Tack Review: Easy-Change Gullet System

I, at one point, owned 2 Wintec 2000 AP saddles with the Easy change system.
I now, I just have one, but I still find myself using this gullet system.

The description as given by Wintec:
Easy-Change™ Gullet System Easy-to-use set contains all you need to change gullets, including 5 spring steel gullets, screws and gullet gauge. Note: Medium plate not included in set, due to it being included with the purchase of saddle equipped with the replacement gullet technology.

I paid: $105 for the complete set. I purchased mine on Amazon.com.
The price ranges from $99 to $110 depending on where you shop.

This item can be used in any saddle with the Easy change system which can include: Collegiate, Bates, and Wintec.

The measuring tool and instructions are included, which makes selection of the appropriate plate quite easy.

 

At present, the blue gullet, which is one step up (i.e. wider) than the standard medium (black) plate, is in my saddle. I'm primarily riding a large shouldered OTTB at the moment, and this plate size fits him well.

 

In the past, I have used the red plate (two steps up in size from standard), and the green plate (more narrow). The red plate was used on a 17.1 hand Dutch warmblood, I rode him for Dressage for a few months while his owner was on vacation. The green plate fit a Paso Fino mare I was helping to train, she was quite dainty.

 

My first Wintec saddle was easier to change gullets in. I believe this may have been more related to the fact that I changed them out more frequently back then. Sometimes, I have found it easier to have an extra set of hands help me change out the gullets, even though the instructions make it sound like it can be done solo.

 

Summary:

Pros	Cons
Interchangeable for multiple brands: Collegiate, Bates, & Wintec.	Not a "fix-all" for saddle fit.
Fit multiple horses	Not a quick changing procedure.
Less expensive than buying a different saddle for every horse, budget-friendly.	May be hard to manage gullet change alone.
Gullets are metal, long lasting/durable.	Standard plate comes with saddle, must purchase Easy-change system for other plates.
Can purchase each plate separately if desired.

★★★★☆
4/5 stars.