Voltaire Seat Size: Stuttgart vs Palm Beach

[IMHO10x]

Hello! I am used saddle shopping and have tried several saddles and was about to get 2015 Devoucoux Biarritz O (Oldara) but am hearing a lot of positive feedback on Voltaire saddles so am now considering going through the process of locating one and demo’ing it. Last week, I reached out to Voltaire on their website and phone, however have not received any response as I was hoping to speak to a rep. At any rate, I feel you all can provide more reliable and accurate insight anyway, so my questions:

1. If I am a 16.5" seat in 2006 Dev Socoa (my current saddle, narrow twist, flatter seat ) and 2015 Biarritz O which has a semi-deep seat, and a 16.5" in Antares Contact would I most likely fit a Palm Beach 16.5" or 17" as many here on the forum say they run small with its “partial deep seat” per website. Also, what seat size would you recommend for the Voltaire Stuttgart,wide twist deep seat. For reference, I am 5ft, 97 lbs, petite frame. Femur measure 16.5 " from hip to knee cap
2. Do the Voltaire flap size codes run similar to Dev? I am a 0A, Shortie Forward but also feel comfortable in a 1 if the max length is 12.75", perhaps 13" which
3. Any thoughts on the Voltaire FIN vs Pro Panels
4. Thoughts on Dev D3D panels vs Voltaire panels
5. Does Voltaire still warranty their trees and leather for 5 yers despite new ownership
6. Any thoughts on recent Dev saddles? I heard a few years ago their quality and business suffered, but am curious to see how CWD ownership has impacted them

I know I am asking a lot of questions. My primary concern is the seat size, question 1, however, since I started this thread, I figured I would throw it all in one. Any input and insight is greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance!!!

[IPEsq]

I’m not sure about the flap codes, but I tried both and found the fit to be a little different. For reference, I can usually fit into either a 17 or 17.5. My CWD is a 17 with regular straight flap. I have a Childeric 17.5 with regular long flap but could have gone with a 17 and long forward flap.

The 17.5 Palm Beach seemed to be the best, but I think I could have gone with 17 as well—so pretty true to size, but the 17.5 Stuttgart was way too big. I could not find the “sweet spot” to sit in and felt like I was trying to scoot up on the pommel all the time. The 17 with slightly forward flap was so much different (better) in that regard.

[HJdaydream]

I feel like Voltaire runs small. I have a 17.5 Antares that fits great but ordered an 18 Voltaire Palm Beach. I also demoed an 18 in Stuttgart and it felt similar in size size (so small), but I didn’t like it at all. WAY too deep for my taste.

I do not know how flap codes compare to Dev- but they seem to be the same as Antares. My Antares is a 3AA flap and is not quite long enough in the flap for me, but a hair too forward. They ordered me a 4A Voltaire. So longer, but less forward. Maybe if you know how Dev compares to Antares that will help you.

If you get an used Voltaire from Voltaire I believe they still honor the warranty (fyi it’s a 10 year tree and 2 yr leather) but not sure about getting it from 3rd party vendors.

Did you try to call their main office? I have had excellent customer service and no problems getting a hold of people.

[AcrossTheCountry]

I was trying Devoucoux (Biarritz), Voltaires (Palm Beach and Stuttgart), Butets and County’s just recently, and went with a barely used 2016 Palm Beach. I am absolutely in LOVE with this saddle!! I’m in an 18" seat, 3AAA flap (I’m 5’9"). I actually got the saddle from a Devoucoux rep. Sorry, not much help with your question, but just wanted to share my love for the Palm Beach.

[hoss]

I think Voltaire runs small. My daughter is 5 ft tall (or slightly over) and slender at 80 pounds. She’s in a 16.5 0A Palm Beach. She rides a few other ponies and still fits quite nicely in a 15.5 pony Pessoa.

[lcbaker]

I am 5 feet tall and a bit heavier than you. I fit perfectly into a Stuttgart 16.5 1A with FIN panels. I was shocked I fit into a 16.5 as my previous saddles have been 17-17.5 (Antares and tad respectively) and flatter seated. I am in love with my Voltaire and someone will need to to pry it out of my cold dead hands!!

[IMHO10x]

Thank YOU ALL so much for the feedback. I am definitely going to try a Voltaire. I will persist in trying to reach someone at their office.

[HP_sblueskyenterprise]

I think they do run small I use a 17" inch but my Voltaire is 17.5"

[TarheelJD]

Agree with those who’ve said Voltaire’s run small. I am a consistent 17.5 in all other saddles, but ordered an 18 Palm Beach.