Turbo Braid vs. EquiRope: A comprehensive comparison of electric fence for horses 

If you have an equine property, you might have already compared different electric fences for horses and now want to make the final decision. 

In the world of electric braids, EquiRope and Turbo braid are two popular options that stand out and are considered by horse property owners across Australia and New Zealand. Both products are designed to provide reliable containment and ensure the safety of horses within portable and semi-permanent electric fences. 

If you too are trying to figure out which of these would be better suited for your horses, your property and your budget then keep reading. 

At Stock & Noble, we take pride in being the exclusive supplier of EquiRope, a highly successful product used extensively across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. As the providers of EquiRope, it’s natural for us to have a bias towards our product. However, we understand that EquiRope may not be the ideal fence for everyone’s horse property. We will be providing an honest and unbiased comparison between EquiRope and Turbo Braid based on facts, our expertise in electric horse fencing and insights gained from the industry. 

In this article, we will compare Turbo Braid and EquiRope based on various factors including usage, electrical capabilities, product specifications, warranty, longevity, performance, quality, cost, and installation. 

Let’s dig deeper and find out which option best suits your needs. 

Comparison Based on Product Specifications of Electric Fences  

Turbo Braid Features 

Versatile Application:  

Ideal for both long portable fences and permanent fences, offering flexibility in usage. 

Easy Winding:  

Turbo Braid is designed not to twist or stretch, making it convenient to handle during installation or adjustments. 

Nature’s Warning Sign:  

The inclusion of stripes on Turbo Braid serves as a visual deterrent for animals, discouraging them from challenging the fence. 

Power Loss Prevention:  

An exclusive interconnect feature ensures that power loss is prevented in the event of a metal strand breaking. 

Optimal Width:  

Turbo Braid has a width of 6mm, providing a balanced profile for efficient fencing performance. 

Mixed Metal Strands:  

Turbo Braid consists of 10 mixed metal strands, combining stainless steel and copper for conductivity. 

EquiRope Features

High Visibility: 

Designed with horses in mind, EquiRope is highly visible, making it easily noticeable for both humans and animals. 

Shockingly Effective: 

With 8 pure coated copper conductors, EquiRope maintains excellent conductivity over long distances, ensuring consistent performance. 

Easy Installation: 

EquiRope is a soft threaded rope that can be conveniently installed by hand, saving time and effort. 

Enhanced Connectivity: 

EquiRope utilizes copper-based joiner and connector accessories with 28 points of connection, maximising the conductivity of electricity across any joints or connections. 

Optimal Width: 

EquiRope is available in a 6mm width, catering to various fencing requirements, and comes in lengths of 200m and 500m. 

Pure Copper Strands: 

EquiRope exclusively features 100% copper strands, ensuring superior conductivity and durability. 

Comparison Based on Usage of Electric Fences 

Usage of Turbo Braid 

Turbo Braid is a good choice for long portable fences, but it can also be used with permanent fences. It is particularly suitable for fence lines longer than 400m due to its high conductivity and reliability. The 6 mm diameter wire of Turbo Braid is designed to maintain tension and movement, making it ideal for windy conditions. 

Usage of EquiRope 

EquiRope is specifically designed with horses in mind. It is highly visible and perfect for temporary as well as permanent fencing solutions. EquiRope’s excellent conductivity over long distances makes it a reliable option for horses that challenge fences or young horses who are still learning boundaries. 

Comparison based on Electric Capabilities of Electric Fences 

Electrical Capabilities of Turbo Braid 

Turbo Braid consists of three copper and six stainless-steel strands, providing superior conductivity with only 125 Ohms/km of resistance. This conductivity is 48 times higher than that of standard Poly Wire, making Turbo Braid a reliable and long-lasting conductor for powering distances greater than 400m. 

Electrical Capabilities of EquiRope 

EquiRope utilizes 8 pure coated copper conductors, ensuring excellent conductivity over long distances. Unlike standard steel wires, EquiRope maintains a lower resistance, allowing a stronger current flow and providing a more effective shock to horses that attempt to challenge the fence. 

EquiRope boasts a remarkable conductivity that surpasses Turbo Braid by 2.5 times, enabling it to cover distances that are 2.5 times longer while maintaining its effectiveness. It is worth noting that Turbo Braid consists of 6 stainless steel wires and 3 copper wires. However, it is important to consider that stainless steel is significantly less conductive than copper, with a conductivity that is 10 times lower. Furthermore, the combination of stainless steel and copper can lead to a reaction that shortens the lifespan of the product. 

Comparison based on Warranty offered by Electric Fences 

Warranty of Turbo Braid 

Turbo Braid comes with a 1-year warranty, assuring its quality and durability. 

Warranty of EquiRope 

EquiRope offers an impressive 5-year warranty, demonstrating the manufacturer’s confidence in its product’s longevity and performance. 

Comparison based on the Longevity of Electric Fences 

Turbo Braid Longevity 

Although Turbo Braid is designed to be durable, its inclusion of stainless-steel strands may lead to a bimetallic reaction, accelerating copper corrosion and potentially shortening its lifespan. 

EquiRope Longevity 

EquiRope is specifically engineered to withstand environmental factors that can degrade fencing materials. It is soaked in anti-fungicides to prevent rotting and features tinplated copper conductors, which reduce the chances of the rope “greening” due to natural copper reactions. EquiRope is designed for long-lasting performance. 

Comparison Based on the Performance of Electric Fences 

Turbo Braid Performance  

Turbo Braid offers streamlined, low-profile wire, making it resistant to wind and reducing the chances of rubbing. Its high conductivity and visibility make it an excellent choice for reliable animal control. 

EquiRope Performance 

EquiRope’s high-quality UV-stable electric polyester braid ensures excellent conductivity over long distances. The use of 100% copper strands and proper insulation contributes to its overall performance and reliability. 

Comparison based on the Cost of Electric Fences 

Turbo Braid Cost 

A 200m length of Turbo Braid is priced at $123.

EquiRope Cost 

A 200m length of EquiRope is priced at $278.30.

Turbo Braid vs. EquiRope: Comparison of Installation of Electric Fence for Horses 

Turbo Braid Installation 

Turbo Braid is designed not to tangle or overstretch, facilitating easy installation. Manuals and video guides are available to assist with the installation process. 

EquiRope Installation 

EquiRope is easy to install by hand, and installation guides and videos are provided to ensure proper installation. It is crucial to use EquiRope’s nominated fittings for optimal performance, long life, and warranty. Additionally, EquiRope must be kept electrified at all times while animals are in the enclosed area. 

Turbo Braid vs. EquiRope: Which Electric Fence is Best for My Horses? 

In the comparison between Turbo Braid and EquiRope, both options offer unique features and benefits for electric fencing solutions for horses. 

• Turbo Braid is a versatile option suitable for long portable fences as well as permanent fences. It provides easy winding, visual deterrence through stripes, and an exclusive interconnect feature to prevent power loss. With its mixed metal strands, including stainless steel and copper, Turbo Braid offers reliable conductivity, although the presence of stainless steel wires may lead to a bimetallic reaction that shortens the product’s lifespan. Turbo Braid comes with a 1-year warranty and costs less than EquiRope. 

• On the other hand, EquiRope is specifically designed with horses in mind, offering high visibility and shockingly effective performance. It is easy to install by hand and utilizes 100% copper strands, ensuring excellent conductivity over long distances. EquiRope’s enhanced connectivity through copper-based joiner and connector accessories maximizes the flow of electricity across joins and connections. EquiRope is soaked in anti-fungicides and features tinplated copper conductors for longevity and durability. It comes with an impressive 5-year warranty and is priced higher compared to Turbo Braid. 

Ultimately, the choice between Turbo Braid and EquiRope depends on specific requirements and preferences. If a versatile option that offers visual deterrence is desired, Turbo Braid can be a suitable choice. However, EquiRope stands out with its highly visible design, long distance coverage, superior conductivity, enhanced connectivity, longer warranty, and cost-effectiveness over the long run.  

Regardless of the choice, it is important to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturers to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and safety. As a next step, it’ll be worth diving into the details of buying and installing EquiRope before you make your final decision. 

If you have any more questions related to the cost, installation, order or delivery of EquiRope or other electric fences for your property, feel free to request a call. One of our fencing advisors would be glad to answer your questions and help you build your dream property.