushion web handle for reduced hand fatigue during extended lunging
Cloud-soft feel
Padded cushion web handle for reduced hand fatigue during extended lunging
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Kincade Deluxe Cushion Web Lunge Line earns a best-in-class spot for lunging thanks to its padded web construction that reduces hand fatigue and gives consistent feel during long training sessions. Compared with the round leather-style lines in this list it offers superior cushioning and weather resistance at a competitive price, making it a technically comfortable and cost-effective choice for frequent use. Its blend of durability and user comfort positions it above more traditional or thinner lines when the priority is extended handling and grip control.
Padded webbing
Firm hand-loop
Cloud-soft feel
Padded cushion web handle for reduced hand fatigue during extended lunging
Durable reinforced webbing with leather wear points for long life
Padded webbing
Firm hand-loop
Cloud-soft feel
Padded cushion web handle for reduced hand fatigue during extended lunging
Durable reinforced webbing with leather wear points for long life
$45-65 CAD
Shires Soft Feel Elastic Lunge Line
Shires Soft Feel distinguishes itself by prioritizing rider comfort and horse welfare, featuring a padded handle and a forgiving elastic length that reduces shock for both horse and handler—making it the technical favorite for frequent lunging or rehabilitation work. Although it sits at a higher price point than Centaur or Kincade, its ergonomic design and high-quality fittings justify the investment for serious trainers compared with Waldhausen's durability-first approach.
Plush hand-feel
Gentle on hands
Plush hand-feel
Gentle on hands
Review Summary
"The Shires Soft Feel Elastic Lunge Line is frequently rated highly for its soft, comfortable handle, reliable stretch and robust fittings; long‑term users appreciate the durability and professional finish with only rare reports of elasticity loss after very heavy use."
Cloud-like stretch
Padded 'soft feel' cover reduces hand strain during long sessions.
Cloud-like stretch
Padded 'soft feel' cover reduces hand strain during long sessions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Shires Soft Feel distinguishes itself by prioritizing rider comfort and horse welfare, featuring a padded handle and a forgiving elastic length that reduces shock for both horse and handler—making it the technical favorite for frequent lunging or rehabilitation work. Although it sits at a higher price point than Centaur or Kincade, its ergonomic design and high-quality fittings justify the investment for serious trainers compared with Waldhausen's durability-first approach.
Plush hand-feel
Gentle on hands
Cloud-like stretch
Padded 'soft feel' cover reduces hand strain during long sessions.
Robust elastic core combined with protective outer sleeve for longevity.
Plush hand-feel
Gentle on hands
Cloud-like stretch
Padded 'soft feel' cover reduces hand strain during long sessions.
Robust elastic core combined with protective outer sleeve for longevity.
$45-75 CAD