Acavallo Rel-X 180 Stirrups

Check over the first rides whether the arm rotates freely and then locks again neatly, and repeat that check now and then: a rotating mechanism asks for more attention than a fixed stirrup. At the same time look over the polymer part for cracks or play, certainly if the stirrups are left hanging outside in the sun. Rinse off sand and mud after a ride on a sand surface and wipe the stirrups dry before you put them away, so no grit is left in the mechanism. If you ride in a boot with a smooth sole, the Grip System tread gives you more grip than a flat metal plate. Store the stirrups dry and do not leave them in a wet cover.

Choose the Rel-X 180 if you want a stirrup whose arm can give way in more than one direction, and if a stirrup that feels less rigid appeals to you. Acavallo rules out no discipline: showjumping, eventing, dressage and daily work are all possible. If you would rather have an all-metal stirrup with a stainless steel tread and a tread you can replace separately, the Acavallo Arena Aluplus 2.0 from the same range suits you better: it is more rigid, but also simpler in build. If you are mainly after a stirrup with an interchangeable sole and the choice between ordinary grip and spikes, look at the Samshield Shield’Rup. And anyone who would rather have no moving parts in their stirrup at all takes a classic fixed model.

Slide the stirrup leather through the eye and hang the stirrups up with the rotating arm on the outside of your leg. Before every ride, check that this arm is locked and rotates freely, and look over the polymer part for cracks. After sand or mud, rinse with water, paying attention to the mechanism and the pin, and wipe the stirrups dry before you put them away. A separate care instruction Acavallo does not publish for this model.

What does the 180 in the name stand for?

The rotation of the outer arm. Acavallo documents a rotating movement of 180 degrees which, according to the manufacturer, makes it possible to come free in a fall forwards, backwards or to the side.

What is the difference from the Arena Aluplus 2.0?

The Arena Aluplus 2.0 is all metal, with an arch of anodised aluminium and a stainless steel tread, and its arm opens sideways. The Rel-X 180 is moulded from metal and flexible polymers, feels less rigid and has an arm that rotates.

How much does this stirrup weigh?

Acavallo states 519 grams. The manufacturer does not say whether that applies per stirrup or to the pair. A comparison with the Arena Aluplus 2.0 is not possible: Acavallo publishes no weight for it.

What are the horizontal openings in the upper face for?

According to Acavallo they provide grip in all riding conditions. The upper face is stainless steel, which protects the stirrup against corrosion.

What is shot peening?

A blasting treatment of the surface. Acavallo uses it on the punched aluminium of this stirrup; the result is a matt, finely roughened outside.

How wide is the tread?

Acavallo publishes no width or length of the tread, and no sizes either. So compare with the stirrup you ride now.

How do I look after these stirrups?

Rinse off sand and mud, wipe them dry and store them dry. Check the rotating mechanism regularly and look over the polymer part for cracks or play. An official care instruction Acavallo does not give.

• Acavallo stirrup with an outer arm that rotates 180 degrees.
• Moulded from high-tech metal and flexible polymers, less rigid than an all-metal stirrup.
• Stainless steel upper face with horizontal openings; pin and internal parts stainless steel as well.
• Tread with Grip System and five degrees of incline.
• Surface in punched aluminium with a shot peening treatment.
• Stated weight 519 grams, with no word on whether that is per stirrup or per pair.
• At Maddelin in black; no size to choose.