I’ve currently got a Palm Beach saddle on trial from the Voltaire rep. It’s a 2015 Buffalo, second skin, pro panel. The saddle is priced pretty high IMO at $4,700 before tax. I told the rep I was considering buying one online for less with fewer upgrades, and he told me to be careful about buying out of the network because of the warranty and expensive future repairs. I’ve got some questions: 1) have your Voltaires held up well? I’m a bit concerned that the leather seems a bit too soft and thin. 2) Do you find you need repairs? I’ve never had in the past, but I’ve always just purchased a new saddle when I’ve had fit issues. This would by far be my most expensive saddle purchase ever. 3) Is the buffalo worth it? I know it’s grippy, but how does it wear compared to the calf leather? Thoughts on Voltaire vs CWD? Thanks!
That price seems really high! I have a 2016 Palm Beach full buffalo that I got from the rep of a competing brand for $3k. Maybe I was lucky? (If you consider spending $3k for a saddle lucky!
Ive had the saddle for about 10 months now - so not super long but it’s in great shape and admittedly, I could be better at keeping it clean and conditioned.
$4700 seems high to me for used. New calfskin is $5700 before taxes, but I can’t remember how much buffalo is (although I know it’s more). Not enough savings in m the opinion for a 2015.
I have a calfskin Voltaire that I got new in February. Looks incredible still but haven’t had it long. My rep told me that the Buffalo isn’t any more durable then the calfskin, dispelling what I had previously heard. The calfskin & buffalo are both layered on top of grain so I wouldn’t worry about it honestly.
New buffalo is $6700ish. I adore my palm beach. I’ve had quite a few (different horses) and they have fit each of them well. I ride several a day in my saddle and it gets taken care of far less than it should. One stitch is loose and thats all in 2 full years of heavy use. I feel so much more secure in the Voltaire compared to CWD where the leather is so slick
Thanks for your thoughts. I decided not to purchase the saddle. I’m leasing right now and plan to purchase a new horse next year, and I think I’ll just wait and buy a new calf skin Voltaire to fit the new horse. Seems the price new would be not that far off from the used one. I do really like the feel and ride of the Voltaire.
