Wintec, Bates or Collegiate?

[nicnag]

Can some of you kind people shed some light for me?
New horse has come with a wintec saddle, fits him well but I detest it! It constantly squeaks and I hate to admit but I've become a saddle snob!
So, as the tree seems to suit him and the actual saddle itself doesn't offend me as far as my position etc is in it, I'm wondering whether I could replace it with a Bates or Collegiate saddle as I believe they are made by the same company?
Obviously will get it checked by a saddler but have just had the wintec checked and she says it suits his funny shape so basics seem to be there!
Opinions?
Also posted in Stable yard so apologies for cross posting but more people in here!

 

[jessquoi]

bates are the 'nicest' in my opinion, wintec are only synthetic or fake leather. collegiate is a more affordable leather range which seems to have nice looking saddles. i've been deliberating myself as i like the changeable gullets and all those makes use the same ones.

 

[arwenplusone]

Right. I have had all three.

Agree totally on the wintecs, though I think they fit a lot of horses very well and are good because they are light.
I currently have a bates momentum and a collegiate dressage (can't remember the exact name of it right now).
The bates is better quality leather & feels more expensive, but I cannot fault the collegiate. The only difference between the two is the type of leather.
I have brown so can notice it more - if you have black I doubt it would even be that obvious.

 

[Tnavas]

Bates saddles are wonderful - I've had mine for years - the Caprilli is the most expensive - mostly leather and the Collegiate a bit cheaper - it has a lot of synthetic leather on it.

 

[canteron]

Like you had a wintec but like you hated the squeaking and felt that it was quite 'hard' on the horses back.

Bought a Bates off Ebay, thinking I would give it a go and really like it. Saddle fitter also said that both the wintec and Bates fit the horse just fine.

Hope that helps!!

 

[Donkeymad]

Bates definately, Colligiate come near the bottom and Wintec right at the bottom for me.