German Riding Apparel and Tack companies: RTS

This is the first guide to give you an overview about one of Germany's many tack and riding apparel companies, that are not so well known here in the US. It is thought to give you some information about their products and maybe help you decide if you want to buy them or not.

RTS - Rene-Tebbel-Sportline

Best known in the US for their innovative BENTEX full seat breeches, RTS offers a whole line of high quality english riding apparel and tack.

BENTEX breeches are in my opinion among the best riding breeches on the market. They are made of highest quality woven cotton/ lycra fabric, come in many cool colors and patterns and are famous for their sticky, yet elastic and comfortable full seat.
I still wear RTS breeches, I bought more than 10 years ago. They slowly start falling apart now, after being in the washer and dryer for like a trizillion times! They stay in shape, don't shrink a lot after washing and the fabrics color doesn't fade, like it did 10 years ago.
What I also like about these breeches is, that each pair you buy will fit pretty much the same. I own other brand name German breeches as well, but none of them are the same size, because they all fit differently. Very frustrating, especially if you like to order online or by catalog!
RTS breeches come in many different colors, as well as plaid patterns and brand new now in jeans fabric. They are offered with flat front, pleads or high waist and of course not just for ladies, but also for men and children.
You shouldn't buy these breeches, if you hate to stick to the saddle like glued or if you don't like pressure around your waist, because the elastic waistband is very strong and a little tighter than normal. If you are taller than 5 foot 5, go with the long sizes, because the regular sizes run slightly short.
In 2008 they introduced the new "comfort cut" breeches, which now fit true to size and are also longer. Watch, which kind you are bidding on, because they will fit differently!
Unfortunately RTS-Sportline went out of business in fall 2009, but there are plans to bring back the Bentex breeches under a new name very soon.