Refining a favourite: CADEX Amp 3D takes precision up a notch — but not for everyone

I’ve been riding the original CADEX Amp saddle since June 2023, and it quickly became my go-to. So much so that I’ve put the saddle on three of my bikes and travel with it when attending media launches. It’s the first unisex performance saddle I truly got along with, offering just the right blend of shape, support, aggressive positioning and all-day comfort. So when CADEX launched the new Amp 3D with a 3D-printed upper and a $100 increase, I was intrigued. Did CADEX make a good product even better? After two months of testing, my answer is: yes and no. Let’s dive in.

A Quick Recap: The Original Amp

CADEX is a premium sub-brand of Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd., the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Originally launched in the 1980s and reintroduced in 2019, CADEX focuses on high-performance carbon components, from wheels and cockpits to saddles and even, tyres.

The Amp saddle was first launched in 2023 as a follow-up to the popular Boost race saddle with the aim of creating a saddle that suited a wider range of riders. For a more universal fit, CADEX opted for a short-nosed, wide-winged design, not unlike the market-leading Specialized Power saddle. In fact, at 242mm in length, the Amp is just 3mm longer than the Power saddle, and comes in one width only: 145mm.

What made the Amp stand out for me was that it worked right away. No break-in required. No pressure points and no saddle sore issues. The shape and padding hit the sweet spot: just enough give to absorb vibrations while still feeling supported. The curved wings and generous central cutout help minimise friction and pressure. Importantly, the Amp allows freedom of movement. One can push backward on the slightly curved rear end to rotate into an aggressive or more aerodynamic position — something other short-nosed saddles tend to restrict.

AMP 3D - What’s new

The new Amp 3D retains the carbon base and integrated rails of the original Amp saddle but replaces the Particle Flow foam upper with a 3D-printed lattice structure.

CADEX is far from the first brand to incorporate 3D printing into its saddle line-up. Specialized, Fizik, Prologo and a growing list of others have already embraced the technology. And like CADEX, most of them have partnered with Silicon Valley-based printing specialists Carbon.

The key advantage of a 3D-printed upper is the ability to precisely tune the material’s density in ways that aren’t possible with traditional foam. Softer zones are placed beneath sensitive areas, while firmer sections support the sit bones for stable power transfer.

The distinct open lattice design not only improves airflow compared to closed-cell foam, it also enhances weight distribution and helps reduce undercarriage pressure on long rides. 3d uppers are also praised for their durability. Unlike foam, they don’t degrade over time.

While most 3D-printed saddles use a honeycomb or hexagonal for the saddle’s internal structure, CADEX stands out by using a gyroid structure. A gyroid is a complex three-dimensional shape with no flat surfaces or straight lines. It curves and twists continuously, forming an efficient, isotropic structure. In practical terms, this means the saddle can deform and distribute pressure not just vertically (like foam or honeycomb) but also laterally and diagonally. The AMP 3D sports this gyroid structure beneath key contact zones, while a denser hexagonal lattice reinforces the outer edges for added stability.

In real-world use, this means the saddle feels softer when riding upright, placing more weight on the centre. Roll forward into an aggressive position and the support firms up under your sit bones. This kind of precision zoning is where 3D-printed saddles really shine. While high-end foam saddles also offer zoned densities, the tuning is more limited. With 3D printing, manufacturers can adjust density at a micro level.

Weighing in at 147g, the Amp 3D is slightly heavier than its predecessor but it’s among the lightest 3D-printed saddles on the market.

The Cadex Amp 3D - Specs

• Weight: 147g
• Rail Size: 9.5mm
• Width: 145mm
• Length: 245mm
• Stack Height: 41mm
• Rail Material: Carbon
• Rail Shape: Oval
• Shell: Advanced Forged Composite Technology (AFCT)
• Padding: G3D Gyroid & Lattice Structure
• Price: $450 /  £369.99 / €400

Ride Impressions

The original Amp is a well-balanced performance saddle. This new Amp 3D keeps everything that worked in the original and adds more refinement. The shape is familiar, yes, but the ride feel is new.

There’s a noticeable increase in the saddle’s firmness to the point that it feels slightly taller than the original, and it even offers some damping effect. By that I mean that the road buzz is filtered out more effectively than with traditional foam.

The sit bones feel cradled at every angle. Not in a sink-in, memory-foam way but in a firmly supported manner.

For me, the only downside is the surface texture. Like most 3D-printed saddles, the highly textured material has some grippiness to it that, when paired with lycra, has an almost-velco effect. It gives it a very planted feel, which is great for riders who like to stay locked into position but less ideal for those, like me, who prefer to slide and shift throughout the ride. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a design feature worth considering depending on your riding style.

It also marks a slight departure from CADEX’s original aim of creating a saddle for a broader range of riders. On one hand, the 3D-printed upper offers a uniquely tailored, personalised ride feel that should accommodate many. On the other hand, it discourages movement, which somewhat limits its use for me.

Is it better than the original? Technically, yes. The Amp 3D is a fine example of how far saddle technology has come. It’s smartly engineered, impressively light and offers a dynamically supported ride feel. But despite the precision and polish, I still prefer the original Amp. On longer rides, I want the freedom to move around.

And, as with the original Amp, the integrated carbon rails help keep the weight down and eliminate pressure points, both big positives, but I do wish there were a titanium-railed version, if only to avoid the seatpost clamp compatibility issues that come with the oval rail shape.

Verdict

The CADEX Amp is a personal favourite. It’s my #1 go-to saddle for both road and gravel. The new Amp 3D brings a clear technical upgrade: it’s smartly engineered, impressively light, and offers firm, dynamic support with a more refined ride feel. But for me, the grippy surface and more planted sensation made it feel a little too locked-in on longer rides. That said, if you prefer a secure, stay-put position in the saddle, the 3D upper could well be worth the upgrade.

At $450 / €400, the Amp 3D is a premium investment, but one that’s priced in line with other high-end 3D-printed saddles.