Ridecamp: [RC] equipment question

I need to get a pair of Easy Ride stirrups with cages, and wondered whether most people preferred the aluminum or the nylon. I'm a featherweight. Also, my heavyweight husband need a pair, and I thought I saw Easy Rides with the little shock absorber on top. He has had knee surgery. Do the shocks work or just cause you to get bounced around? Also, what brand of saddle covers are popular? I thought the kind with the sheepskin still on the hide would slip less??? 
                                             Shelly