EDIT: To be frank, I’ve grown weary of people bumping this thread once a year to comment on something I said two years ago that I’m not even sure is accurate information these days. Certainly, I was impressed with Eric when I last saw him do some fittings, in person, on one particular day, in July of 2013. Whether that extrapolates to every transaction he’s ever done? I dunno. I’m just one person.)
Obviously every shopper should judge for themselves, ask a million questions, and try talking to other locals who have purchased the brand you’re considering from the rep that you intend to use. 75% of the experience is your brand rep. The other 25% is the product. Check up on both. And definitely look at multiple products. Not that anybody asked me, but assuming there was solid representation from all the French brands in one geographic area–not that that ever happens–my French brands of choice are CWD, Voltaire, and Delgrange. (None of which I own myself, btw, nor do I aspire to.)
I have much more to say about leather quality and how it’s not directly/causally related to the thickness of a cut of leather, but I’m short on time so let’s cut right to this: it’s remotely possible that Spartacus was referring to the Second Skin flap option on Voltaire saddles, which AFAIK is unique to Voltaire. It is an optional add-on, not a standard feature. Basically, it’s just a piece of very thin, flimsy, but strong suede that “replaces” the sweat flap. It’s not such a different concept from a monoflap, but a) a monoflap won’t fly in the hunter ring and b) a monoflap is very hard to repair and replace. Voltaire designed the Second Skin option so that it’s simple to replace when it wears out.
So that’s that. Best of luck to everyone who’s shopping. If you do go with Voltaire, by all means ask them about their rotten early saddles and any of your other suspicions. Most saddle shoppers get screwed because they didn’t ask enough questions or didn’t know which questions to ask, so the more questions you ask, the better.
