Are there differences in sheepskin pads? Are they all the same: sheepskin, or do some have unique backing that makes them "better" than others? With so many swearing by their effectiveness in adding comfort, I may want to try one...
Here's a couple of things to chew on:
The sheepskin pads I looked at were similar in thickness but some were made up using several pieces of hide while others - the best ones in my opinion - were made of one seamless piece. It's my thinking that seams have the potential for two issues, pulling apart from normal wear and maybe causing a little discomfort just because they're there. Price-wise mine cost fifty bucks plus a couple bucks for shipping.
Should you decide to go with an AirHawk you'll soon find out the best feel is achieved when the air bladder is almost empty, not pumped up which makes it too firm. Riders with camping experience using air mattresses will be familiar with that principal. What you do is blow the thing up and while sitting on it let the air out until it's nearly empty; the air valve is just like a bicycle's, easy to use.
If there's a negative thing about the AirHawk it's that they can develop leaks, same as any inflateable pad. The good thing is when they do they're easy to fix using a plain old fashioned innertube patch kit. One comes with the pad but if you forget to take it along you can buy a kit at most hardware or automotive stores. I've had two flats with my first one, none so far with the 2nd one. Not sure how many miles on the first one, around 40k I think, and no idea on the second one but probably approaching 20k. Both are still in service.
Note: Just for grins I went back to an old blog covering a ride I made to Nova Scotia and located the post with the flat fix:
http://larrylarry7575.blogspot.com/2009/06/last-night-i-slept-like-i-was-comatose.html
I've used both items and frankly I find the sheepskin to be very comfortable but the AirHawk is too so maybe this is one of those subjective things? If price is a relevant issue then the sheepskin wins out.
Some riders take issue with using any kind of cover or pad over a custom made saddle and I can understand why they might feel that way. In a perfect world it would be nice if merely buying a custom saddle guaranteed 100% satisfaction but sadly that doesn't always happen.
LL75