Saddles - wood vs metal

[Charlie Horse]

Well. I have a couple aluminum ones. They're LIGHT. Seriously light. However, they just use carpet for the pad and square corners that I feel like could be rounded to improve the design. Can't say I've heard of a goat getting a welt from a corner though and I've never actually used them myself (got them used as a package deal). I have a wood Awahee one with a NW pocket pad and I like it. Both saddles have crappy nylon rigging though. I know I'm not that useful on this. I expect that in a couple years I'll have more experience with the different types. Logically the aluminum ones SHOULD be better. Like Dave says-- Why not use the best materials. Wood is more rustic looking though.