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Pick Me Pick Me
Posts: 2052
 
Location: Somewhere between the badlands and worselands | I had an impact gel for years and I loved it. In the market again and I'm curious what everyone's opinions are. Impact Gel or SMX Air ride? Which one and why? Pros, cons? Any advice is appreciated |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
 
| I've used both, and prefer the Impact Gel, it provides more support. My mare had a rough back as it was, and the air ride just wasn't enough to keep the saddle from rubbing her sides and making her back hurt.(she was rode in a larger full QH bar, if that tells you how wide she was). The Impact Gel is awesome and lasts a bit longer IMO. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Air Ride. My horse likes fleece and his saddle fits him well enough that a half inch thickness is all he needs. I have just started using them so I don't know about longevity. Another BB on here recommmended the air rides so I bought one. |
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  Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576
 
Location: ND | If I was going to choose between those two I'd go with the air ride. But my first choice is 5 Star. |
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| From the 2 choices,I prefer the Air Ride because they are breathable and durable. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | Love the SMX Comfort Fit HD Air Rides. They are light weight, breathable, conforming, fleece is comfy to horse, and they are easy to clean. Just take a rubber curry to the bottom to break up the hair & dirt, hose it off and let it hang to dry. I think the Impact Gels are too heavy, not breathable, very hot in the TX summer heat, and not easy to clean. I have had two of the Air Rides for two years and they are still in great condition. They have a 60 day money back guarantee and a one year warranty. Can't beat that! |
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Pick Me Pick Me
Posts: 2052
Location: Somewhere between the badlands and worselands | Are there any of the SMX pads that aren't so "aztec-y" looking?
I know that's a little superficial but my saddle has skull conchos and tooling and the aztec/Indian designs don't match so well. Maybe I could buy just a cheap 1/4 inch wool pad to go over it? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 164
| I got a used impact gel from a tack store about 4 or 5 years ago. It looks and feels like it did when I got it. No issues at all. I have no need for another, but when I do decide to get a new pad, so I can have both horses saddled at the same time, it will be another impact gel. I have tons of other nice pads, and no matter what pad and saddle combo, my horses backs were always sore. With the impact gel, they are happy as ever and no soreness what so ever. I love them. |
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 Ms. Poutability
Posts: 2362
Location: In my own world | eatmydust55 - 2015-02-16 10:51 AM Are there any of the SMX pads that aren't so "aztec-y" looking? I know that's a little superficial but my saddle has skull conchos and tooling and the aztec/Indian designs don't match so well. Maybe I could buy just a cheap 1/4 inch wool pad to go over it?
they have plain ones,,,mine is plain black |
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Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | eatmydust55 - 2015-02-16 10:51 AM Are there any of the SMX pads that aren't so "aztec-y" looking? I know that's a little superficial but my saddle has skull conchos and tooling and the aztec/Indian designs don't match so well. Maybe I could buy just a cheap 1/4 inch wool pad to go over it?
I have a plain black Mayatex that I don't ever use. Still in like new condition, except for a few horse hairs. Purchased from Smith Brothers. PM me if interested. |
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Location: Texas | Impact Gel, hands down. It's the saddle pad we put on 5-10 ranch horses everyday. Easy to clean and very durable! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 288
| Impact gel. Our old OTTB with atrophy and all sorts of other crap going on will just not work in anything else. He's was sold to us with his and still gets ridden in the same pad everytime. We've had him for 9 years so I'd say they are durable lol. |
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Let's talk pads, SMX or Impact Gel