Shires Optimus GP - REVIEWS?

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Always-Riding

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I need an adjustable saddle to back a youngster in the coming weeks and as I'm not keen on Cair/Flair , I thought I'd look into the Shires Optimus synthetic GP.

It is not a saddle for the long-term - just one to back a youngster for a few months when he is constantly changing (and so it doesn't matter if it gets damaged).

So your reviews?
 
I borrowed one of these for use on my tb whilst waiting for the saddle fitter.

It was a PERFECT fit on him, the best saddle I have ever had on him, even the saddler agreed that it was a damn good fit.

But. The quality was shocking. There were staples working their way out and I had to check the gullet plate before every ride as sometimes the screw worked loose. The material was cheap and nasty and prone to scuffs. It was only a few months old but it was cheap rubbish.

After the dodgy gullet plate I'm not sure I would trust them, I would say go for a second hand Thorowgood saddle as they quality is MUCH better but the fit of the TG just didn't suit my tb. Nothing fitted him as well as that damn Shires saddle!
 
I have one for my growing tb and its great fit. I havent had any problems and my saddler was so impressed hes thinking of stocking them.Mines probably 2 yrs old so maybe they have improved the model.Mines leather, they do scuff but clean up well as do any leather saddle . i think its worth paying bit more for leather version theres several on ebay for good prices .
 
Just bought a second-hand (well I say that, it doesn't even look like it's been sat on!) synthetic GP version.. For...£100!

Don't think I can go too wrong with that!
 
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