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 Expert
Posts: 1631
   
Location: Somewhere around here | Ok so for the past few years 5 Star, Best Ever Pads, and other 100% wool pads have gained in popularity and made wool pads go up in price. What's the difference between a 5 Star and a 100% wool NRS roper pad, or Best Ever vs a Diamond Wool? I mean, I love the designs on the more expensive ones but I can't dish out $300 for a saddle pad when I can get the same thing that's less showy for $100. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 189
| I have had 5 star, best ever and diamond wool.
5 Star was hands down the best, best evers are nice and diamond wool was ok, more of a budget pad. If you had all three of them next to each other and felt them you would know what I am talking about. The 5 stars are super super soft and I did not have it pill at all. The best evers I have had have some pill.. and the diamond wool pads feel less wool-y and more like other fibers are in there.. idk hard to explain.. just my experience. I agree with you that the prices are thru the roof! I try to buy used but like new when ever possible to same some $$ |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
| 5 Stars feel like no other pad. The second I opened the box on my first one I knew the difference. Get your hands on one and you'll understand.
Worth every penny. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
 
Location: Kansas | 5 star. I have a best ever, it's breaking down quickly
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| The difference is that none of the others you listed even compare to a 5 Star :) Well worth the investment as I have never had to worry about replacing one because it "broke down." |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | I guess I'll be the odd one...
I have a 100% wool pad from NRS or Smith Bros...can't remember which. I bought it on sale for less than $100.
I like the feel of it better than my 5-Star. The 5-Star is very soft, which makes it very floppy.
But, I do like the deeper contour of the 5-Star better.
If a $300+ saddle pad isn't in your budget, I don't think you should feel bad about getting something cheaper. 
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
Location: Kansas | just4fun - 2016-03-17 8:55 AM I guess I'll be the odd one...
I have a 100% wool pad from NRS or Smith Bros...can't remember which. I bought it on sale for less than $100.
I like the feel of it better than my 5-Star. The 5-Star is very soft, which makes it very floppy.
But, I do like the deeper contour of the 5-Star better.
If a $300+ saddle pad isn't in your budget, I don't think you should feel bad about getting something cheaper.
I have one as well, but mine is teskeys. I love it, but mine is creme colored so I only use it for races. Love it! |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | The 5 stars are definitely not cheap. But I LOVE mine. Got my first one at Cowboy Christmas last December. Also got the liner which allows it to fit both of my horses without any pressure spots. I also have a Best Ever that started separating and wear leathers peeling after about 6 months. Plus, I always had dry spots on my mares withers. Aside from those two, I have a plethora of pads of different materials, thicknesses, memory foams, air cells, and what not types of technology. Not one of them can compare to the 5 Star in my opinion. I think there's a reason people continue to dish out the extra cash to buy them... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 634
| I love my best ever pad. I've had it about a year and I love it. I got the one with the extra pads for high withered horses, it hasn't broken down at all. |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I have about ever pad in the history of the world. My 5 stars have held up the best. I currently have a Diamond Wool that I picked up because I needed something 'now' and it is so pilly its crazy! It doesn't have close to half the use of my 5 stars.
I hear you pads are expensive- it may cost you more up front at the time, but it will save you more in the long run. |
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  Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | I'm a pad junkie...I have a 5 Star that I use with a cutting saddle and it was about $250....I think it's the very best 100% wool pad I've ever owned, and I've had a lot of them over the years....I use CSI's on my barrel saddles, and the one with croc wear leathers was over $400, just a normal one is like $380 ...yikes!!....now they are pricey!!  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Windoming | After using a 5 Star, I went out and bought another. I love them, hope my horses do too!
Edited by Silly Filly 2016-03-17 10:51 AM
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 Stinky Cat Owner
Posts: 4097
Location: Oregon | The ‘best’ one is subjective and a matter of opinion but it’s whatever fits your horse, your liking and your budget. |
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 Scorpions R Us
Posts: 9586
Location: So. Cali. | I am 'cheap' person so I love a deal. I had a best ever before, shoulders broke down quick! After the endless posts on here about 5 Star I came acrossed a deal I couldn't pass up ( $175 for a brand new 5 Star) and got one. Shortly after my friends suprised me on my Bday with a brand new Kush Best Ever Pad. I use the 5 Star for my every day riding, LOVE it. I only use the Best Ever on race days so it should last a long time. The Best Ever is all custom and I know it was far more $$ than the 5 Star cost me and I'm just one of those who think about cost all the time. When I am ready to splurge and purchase another pad for myself, it will be a 5 Star. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 518
| I have a Diamond wool that I've had for a few years. It only pills around the edges. I'm sure a "better brand" would be better but for the price I paid and the amount and type of riding I do I'm happy with it! I think your riding has a lot to do with what you need. I mostly take my horse out around the canals a few times a week. I no longer compete and don't do a lot of high stress work. If I did maybe this pad wouldn't be able to stand up to it.
I also have a classic equine pad, I only used it for 2 years but I loved it! It felt like higher quality than my Diamond Wool but I don't know how it stands up over time since I don't use it anymore.
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I think there is more truth to the 5 Star sizing. I have a 3/4 and 7/8 and 1 inch 5 star, the 3/4 and 7/8 are at least 9-10 years old. Both are holding up exceptionally well. The 1 inch is 2 years old, so it's practially new!
I have a 1 inch Diamond wool pad that I bought cheap New on ebay. It seems much thinner than my 1 inch 5 star. It also doesn't feel as nice, and the edges are pilling a bit and I've used it for 2 years, just in the spring to keep the hair off of my 5 stars.
I'm getting ready to order another 5 star....in Turquoise. :) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 788
| hoofs_in_motion - 2016-03-17 9:03 AM
just4fun - 2016-03-17 8:55 AM I guess I'll be the odd one...
I have a 100% wool pad from NRS or Smith Bros...can't remember which. I bought it on sale for less than $100.
I like the feel of it better than my 5-Star. The 5-Star is very soft, which makes it very floppy.
But, I do like the deeper contour of the 5-Star better.
If a $300+ saddle pad isn't in your budget, I don't think you should feel bad about getting something cheaper.
I was in the area last weekend and went to Teskeys. Have to say, there pads feel just like the 5 stars, I felt both!! and they only cost like $60. Even if they do break down a little faster i could afford to buy 5 Teskeys. I am all for spending a little more to get something that will last forever and be comfortable for the ponies, but when you find something so close in quality for a fraction of the price its worth a try.
I also have an Ed Wright pad and it is holding up well. Paid I think $150 for it. It is not quite as soft as the 5 stars however.
Edited by horsiace1025 2016-03-17 11:31 AM
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | Just because they are made from the same material doesn't mean they are the same quality. As with anything, be it clothes, tack, furniture, whatever, it's all essentially the same, but quality of materials and craftsmanship are what set them apart. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
| I won z 5 star and also have a diamond wool. I really like the Diamond a little better. I have 4 Tod Spines for a LONG time they have been used a lot. They still look new and they are my favorites. |
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | I have two 5 Stars - one is about 7 years old, the other 5. Both are still in great shape with almost daily use over these years. The next pad will be another 5 Star. |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | I have 6 - 5 Stars. That's all we use. One of them is royal blue. I'm thinking about putting a chip in it so I can have it tracked if stolen. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1538
Location: South Dakota | Nateracer - 2016-03-17 10:25 AM I think there is more truth to the 5 Star sizing. I have a 3/4 and 7/8 and 1 inch 5 star, the 3/4 and 7/8 are at least 9-10 years old. Both are holding up exceptionally well. The 1 inch is 2 years old, so it's practially new!
I have a 1 inch Diamond wool pad that I bought cheap New on ebay. It seems much thinner than my 1 inch 5 star. It also doesn't feel as nice, and the edges are pilling a bit and I've used it for 2 years, just in the spring to keep the hair off of my 5 stars.
I'm getting ready to order another 5 star....in Turquoise. :)
I just got my first 5 Star pad in the mail yesterday and it is turquoise! It is very bright. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| No one really has said why 5 star is superior.
On the 5 star website they used to have an article on how pads are made and what that meant. It is a wonderful article.
5 star is felted together, the same process and actually the same company felts together the Sloan, and Ed wright saddle pads. These two pads will be in the same category for quality as 5 star.
Best ever pads are needled together, what the article says is pads that are needled together use non wool material in their blend (this is why they cannot be felted). This is also why they pill
The worst of the wool pads are the ones that are sewn together, I have seen a few diamond wool pads sewn together, they say this is because they use more non wool material then wool material and it won't even stay together even with needling. |
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Veteran
Posts: 169
| I only use the 5 star on my horses. Both my boys use Diamond Wool, the 5 star feels rougher to me then the Diamond Wool. |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | It's the amount of Virgin wool. I've used a lot of wool pads (Classic Equine, Tod Slone, Bayou West....never bothered with Best Ever because they got so ratty so fast...) and 5 Stars are far superior. The wool is so dense and soft. Mine is 10 years old and looks practically new. Stitching is still intact, as is the leather. I wouldn't buy any other wool pad. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Flymas Girl - 2016-03-17 4:34 PM Nateracer - 2016-03-17 10:25 AM I think there is more truth to the 5 Star sizing. I have a 3/4 and 7/8 and 1 inch 5 star, the 3/4 and 7/8 are at least 9-10 years old. Both are holding up exceptionally well. The 1 inch is 2 years old, so it's practially new!
I have a 1 inch Diamond wool pad that I bought cheap New on ebay. It seems much thinner than my 1 inch 5 star. It also doesn't feel as nice, and the edges are pilling a bit and I've used it for 2 years, just in the spring to keep the hair off of my 5 stars.
I'm getting ready to order another 5 star....in Turquoise. :) I just got my first 5 Star pad in the mail yesterday and it is turquoise! It is very bright.
You lucky girl! I'm wanting to order a turquoise one too! |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | cheryl makofka - 2016-03-17 5:29 PM No one really has said why 5 star is superior. On the 5 star website they used to have an article on how pads are made and what that meant. It is a wonderful article. 5 star is felted together, the same process and actually the same company felts together the Sloan, and Ed wright saddle pads. These two pads will be in the same category for quality as 5 star. Best ever pads are needled together, what the article says is pads that are needled together use non wool material in their blend (this is why they cannot be felted). This is also why they pill The worst of the wool pads are the ones that are sewn together, I have seen a few diamond wool pads sewn together, they say this is because they use more non wool material then wool material and it won't even stay together even with needling.
They are superior to me because they hold up well under hard use, they last, they have great customer service, make my saddles fit nice and I can customize them to my specs. |
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Expert
Posts: 1538
Location: South Dakota | CYA Ranch - 2016-03-17 6:35 PM Flymas Girl - 2016-03-17 4:34 PM Nateracer - 2016-03-17 10:25 AM I think there is more truth to the 5 Star sizing. I have a 3/4 and 7/8 and 1 inch 5 star, the 3/4 and 7/8 are at least 9-10 years old. Both are holding up exceptionally well. The 1 inch is 2 years old, so it's practially new!
I have a 1 inch Diamond wool pad that I bought cheap New on ebay. It seems much thinner than my 1 inch 5 star. It also doesn't feel as nice, and the edges are pilling a bit and I've used it for 2 years, just in the spring to keep the hair off of my 5 stars.
I'm getting ready to order another 5 star....in Turquoise. :) I just got my first 5 Star pad in the mail yesterday and it is turquoise! It is very bright.
Yes I think I made a good choice for my first one. The turquoise is very vibrant. I feel I got a pretty good price on it. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| I felt of a 5 star this past weekend for the first time and I totally get it now. SO SOFT!!!! It felt like no other pad I had ever had my hands on. I will be buying one. |
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | I splurged and bought my 5 star January 2009. Hands down the best investment I've made. I got the 30 x 30 1/2" thick pad. I've used it hard over the last 7 years. It's held up extremely well. My husband wants a best ever, but after looking at the two side by side, I'm saving up and getting him a 5 star for father's day. Not only are their pads the highest percentage of virgin wool, they hold up amazing. Their customer service is top notch too. |
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| If you are willing to settle for the plain Jane 5 Stars, you can purchase one for $200-$225. Horseman's Supply in Weatherford, TX, has great prices on them. If you want fancy trim and colors, you will have to pay more. I have used nothing else the past 5 years, and am very happy with them. They hold up so well, I've been able to get $125-$150 for two and three year old 5 Star pads when I'm ready for a new design or color. |
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Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | cheryl makofka - 2016-03-17 4:29 PM
No one really has said why 5 star is superior.
On the 5 star website they used to have an article on how pads are made and what that meant. It is a wonderful article.
5 star is felted together, the same process and actually the same company felts together the Sloan, and Ed wright saddle pads. These two pads will be in the same category for quality as 5 star.
Best ever pads are needled together, what the article says is pads that are needled together use non wool material in their blend (this is why they cannot be felted). This is also why they pill
The worst of the wool pads are the ones that are sewn together, I have seen a few diamond wool pads sewn together, they say this is because they use more non wool material then wool material and it won't even stay together even with needling.
Thank you for the very well put information! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | just4fun - 2016-03-17 8:55 AM I guess I'll be the odd one...
I have a 100% wool pad from NRS or Smith Bros...can't remember which. I bought it on sale for less than $100.
I like the feel of it better than my 5-Star. The 5-Star is very soft, which makes it very floppy.
But, I do like the deeper contour of the 5-Star better.
If a $300+ saddle pad isn't in your budget, I don't think you should feel bad about getting something cheaper.
I have one of Smith Brothers 100% wool pads and it is really nice. I really love my 5 star pads but for the money those Smith Brothers ones are really nice too. |
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Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | CYA Ranch - 2016-03-17 1:42 PM I have 6 - 5 Stars. That's all we use. One of them is royal blue. I'm thinking about putting a chip in it so I can have it tracked if stolen.
Thanks for the warning lol! |
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 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | I use a Saddleright bc that what works for my horse and saddle. But my husband has swapped all of his horses to wool pads.
He is too cheap for a 5 Star. He had a SherryCervi 1" by classic equine that I handed down to him, a Reinsman with the pressure point relief for the bars of the saddle, it's probably 3/4", and a 1" Bar H.
I watched him saddle today and have to say I was disappointed to see te Reinsman has a lot of piling.
The SherryCervi looks new, and I know I gave it to him at least 3-4 years ago after I used it awhile. The Bar H I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the wool. It's too new to say how it'll hold up.
My mom has a 5 Star and loves it, although she ended up with a bio fit for her new saddle. It just fits better.
I believe in putting quality items on my horses, but there's never one product for all of them. :)
And not everyone can or wants to buy the "best".
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303
| I am a dealer for Diamond Wool and I use them on my horses. They have different qualities of wool pads, so you have to know what you are buying. There are some that are budget friendly and others that are virgin wool. |
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | RunfastNTurn - 2016-03-17 6:03 AM
I have had 5 star, best ever and diamond wool.
5 Star was hands down the best, best evers are nice and diamond wool was ok, more of a budget pad. If you had all three of them next to each other and felt them you would know what I am talking about. The 5 stars are super super soft and I did not have it pill at all. The best evers I have had have some pill.. and the diamond wool pads feel less wool-y and more like other fibers are in there.. idk hard to explain.. just my experience. I agree with you that the prices are thru the roof! I try to buy used but like new when ever possible to same some $$
What do you mean by 'pill'? |
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Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | Cindy Hamilton - 2016-03-17 7:34 AM
I'm a pad junkie...I have a 5 Star that I use with a cutting saddle and it was about $250....I think it's the very best 100% wool pad I've ever owned, and I've had a lot of them over the years....I use CSI's on my barrel saddles, and the one with croc wear leathers was over $400, just a normal one is like $380 ...yikes!!....now they are pricey!!
I thought about a CSI but wow they are pricey. I'm currently using a Three Forks and a SaddleRight |
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Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | barrelracer1983 - 2016-03-19 1:06 PM
RunfastNTurn - 2016-03-17 6:03 AM
I have had 5 star, best ever and diamond wool.
5 Star was hands down the best, best evers are nice and diamond wool was ok, more of a budget pad. If you had all three of them next to each other and felt them you would know what I am talking about. The 5 stars are super super soft and I did not have it pill at all. The best evers I have had have some pill.. and the diamond wool pads feel less wool-y and more like other fibers are in there.. idk hard to explain.. just my experience. I agree with you that the prices are thru the roof! I try to buy used but like new when ever possible to same some $$
What do you mean by 'pill'?
Like a sweater that's been washed too many times!
I've seen a LOT of Best Evers that look like that. |
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Veteran
Posts: 189
| cheryl makofka - 2016-03-17 5:29 PM
No one really has said why 5 star is superior.
On the 5 star website they used to have an article on how pads are made and what that meant. It is a wonderful article.
5 star is felted together, the same process and actually the same company felts together the Sloan, and Ed wright saddle pads. These two pads will be in the same category for quality as 5 star.
Best ever pads are needled together, what the article says is pads that are needled together use non wool material in their blend (this is why they cannot be felted). This is also why they pill
The worst of the wool pads are the ones that are sewn together, I have seen a few diamond wool pads sewn together, they say this is because they use more non wool material then wool material and it won't even stay together even with needling.
I think a few people stated they thought 5 stars were best beouse of the feel of them..they just feel better softer wool and better quality. ?? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 146
Location: Tuttle Oklahoma | I have two and plan on buying another one. They are a bit pricy to buy are well worth it! Before I got my first five star pad I tried another brand that literally fell apart. I had to take it down to the local saddle shop to have a leather support sewn on. That pad fell apart within a year and a half of use and I am now going on my forth year on my first five star pad and its still in great condition. I have also tried reinsman pads but every one I have purchased I have had to take it down to the same saddle shop to re do the stitching on all the leather straps =( For me five stars overall quality is top notch. |
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Honestly, what's the difference??