Hey guys,
Big shout out to @Steve Plemmons for showing me his saddles. I am looking to purchase my first. I tried out his and here was my initial response. I'm 6' 260lbs with a flat butt. 40" waist (Sorry. I'm taken)
In order I tried the Kestrel, the flex, the H2, and last sat in the JX3.
At first the Kestrel felt a little weird. But honestly it was the first saddle I tried on. Then I tried the flex. The flex felt a little more comfortable than the Kestrel. But the extra material almost felt annoying.
Next was the H2. So far this was the most comfortable.
All had some hip pinch. But I factored that to they were the smaller size. I would be looking for the bigger size.
Next I tried the JX3. Know this is a fine piece of equipment and I have been on the verge of ordering one. But honestly after sitting in it, I don't think it's for me. The side straps dug into my rib cage. I felt almost clostraphobic with the side straps and some extra stuff around me. Swinging around on it was different. It would really take some practice to get use to moving it around I think. Not that a saddle is easy. But I found my self struggling to make slow easy movements. I think if I was a little smaller I would find it more comfortable. Plus a little less clostraphobic. I really thought this thing was gonna be my solution. But at this point I don't think it's what I want to start with.
Then I went back and tried them all again.
The H2 in the second go round felt like it had a deep cup to sit in. I think a bigger size would have helped this some to feel better. So overall a nice well built saddle. No fancy bells and whistles. But very well made.
Then back to the flex, and this time didnt really care for it. Maybe I didn't play with it enough. But just couldn't find a comfortable position.
Then I tried the Kestrel again. It felt even better than the first time. I like the side adjustments that run underneath. Plus the leg buckles. Which is ironic that I had not even considered this saddle in my searching. But now if I had to pick right now, it is what I would order.
I am holding out for the outdoor shows near me to try the phantom before I commit. But right now the Kestrel is my front runner.
Hope this is helpful to anyone looking at saddles or something else.
Big shout out to @Steve Plemmons for showing me his saddles. I am looking to purchase my first. I tried out his and here was my initial response. I'm 6' 260lbs with a flat butt. 40" waist (Sorry. I'm taken)
In order I tried the Kestrel, the flex, the H2, and last sat in the JX3.
At first the Kestrel felt a little weird. But honestly it was the first saddle I tried on. Then I tried the flex. The flex felt a little more comfortable than the Kestrel. But the extra material almost felt annoying.
Next was the H2. So far this was the most comfortable.
All had some hip pinch. But I factored that to they were the smaller size. I would be looking for the bigger size.
Next I tried the JX3. Know this is a fine piece of equipment and I have been on the verge of ordering one. But honestly after sitting in it, I don't think it's for me. The side straps dug into my rib cage. I felt almost clostraphobic with the side straps and some extra stuff around me. Swinging around on it was different. It would really take some practice to get use to moving it around I think. Not that a saddle is easy. But I found my self struggling to make slow easy movements. I think if I was a little smaller I would find it more comfortable. Plus a little less clostraphobic. I really thought this thing was gonna be my solution. But at this point I don't think it's what I want to start with.
Then I went back and tried them all again.
The H2 in the second go round felt like it had a deep cup to sit in. I think a bigger size would have helped this some to feel better. So overall a nice well built saddle. No fancy bells and whistles. But very well made.
Then back to the flex, and this time didnt really care for it. Maybe I didn't play with it enough. But just couldn't find a comfortable position.
Then I tried the Kestrel again. It felt even better than the first time. I like the side adjustments that run underneath. Plus the leg buckles. Which is ironic that I had not even considered this saddle in my searching. But now if I had to pick right now, it is what I would order.
I am holding out for the outdoor shows near me to try the phantom before I commit. But right now the Kestrel is my front runner.
Hope this is helpful to anyone looking at saddles or something else.
