There's a "premium" bit in this style, which is sold and pictured here. The listing descriptions, listing pictures and customer photos show brass fittings at the cheek and small copper inlays in the mouth. Pictures also show the joint at the cheek being smoothed and finished well, by appearance at least.

That's not what I received. The bit was the same shape, but the joint at the cheek had no brass, the joint was rough and had some unevenness, and there was no copper in the bit aside from the little ball in the middle. It felt and looked... cheap. AKA "economy."

Since the customer photos match the listing photo, I'm guessing someone did a switcheroo on the item I received, and traded out the "economy" bit for the "premium" bit. I got the fraudulent return, apparently because Amazon doesn't pay people to actually check returns for accuracy. That becomes our jobs.

So, just be sure you got what you paid for if you order this bit.

My horse LOVES it!

I haven't tried to transfer my 5 year old TN Walker to this bit yet, but plan on trying next spring when I will be able to work with her more often. The bit is heavy and well built looks like a quality bit, the mouthpiece is curved although the picture doesn't show it.

As a Professional Trainer for almost 20 years I have never seen a bit make such an immediate "positive" difference in a horse. I have seen plenty have a negative impact for sure. After trying every "stock horse" bit in my tack room without success, I ordered this bit. Immediate results. The results are not because of "more" pressure, but because of how well the off-set design works in the mouth of a gated horse based on their somewhat unique anatomy. With the horse now comfortable, she instantly relaxed and responded very well. Shipping was prompt of course, bit seems very well made - 100% happy.

I tried this bit on my horse yesterday. I am transitioning from a broken bit to this...she seem to adapt to it well with no resistance. I put a curb chain on it also. She stopped on a dime when I pulled back, which she is very light in the mouth anyway. She really collected herself 10x better than the broken bit. Her gaits were on spot. I highly recommend this bit to anyone transitioning your horse to another bit. I'm happy!!!