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I have been riding with Flex On stirrups for over a year now, and honestly, I have no complaints. I wasn't looking for a replacement, and I didn't have any issues that needed fixing. I just wanted to see what it’s like to ride in something else.
That is why I decided to test the Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo, a jumping model with shock absorption. I had them for a week: for jumping, hacking, indoor and outdoor arena work. Below, I share my real impressions and what this test ride proved.
My test in a nutshell:
- I have been using Flex On stirrups daily for over a year. I tested the Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo.
- The shock absorption feels completely different: my Flex On stirrups have two large cushions, while the Venice model features four shock absorbers in the corners of the tread.
- Very good foot stabilization, and the spikes on the tread really grip the boot.
- They are heavier than my Flex On stirrups, which is a plus for me.
- They feature a release mechanism that my Flex On stirrups do not have.
Why did I even reach for different stirrups?
It wasn't because of a problem. My Flex On stirrups have served me well for over a year, and I can't fault them. But stirrups are the kind of equipment you buy once and then stop thinking about, and I wanted to know if "good" was the limit, or if there was something even better.
At Equishop, Tech Stirrups are available for testing, so as a fan of innovative equestrian gear, I was happy to spend a week testing the technologically advanced Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo in my daily routine: jumping, hacking, and working in both indoor and outdoor arenas.
Shock absorption: two cushions vs. four shock absorbers
This is the first thing I noticed and the biggest difference between these two models. My Flex On stirrups use two large cushions for shock absorption. In the Venice Plus Evo, there are four smaller shock absorbers at work, one in each corner of the tread.
In practice, it feels completely different under the foot. It’s not better or worse, just different: the weight is distributed across different points, and it feels different upon landing. If you ride in one of these models and are considering the other, this is the difference you will notice the most.
Stability and spikes that grip the boot
The second thing I remember from the test: stabilization. The spikes on the tread really grip the boot's sole, ensuring the foot stays secure and doesn't slide around.
You can really feel this during jumps when your foot instinctively looks for support upon landing. Here, it stays exactly where you put it. I rode in them in the indoor arena, on the outdoor arena, and out on the trail, and it worked the same everywhere. A huge plus.
Weight: heavier and, for me, a plus
The Venice Plus Evo stirrups are noticeably heavier than my Flex On pair. You could see this as a downside, but for me, it was the opposite. A heavier stirrup sits more securely under your foot, making it slightly more comfortable to ride in.
Safety release, which the Flex On does not have
For me, this is the most important advantage of the Venice Plus Evo over what I currently use. They have a mobile outer arm that opens up to release the foot in the event of a fall and then snaps back into place. My Flex On stirrups do not have this feature.
I didn't test this during an actual fall, and I'd prefer not to, but this option gave me a greater sense of security right from the start. During daily riding, you don't feel anything moving; the foot support is fully solid. But knowing that your foot has a way to get free if needed provides much greater peace of mind. That is the difference between a classic stirrup and safety stirrups.
Pros and cons after a week of riding
I’ve summarized what I genuinely liked about them, and what is worth considering before making a purchase.
| Pros | Points to consider |
|---|---|
| Shock absorption based on four absorbers – while riding, I felt the stirrup working evenly and providing stable support for my foot. | Noticeable stirrup weight. For me, it was a positive that added stability, but those used to very lightweight models will notice the difference. |
| Wide tread and spikes grip the boot sole well, ensuring the foot stays in place even during more dynamic riding. | Higher price point than classic stirrups without shock absorption and a safety release system. |
| Safety release system for falls – a feature that increases the sense of security, which I didn't have in my Flex-on stirrups. | The wide tread and increased weight feel different under the foot compared to classic stirrups. It's one of those things best checked during a test ride. |
| Stable foot in every condition I rode in: indoors, outdoors, and on the trail. | A week of testing is enough to get a first impression, but not long enough to reliably comment on durability or long-term impact on joint comfort. |
Who would I recommend them to?
Above all, to people who have knee problems and are looking for stirrups that will take some of the impact off the joints. The four shock absorbers distribute weight differently than a classic stirrup, and in rider reviews about these stirrups, knee relief is mentioned as the top benefit.
Besides that, to everyone who likes shock absorption and stability and wants to have a safety release mechanism. For me, this combination worked perfectly: secure foot position, a heavier stirrup that doesn't slip, and safety as a standard feature.
Quick questions (FAQ)
How do the Venice Plus Evo differ from Flex On?
Mainly in shock absorption and safety. Flex On stirrups use two large cushions, while the Venice Plus Evo features four shock absorbers in the corners of the tread. The Venice Plus Evo also has a safety release for falls and is noticeably heavier.
Does the stirrup open during normal riding?
No. The moving arm only opens in the event of a fall when the foot exerts the necessary force, and then it returns to its position. During the entire week of riding, including jumping, it didn't open once.
Do the spikes damage the boot?
No. Their job is to keep the sole in place, and they do that very well.
Is the weight of the stirrup a disadvantage?
Not for me, quite the opposite: a heavier stirrup sits more securely under the foot. But if you like very light stirrups, this will be a change you need to test rather than just read about.
Can I test the stirrups before purchasing?
Yes, that is exactly what I did. At Equishop, Tech Stirrups, both jumping and dressage models, are available for testing.
Summary
After a week with the Venice Plus Evo, I have three clear conclusions: the four-absorber system feels completely different than the two-cushion system in the Flex On, the spikes and wide tread provide truly secure foot support, and the safety release is an asset that I simply don't have in my Flex On stirrups. The weight, which might be a disadvantage for some, turned out to be a plus for me.
I will add one more thing: it’s worth testing them yourself, especially if you need to protect your knees or are looking for a safety stirrup with a release mechanism. One thing I know for sure: my next pair of stirrups will be the Venice Plus Evo.
I invite you to visit Equishop to see the Tech Stirrups in person, try the tread with your own boots, and take them for a test ride. Our stationary showroom is located at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
