I just bought a new (to me) antares saddle. Of course I’ve been told only to ever use antares products on this. With my old saddle I liked Fiebings and effax, and should I be concerned about using non-antares products on my saddle? I’ve never owned a higher quality leather product before!
Any recommendations on cleaning/oiling/conditioning routines would be great too.
Thanks!
I just purchased a custom CWG saddle and had the same directions - only to use the CWD product on the saddle. However the billet straps and flaps under my calf are SO stiff I could not easily use them.
I could not get the girth tight enough to ride (the saddle wuld slip when I put m foot in the stirrup and couldnt get the flaps under my leg to flex enough to get to the billet straps.
After using the CWG products, I did a few treatments of neatsfoot oil and it made a HUGE difference. Its not “really” soft however I can actually get the girth tight enough to ride which I could not do before. I am using the CWD products now but think I “could” use other products as the saddle gets broken in.
Honestly? It’s a leather saddle. Leather saddle care products of any brand should be fine.
Perhaps the saddle manufacturers specify their own brand so that people don’t put something really odd on their saddle, but I think it’s more likely they are just selling product.
Personally, I use Higher Standards saddle soap on my saddles (County, Kieffer, Roosli) and when they need conditioning I either use Passier Lederbalsm or Leather Honey.
Thanks for the feedback! I feel like the recommendation to only use antares products is probably bogus, and a sale tactic. Just afraid to ruin my saddle! So excited for it!
I have an Antares saddle and previously had a PJ. I used any quality leather product. However, unless the saddle is extremely dry or has not previously been oiled, it is recommended that you not use neatsfoot oil as it tends to compromise the stitching. A quality leather conditioner will help soften it and keep the leather pliable and in good shape. I rub mine in by hand in order to get into all the nooks and crannies. Just as an aside, I had my Antares re-seated two years ago and the customer service was terrific. You have made a wonderful choice.
Be VERY careful that you don’t void your warrantee.
I have a friend with an Hermes saddle she bought new. She took exquisite care of it, keeping it cleaned and oiled and looking like new. About 3-4 years after purchase, the leather started cracking - all over the saddle. Not just in wear areas, but on pommel, on the inside of the throat and panels - everywhere! She sent it back to Hermes, and they wouldn’t replace it; said that, since she hadn’t used THEIR products, it was her fault. They reconditioned the saddle and sent it back to her, but would do nothing more. And that was for a $$$$$ saddle that you’d THINK the manufacturers would stand behind. :no:
So, be very, very careful.
How can they tell that you don’t use only “their” products?
BTW, my saddles are many years old and I have never experienced any issues with the leather on any of them.
And, since the OP has bought a new to her (i.e., used) saddle, I doubt it’s under warranty.
I just would not recommend using Glycerine stuff. But it’s always safer to use the brand products.
I like the Passier products (which I use on my Voltaire saddle - gasp!)
What’s wrong with Glycerine? I love it
[QUOTE=Atlas Shrugged;7982270]
What’s wrong with Glycerine? I love it[/QUOTE]
Because over time it makes the color of the leather fade.
I like:
Effax Ledercombi for deep cleaning
Higher Standards for everyday wipedown and regular cleaning
Lexol Non-darkening Leather Dressing conditioner
Jay El beeswax dressing or Passier Lederbalsam to seal in conditioners and for waterproofing
I don’t really oil my saddle anymore, but since yours is new:
Hydrophane Oil
Mink Oil once a year or so will also help with waterproofing.
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