Prologo lists its women-specific Kappa Dea2 saddle under ‘Enthusiast’; it's narrower and with less padding than a ‘comfort’ saddle aimed at more casual cyclists. If you're looking to spend more time on your bike, the Kappa Dea2 is a good step towards keeping things happy on longer rides – it’s light enough, comfortable with its cutout and central groove, and it looks the part too.
The trick of this saddle is the groove that runs from the tip of the nose right to the rear, with a cutout in the centre. Not only does this add to the sleek look of the design, it means reduced pressure – something that you'll appreciate after a few hours in its 'embrace'.
Prologo saddles come as flat, round or semi-round, referring to the shape of the top. This one is 'semi-round', with, as you might guess, a slight curve to it, and it feels quite a natural shape for sitting on. The saddle is smooth to the touch and feels well made and solid throughout. The lower part is made from nylon, with the upper made of a microfibre covering over 'Light PU' padding.
It's 263mm long, which isn't the longest, but it does give some wiggle room, so to speak. You have the option of moving forward very slightly for sprints, but the curved nose does make you prone to sliding off if you go too far. Or you can just sit back on the more comfortable lightly padded rear, for lower paced riding, hill climbs and the like.
Prologo has just two women-specific saddles in its range, and both are 147mm wide. Some saddle manufacturers offer two or even three widths, to help match your sit bones (all Specialized's road saddles for women, for example, come in 143 and 155mm widths, and some are available in 168mm too). If 147mm fits your anatomy, the Kappa Dea2 is a good option – not lightweight but not too heavy either (though lighter on the road.cc scales of truth than Prologo lists).
My sit bones seemed to be in the right places, and I found that on longer rides this saddle really did reduce pressure. There isn't too much padding, a little more than my regular saddle, and I found it particularly comfortable, with not much unwanted pressure at all.
The only downside I had with the Kappa Dea2 was when it came to fitting it: the markings on the rails aren't very clear. In fact I had to get my phone out and turn the torch on to be able to see the number markers to set it up correctly for my riding position.
Overall, it's a good all-rounder at a fair price. It ticks the boxes for comfort and reduced pressure over longer distances, though it could be longer, with a straighter nose...
Verdict
A women-specific saddle with a comfy cutout – if it suits your sit bones it's a very good all-rounder
Make and model: Prologo Kappa Dea2 Saddle
Size tested: One size, Black
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
This women-specific saddle is listed in Prologo's 'Enthusiast' range, aimed at more-than-casual cyclists.
Prologo says: "The main feature is the cutout section that helps eliminate perineal pressure when riding."
I have to agree that this cut away section does reduce pressure on parts that can sometimes feel it!
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
100% Nylon base
Size: 263mm x 147mm
Weight: 282g
Base: Nylon
Rails: T2.0
Cover: Microfibre
Padding: Light PU
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The saddle is well constructed and made from durable material.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
It performed well in terms of comfort, but the slanted nose can make movement forward a slippery slope.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
No issues; no reason to suspect any issues any time soon.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
The saddle lives up to its design promises.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
The Kappa Dea2 is a reasonable price at rrp, and if you shop around it can be found cheaper.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The saddle performed well and lived up to its pressure-relieving claims.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Its sleek looks.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Slipping off the slanted nose.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
The Kappa Dea2 is a decent buy. It doesn't cost the earth and is a good option for those wanting a bit more performance orientation than a 'comfort' design.
Age: 35 Height: 158cms Weight: 61kg
I usually ride: Scott Contessa My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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