How to measure thickness of western saddle pads?

[BlueDrifter]

Is it the thickness in the compressed or uncompressed state?

I have an 3/4" SPH pad that, brand new, measures 1", but if I squeeze it between my fingers, it measures 3/4". So SPH seems to use the compressed thickness.

I also tried a Toklat T3 Matrix that comes with 1/4" felt shims. They might be 1/4" uncompressed, but half that when compressed. So Toklat uses the uncompressed measure for their stuff. It is definitely not 1/4" compared to thinline shims (which I have from my english saddle) – those are definitely 1/4" and don’t compress easily.

I know the answer is likely “no,” but is there a standard?

[findeight]

Uncompressed state…or so I was told last time I bought any pads.

[beau159]

Well, you’ve prompted me to measure my 5 Star 1/2" and 3/4" pads tonight and let you know! I’ve never bothered to measure after I’ve ordered them.

[beau159]

Must be compressed for 5 Star! I looked at my 1/2 inch pad and on the front it measures just a smidge under 1 inch.

[Aces_N_Eights]

Good question.
I measured my SPH pad, I ordered a 1/2", uncompressed 5/8", compressed 1/2".
My Wade Pad says its 1.25" and it measures so but it isn’t meant to compress. Its wool felt with closed foam in the inside meant to protect the horses back from concussion like roping. The pad is pretty but a bit stiff and hard.

Fleece pads, I have no idea as it’s been a long time since I’ve bought one. I love them once they are broke in but I despise the initial break in period.

[BlueDrifter]

Hehe… on the fleece pads – I was nearly in a wreck as a new fleece pad had me and saddle slipping off… That was returned, maybe later when the saddle is broken in – I love them too, but had no idea the break in could be risky.

@beau159 Well, I called 5Star and it is the compressed thickness – they said all wool felt will “fluff” on the ends and appear thicker than stated dimension.

@Aces N Eights Wade pads are gorgeous, but I read comments about them being particularly stiff and sometimes causing rubs. Thanks for confirming.

I am currently trying out a CSI pad and it’s 1/2" liner seems to be a compressed measure as well.

[Aces_N_Eights]

@BlueDrifter

Hehe… on the fleece pads – I was nearly in a wreck as a new fleece pad had me and saddle slipping off… That was returned, maybe later when the saddle is broken in – I love them too, but had no idea the break in could be risky.

@beau159 Well, I called 5Star and it is the compressed thickness – they said all wool felt will “fluff” on the ends and appear thicker than stated dimension.

@Aces N Eights Wade pads are gorgeous, but I read comments about them being particularly stiff and sometimes causing rubs. Thanks for confirming.

I am currently trying out a CSI pad and it’s 1/2" liner seems to be a compressed measure as well.

Yes, a slipping fleece pad with you on it is a horrible feeling if you’ve reached the point of not being able to right yourself!

I agree the Wade Pads are pretty. I bought mine used to try thinking I’d use it under my cow horse saddle. They look quite smart together. Because it is stiff and hard I lost a lot of feel of my horse’s back. If I was going to go rope a bunch and don’t need that feel I don’t hesitate to use it.
That is where the SPH came in. It fits perfect under my saddle, I use it with a wool blanket topper.

What do you think of the CSI? It seems people love them or hate them.

[BlueDrifter]

The SPH has given me a whole new feel to my saddle - coming from english, I never quite felt my horse in a western saddle… but now I can. The leg cutouts seem to match up perfectly with the fenders and I actually feel a “wrap” around him.

The CSI pad makes perfect sense to me, so I am hesitant to throw in the towel, but I think I need a thicker liner. I got the 1/2", knowing that plus the flexplate would bring it to 3/4", but I don’t have the nestled down feeling in it that I have with SPH. I am within the 30day return period and asked them their thoughts, but haven’t heard back. I do think the CSI pad takes a little more breaking in.

For what it is worth, the SPH felt is similar to 5Star felt – pressed. I think the CSI felt is needled, and it isn’t as cushy/soft.