There’s no shortage of 3D-printed saddles hitting the market these days – heck, we have five in for review right now. And now, CADEX has given its popular (I’m a fan, check out the review here) Amp saddle a 3D makeover. They replaced the foam padding with a unique and highly designed 3D printed material. But is it another iteration of a saddle that only a few will appreciate, or does it have legs and help you get the most from yours?
We have lots of opinions on this one.
Why 3D Printing?
The trend is growing, and some riders swear by the extra grip and supple feel. Others feel that the 3D printed material can be grappy, harsh, and downright uncomfortable.
How does 3D printing help make a saddle more comfortable? Most manufacturers use the 3D printed material to create a support “net” in the saddle. It allows the manufacturer to custom-tune the experience for the rider. They can add extra support where it’s most needed, and less “suspension” for others. Most do this damping travel with thicker layers of material, mainly in geometric shapes, with tighter or larger patterns that aid in cushioning and supporting the rider’s backside.
What makes the CADEX Amp 3D different? It’s not that the printing is different, but rather the orientation and structure differ from the more common honeycomb style. The key lies in the gyroid structure within the G3D padding. What’s a gyriod, you ask? “A gyroid is an infinitely connected triply periodic minimal surface discovered by Alan Schoen in 1970” (Thanks Wikipedia!)
How does it help my posterior on bike rides? Unlike traditional foam, the G3D tech isn’t static; it adapts to rider movement, offering a more responsive and targeted feel on the bike. CADEX used this structure inside its G3D padding. They engineered the G3D with variable density across the saddle’s pressure zones to reduce weight without sacrificing support.
The Whole Picture
But a saddle is more than just a fancy top layer. The Amp 3D gets its structure from an Advanced Forged Composite base designed for low stack height and high pedaling efficiency. Cadex keeps flex to a minimum by integrating the rails directly into the base, eliminating traditional junctions to better isolate pressure and absorb chatter from rough roads or trails. The combo features the Amp 3D light (150g) and sleek design, with adaptive G3D padding that is tuned for both performance and comfort.
Carbon CADEX Details
I like the way that CADEX does carbon. They have a minimalist style, featuring matte UD carbon, sometimes with a silver accent (Like the CADEX 50 ULTRA wheels here) or a shiny CADEX logo that stands out in the sun. It’s classy and matches nearly every bike I have. The new Cadex Amp 3D arrives with the same sleek carbon rails, minimalist aesthetics, and that lattice-style Gyroid padding that creates a great-looking saddle.
Looks Uncomfortable & Thin
At first glance, yeah, it doesn’t look like a beach cruiser seat that offers a comfy, bouncy ride. It’s a performance saddle that works best when paired with a good set of bike shorts. Another thing that resembles the Amp is the OG version we reviewed last year. That’s because it’s the same shape and shell. The Amp 3D features all the Amp’s hits: a cutout center channel, race-tuned shaping, and a short-nose profile that encourages aggressive riding positions. It’s a very balanced saddle, offering nice support and preventing slipping when you lean forward a little too much. Additionally, it features lots of adaptive cushioning from the 3D-printed addition.
CADEX Amp 3D Details:
- Weight: 150g
- Rail Size: 9.5mm
- Width: 145mm
- Length: 245mm
- Price: $450
CADEX Amp 3D vs. Amp Saddle
- Cadex Amp 3D weight: 150g, Price: $450
- Cadex Amp weight: 129g, Price: $350
Ride Impressions
I tested the CADEX Amp 3D on every kind of road, gravel, mountain, and terrain that we could. It’s been on many press trips with me (once you find a saddle that works, keep it rolling), and it’s now my saddle. I was a massive fan of the Amp, I used it all road season but switched out for cyclocross season because… well, I’d need two of them (gotta think of the pit bike). I liked the original Amp because of its shape, the very open thigh glide (similar to the Power saddle), and its weight.
Cautious Optimism
When I tried out the Amp 3D, I was cautious. I mean, moving a saddle up 1° can jam up your fit, and a new top cover could do the same. I installed it on my race bike, swapping it out directly for the Amp, and didn’t change a thing. My first sensation was “this is grippy,” but that went away about an hour into the ride. After spending some time on the Amp 3D, I became immersed in it. The shape is the same; the padding is what you’re feeling, and it’s good.
I particularly like the way the saddle supports the hips and rear when pushing into a hard effort. The kinda effort where you might push back on the saddle if you can, but on the 3D printing, you’re more planted. The padding itself is generous, and although it doesn’t appear to be much, it’s sufficient to absorb any road vibrations. It might be the shape or the material makeup, but I swear I can feel less road chatter on the 3D version of the Amp. That might be a placebo, though, as they both have a hammock-like shell that’s supportive and absorbs some of the chatter.
Planted and Supple
Whether seated and stomping or spinning steadily, it maintains a planted feel. And while the lattice design may appear prone to flex or bounce, Cadex has tuned it to a tight, firm, but forgiving. The shape is dialed for riders who prefer an aggressive fit—hips rotated forward, perched more over the bottom bracket—a modern fit. I have mine setup so the middle section is level, or about a 2° slope if you’re putting a level over the entire saddle.
Will it snag on my shorts? The most common question I get with 3D printed saddles is the snagging sensation they can have on some fabrics. This is a valid concern. I’d had a few 3D-printed saddles that didn’t pair well with my favorite shorts. It resulted in my elimination of that saddle from the rotation, but that was three years ago. The materials now are better, but can still seem harsh. The CADEX Amp 3D, however, feels excellent, regardless of the exterior fabric of your shorts. It’s not a foam feel, but more like an older, suede-finished saddle.
Final Words
Saddles are personal, so what fits for me may not fit for you. However, I’ll say this: if you’re a short-nose saddle fan looking for a new perch, the Amp is worth considering. I say Amp, because it’s the shape and shell that is the core of the saddle. The padding is more of a final mixing. If you prefer a traditional feel and don’t always ride in Lycra, opt for the OG Amp. If you’re looking for something with a little extra (also 21g heavier and $100 more), try the Amp 3D. Both are excellent for my riding style and position on the bike. The price…is what you get when you’re looking for a 148-150g race saddle with the backing of a large company like CADEX. I’m sure if you had an incident on the Amp (crash or pilot error), they would be there to help you out. Highly recommended.
