Saddle fitters: Custom Saddlery Icon Flight question

[keysfins]

I am currently riding in a borrowed Icon Flight that has the short blocks, and I like it quite a bit.

For those familiar with the Icon line, what are some of the differences between the saddles? (Flight, Star, Coda, Eclipse and the “coming soon” Echo.)

Also, what changes have been made to the Flight since the first version came out? I believe I am riding in one of the originals, and I thought I remembered reading about changes made to the Flight, but I don’t recall details.

Thanks for any info.

[keysfins]

Bump. Anyone??

[J-Lu]

I sat in one of these with a rep on hand. I felt pitched ever so slightly forward, and the rep told me that yes, they tend to pitch you ever so slightly forward. For the right kind of horse and rider, this balance is beneficial and puts the rider in an ideal balance.

I don’t know anything about the differences between the original and current models, but I’m sure a rep can fill you in.

[mvspencer]

I think that the Icon Flight is generally favored by ladies and the Icon Star is favored by guys. My boyfriend has an Icon Star and its incredible, but I know a woman who had a Star. She thought is was okay, but recently traded it in for a new Flight and is 10 times happier. Right now I think that Customs are some of the best saddles out there. Although, I do question the knowledge of some of their reps as per saddle fit. Some of them are great, don’t get me wrong! Kara Somerville in New Jersey knows her stuff, but I’m not so sure that the rep we worked with did. Perhaps the pitching forward sensation that J-Lu had was related to the way the saddle was sitting on the horse. The good thing is that they have wool flocking and you can always have the saddle looked at by and independent saddle fitter.

[keysfins]

Good feedback from both of you, thank you. I am meeting with an independent fitter who carries the Customs this week. Love my trainer’s older Icon Flight, so I hope there will be something that feels like that.

[MelanieC]

I have a 2013 Icon Flight that is exceptionally comfortable. I don’t know what changes have been made, but my fitter (who is a Custom fitter but will fit any brand) mentioned that the newer models are different from previous ones like mine. Therefore, whatever changes have occurred have been very recent. Don’t know if this helps, but I adore mine. I was lucky enough to buy it used and it’s perfect for me and my gelding: short blocks, petite flap because I’m a waif, pony panels for my guy’s short back. I hope you find one you love just as much!

[keysfins]

Thank you, MelanieC. That is helpful for me to figure out the timeline of the original Flight and the newer models. The fitter did say what she brings out may feel different than the Flight I am using now. I am not certain of the age of the one I am using now. Based on the horse it was used on/bought for, it might be 5-6 years old.

Mvspencer, I am very aware that the fitter makes the difference. I likely would have never considered this saddle if the former rep had anything to do with trials and fitting. Fortunately, the current fitter is a new person, is local, and is an independent fitter.

I’m curious about the other Icon models, because I have only heard of the Flight.

[MelanieC]

I think that the Icon Star is for a horse with a flatter back, while the Flight accomodates a horse with a curve to the back or more prominent withers. I haven’t sat in a Star but have been told that it does not feel as close contact as the flight. The Icon Coda is the Icon Flight with the flex tree.

My trainer ordered a saddle new this year based on how much she likes mine, and the saddle she received unfortunately felt totally different.

[Libby2563]

The naming of Custom lines and model is pretty confusing (to me, anyway) and a knowledgeable rep will probably be your best source of info. I tried the Flight and Star before buying a Coda, and they seemed totally different to me despite all being in the Icon line. I think what Melanie says about the fit is correct.

[MelanieC]

My trainer is currently trialing a single-flap (not monoflap) Advantage that she and her mare like quite a bit - not as much as my Icon Flight, but it suits them. The Advantage has the same tree as the Flight, or so I understand, so it might be worth a try - the price is better too.

Best bet is probably to find something used, but IME finding a used Icon Flight with short blocks can be difficult as most of the ones I found on sale have the regular, long blocks. I got lucky because my fitter had just bought up a bunch of lightly-used inventory, probably from some barns where the trainers are sponsored and therefore get new saddles regularly.