What do you think of these saddles?

I'm in need of a new english saddle as I now need long or forward flaps and I was looking on ebay and came across these two and was wondering what you thought.

Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle - 17.5" Seat, Long Flaps $900
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bates-Caprilli-C...QQcmdZViewItem

Collegiate Diploma Close Contact Saddle - 17.5" Seat, Long Flaps $994.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Collegiate-D...QQcmdZViewItem

I like the Collegiate the best so far and it comes with all the adjustable gullet plates.

Mudypony, go to www.GallopingGrape.com
There are a ton of great used english saddles, stuebens, crosby, etc at excellent prices....

Cheers!

Thanks! I'll try looking there some.

I actually really like the look of that saddle. Good for you for looking at highed end, used saddles. You are going to get the best quality.

Have you the chance to ever go in to get fitted for saddles? I'm asking because this saddle is a short flap. Not a lot of riders are build to fit short flats. Love the saddle tho. It looks really nice.

Bates are excelent saddles and 900 is a very good price. If that's what you want Id definitely go for it.

Thanks everyone.

But what do you think of the adjustable gullets. I've heard good and bad things about them and don't want to waste my money on something that doesn't do it's job.

Stay away from the gullet system. It's true that many people have different views on the system. Not to be rude but I think the ones that swear by it, are probably also the ones who can't afford the nicer tack and afford the better quality leather gear (so getting burned for that one). There is nothing wrong with have synthetic gear but if you want quality stay away from it.
It's a personal choice but if you want quality, get a "real" saddle made out of leather that will mold to you and your horse. In the long run you will be happier you did it. It looks better for showing and your horse will be happier.

Aren't the Pessoa's coming out with an easy change gullet system?

i had the saddle with the easy change gullet system.

I'll just warn you that my friend bought that collegiate and it's as hard as a rock. It's too confining and stiff in my opinion =]