Albion Control vs BC Quantum

[pooh]

Any thoughts??? I thought I was sold on the Quantum until I roade in an Albion Control the other night. Saddle fitter is supposed to come back up with one that actually fits my horse ( other was too small) for me to try - but even though I was exhausted after 4 hours of saddle trying ( and very patient horse) I rode in that last and really liked it. Any thoughts on the two?

[joharavhf]

I do not have the Albion Kontrol, but I do have an ANCIENT Albion Original Comfort dressage saddle. And I also just bought a BC Quantum. I think BOTH are quality saddles. My Albion is probably 25 years old and still looks great and rides great. My BC is just now a month old and OMG, it is my FAVORITE saddle of all times.

The Quantum required 0 break in time. I was a little "yucked" out by the color, BUT, I applied some lederbalsam and it darkened beautifully. I can totally ride in this saddle all day, in jumping position or regular riding. When I was trying close contact saddles I could not find anything like it. (Of course, I hadn't tried the Albion Kontrol.) The saddle came out of the box fitting both me and my pony guy. And it actually fits my mare pretty well too.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either of the saddles - brand wise. Both brands have excellent reps....I'd go with what you FEEL is right.

[SaddleFitterVA]

I have both.

I prefer the BC Quantum because it has less rise in the pommel area and a more moderate twist, but I do love the leather on the Albion Kontrol. My primary jumping horse has now moved into the Albion Kontrol and I'm realizing how much more I like the BC. I need to reflock an Albion CC2 I have lying about and see if it fits, and if not, I might sell one and get a second Quantum in the next size down (for the horse).

[eventer_mi]

I used to have an Albion Kontrol and I loved it. Great for flatting and over fences. I had to sell it with the horse that it went with, but if I found another at the same great price, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. The only quibble I had with it was that it seemed to be flocked rather loosely, so that it flattened after only a little bit of time and needed a bit more flocking. It may have been just that saddle, though.

[SparklePlenty]

Just got an Albion Kontact - i am super super excited for it!!!!

That's my vote - even though it wasn't an option. ;)

[NZEVNTR]

I love my albion Kontrol:D

[Little Valkyrie]

I own a BC Quantum and people I ride for have an Albion Kontrol, and I much prefer my BC. I feel like I'm about 10 feet above the horse with the Albion, and it just seems like a lot of saddle. That being said, I basically only hack that horse on the trails and its pretty comfortable for a long time and secure when the 20 something decides to go leaping across fields :lol:. The Albion craftsmanship seems as good as the BC, but it (albion) is pretty heavy, so that could be a factor. Good Luck!

[pooh]

See, I felt closer with the Albion but then again I only rode in it for a short period of time. I did get to jump in it and it felt great - I never got a chance to jump in the trial BC due to issues with my horse. Saddle fitter is supposed to bring a Kontrol that fits my guy in a few weeks for me to try again. Way to many choices!

[hollyhorse2000]

I had to sell my Albion Kontrol (shoot or was it the Kontact?) because I continully banged my pubic bone against the pommel . . . ow ow ow and it sort of tore up my nether-regions as well. It's possible the issue was that the seat was just too small, but I sold it and never looked back. I now have a BC Malestrom (the Quantum with calf skin). I adore this saddle.

Both are well made and both have possible modifications that can be made (more, I think with the BC). I do think the Albion was a bit "more saddle" if you know what I mean than the BC.

[scubed]

Absolutely loved my Albion Kontrol. Felt it was quite close contact and narrow enough twist for me. Comfortably rode a horse with a very big jump in it. Only sold because it was too narrow for current horse. Will probably get another if he moves up to preliminary.

[SaddleFitterVA]

The higher pommel is exactly why I do not prefer the Kontrol. It is definitely not a seat size issue. I've ridden in an 18" Kontrol of a friend's, and my BC Quantum is a 17", as is CC2 that I just reflocked.

I reflocked that Albion CC2 last night, have to tighten the lacing for the rear of the panels.

Sit in both, ride in both, jump in both, preferably back to back, or very close together, because then you can decide which you prefer.

Both are high quality saddles IMO.

[2869]

I just bought a Kontrol Ultima and so far really love it. I have not had an opportunity to jump in it yet because of weather. It is super comfortable and I definitly feel secure in it when my guy does his acrobatics.

[pooh]

I'm hoping that the timimg is going to work out that I will have both saddles at the same time, or at least close together,
I foundit funny that others had issues hitting the pommel - out of 5 jump saddles I tried this was the only one that I didn't. And once I really shortened up my stirrups to a "good" jumping height I was no where near it. Saddle fitter kept laughing at my facs in the other saddles as I was trying to figure out what I was doing wrong to be getting hit!

[Maple Shade]

I have a Quantum and LOVE it! IT works for me really well. I can flat in it on a large variety of horses and school XC. The panels, gussets and points are awesome for a wide range of TB bodies in various stages (right OTT to years OTT). Customers love it too. They all say how comfortable and well balanced it is. I also have a Vinci. Next is a Wexford :winkgrin:. I am a BC ho. :lol:

[vali]

I tried the Quantum but the balance point was off for me and the twist felt too wide. I have an Albion Kontrol and like it. It's not as close contact as the Antares I used to have, but it fits my mare better and it's very secure.