Tad Coffin A5 v A5 G2

[akhunterrider]

Hello all,
Just wondering what the big differences would be between how these saddles ride and how they fit the horse. I asked Tad earlier today and other than the trees being different (wood in a 2001 A5 v carbon fiber in a 2008 A5 G2), I didn’t really get a good answer for how they will feel to ride in. He said I’d just need to try them .

While a newer A5 G2 is exactly what I want, I’m not sure that my small budget will allow me to get exactly that when I can purchase a saddle. Unfortunately I did find exactly what I wanted for a lot closer to my budget, but I have to sell my saddle first.

[wilkins2]

The A5 I have is very close contact and lets you feel wrapped around your horse. My TC2, which I guess is the G2, is deeper and rides more like the other high end type saddles but I like that one esp for horses with high thin withers.

[fordtraktor]

I used to have an A5 and sold it for a TC2 because my horse’s withers were too high to make the A5 work. I actually think the saddles feel very similar to sit in. The tree makes more of a difference to the horses (their backs are so swingy in the TC2!).

I would imagine the newer A5s would feel even more similar. But FWIW I really like the SmartRide tree and am happy I upgraded. I had to have it repaired once – mine is a 2009 model – but he did it under the guarantee which made me very happy! I purchased the saddle used so I wasn’t sure what kind of guarantee there even was.

[soloudinhere]

The TC2 is a different saddle than the A5G2. The A5G2 is the same as the A5 except it had the carbon fiber tree and upgraded leather. It was relatively new when I bought one in 2008.

the TC2 has a different tree shape and deeper seat meant to accommodate horses with more scoop in the back. The original A5/A5G2 fit wide.

[fordtraktor]

That is very true, I just meant to say that if the TC2 and older A5 feel pretty much the same, the new A5 isn’t likely to feel different at all. All the TC saddles have a balance point that just works for me I guess.

[Dubarry]

@wilkins2

The A5 I have is very close contact and lets you feel wrapped around your horse. My TC2, which I guess is the G2, is deeper and rides more like the other high end type saddles but I like that one esp for horses with high thin withers.

I would agree with this. I have an older A5G that is pretty flat and close contact. I rode in a friend’s TC2 which I felt was deeper. If you are looking, I have know of one listed on eBay for a great price…not advertising, just saying

[RugBug]

The TC2 is NOT the same as the A5G2. Please see @soloudinhere post for the difference between the A5 and the A5G2.

My A5G2 was VERY flat. No one would ever think to use the word “deep” or “deeper” when describing it.

[akhunterrider]

Thanks, everyone.

I recently had a 2008 A5G2 without the Smartride tree on trial. My horse and I both loved it. Unfortunately it was well outside any price range I would have, but given how well the A5G2 seemed to fit and how well my horse went in it, I probably would not look into the TC2 because of the fit differences. I have an Appendix QH that has a bigger shoulder and not very tall wither.

Unfortunately my budget may not ever be large enough for the A5G2 I would love to have, so I may try the A5 and see if my horse would tolerate it. I’m betting be probably won’t, as we’ve had a lot of saddle fit challenges, but I suppose it may be worth a try.

[RugBug]

@akhunterrider

Unfortunately my budget may not ever be large enough for the A5G2 I would love to have, so I may try the A5 and see if my horse would tolerate it. I’m betting be probably won’t, as we’ve had a lot of saddle fit challenges, but I suppose it may be worth a try.

don’t forget about the A5G. Also, I think if you can go down a seat size, you will find more options. Be patient. It took me a while to find what I was looking for…but it did show up. Good luck!

[akhunterrider]

Thank you for the reminder. We’ve also had this discussion on Facebook Rugbug. (It’s Rhiannon, btw). I’m absolutely not opposed to the A5G and would definitely try the 17.5 if I came across one (when I have all my money together). I’m just really hesitant to try to wooden tree when my picky horse liked the carbon fiber so much.

I keep checking that Farm House Tack one you sent me to see if it’s still available, but I still haven’t listed my saddle for sale because I just can’t let go of it yet. Can’t have my cake and eat it too I guess.

[RugBug]

@akhunterrider

Thank you for the reminder. We’ve also had this discussion on Facebook Rugbug. (It’s Rhiannon, btw). I’m absolutely not opposed to the A5G and would definitely try the 17.5 if I came across one (when I have all my money together). I’m just really hesitant to try to wooden tree when my picky horse liked the carbon fiber so much.

I keep checking that Farm House Tack one you sent me to see if it’s still available, but I still haven’t listed my saddle for sale because I just can’t let go of it yet. Can’t have my cake and eat it too I guess.

I know it’s you. I’m crossing all my fingers/toes and jingling things that what you want in your price range shows up.

[ToTheNines]

I have a TC A5 with the SmartTree. I’ve had it for about six years I think. It was made new for me. I used to board one horse, and I loved my new TC so much, I got a second used TC for lugging around in the car, keeping at the boarding barn, etc.

The used TC was an A5, but not a SmartTree. There is a world of difference. The wooden tree saddle was fine, but I did not love it nearly as much as the SmartTree saddle.

The used one is now at Tad’s BTW for sale. You might want to give him a call. You could always have him put in a new tree. It’s a 17.5. Maybe the one you tried. I just remember it was an A5, not sure what G or G2 means.

[akhunterrider]

@RugBug

I know it’s you. I’m crossing all my fingers/toes and jingling things that what you want in your price range shows up.

Im sure it will eventually. Even though I can’t buy right this minute, I’ve made it my goal to scour the internet and find my needle in a hay stack.

I should have known that you knew it was me. Well call it my Thursday blonde moment. Lol

[akhunterrider]

@ToTheNines

I have a TC A5 with the SmartTree. I’ve had it for about six years I think. It was made new for me. I used to board one horse, and I loved my new TC so much, I got a second used TC for lugging around in the car, keeping at the boarding barn, etc.

The used TC was an A5, but not a SmartTree. There is a world of difference. The wooden tree saddle was fine, but I did not love it nearly as much as the SmartTree saddle.

The used one is now Tad’s BTW for sale. You might want to give him a call. You could always have him put in a new tree. It’s a 17.5. Maybe the one you tried. I just remember it was an A5, not sure what G or G2 means.

The one I had on trial from Tad was an 18". I’m not opposed to the Smartride at all, it’s more of an issue of not being able to afford it. The G2 is the second generation A5. Upgraded leather and the tree is carbon fiber and not traditional wood. Not 100% sure on the differences between the A5G and A5G2, but between the straight A5 and A5G2 at least, the tree construction is the biggest one, with leather quality being the other main difference from what I understand.

I was able to try the saddle for just shipping, so to me it was worth it, but that particular saddle was priced at $2900 and my budget will be more like $1500 when I have all my money together. At least now I know what I want to look for, but sending the trial saddle back was really sad.