4” vs 5” Thick Organic Pads?

Been using the same old ripped up metolious pad for a couple years and it’s time for an upgrade. I’ve pretty much decided on an Organic Big pad but can’t decide between 4” and 5” thick. I’m leaning towards 4” since it’ll be lighter and take up a little less space in my car, but for anyone’s thats fallen on both, do you think I’ll regret not getting the 5”? I don’t climb anything extremely tall, but I am occasionally on fairly high boulders (20 ft or so) and I also often boulder by myself. Is the extra inch worth the weight, size and hassle or will the 4” be fine? How big of a difference does the little bit of extra thickness make on higher falls? Also do both the 4” and 5” soften up relatively the same over time? Any insight greatly appreciated here. 

Id have to say my organic pad has stayed exactly the same as far as firmness the entire time ive owned it. Compared to the bd pad I have, the level of quality blows bd out of the water. Also mine is four inch and seems to provide plenty of cushion.

I have a 5” Big Pad and have no regrets. I usually take just this one pad. If you are going to carry two, the weight might make a difference. 

I have the 5 inch, and I frequently have carried it out with one of their 4 inch pads.

The 5 inch makes a big difference on larger falls, and a small difference in weight. I'd go with the 5 inch.

That "little bit" of extra thickness is an extra 25%.

I don't think anyone ever regretted having too much padding. (Well, maybe after the approach, but never after the landing.)

All of the Organic pads are superior to any other pad I've ever fallen on, so good choice. I own the 4" and I've taken fairly high falls onto it and haven't bottomed out. That said, the 5" is really nice to fall on and isn't that much heavier or more expensive. If you're only carrying one pad and the $20 isn't an issue I'd say there's no reason not to get the 5" unless your car space is really really tight.

Andrew Krajnik wrote:

That "little bit" of extra thickness is an extra 25%.

I don't think anyone ever regretted having too much padding. (Well, maybe after the approach, but never after the landing.)

That’s a good point. I’m just mainly concerned about space in my vehicle. I transported my friends 4” big pad and it left little room for other cargo. That being said, the extra 25% definitely would be nice to have. 

Wren Cooperrider wrote:

All of the Organic pads are superior to any other pad I've ever fallen on, so good choice. I own the 4" and I've taken fairly high falls onto it and haven't bottomed out. That said, the 5" is really nice to fall on and isn't that much heavier or more expensive. If you're only carrying one pad and the $20 isn't an issue I'd say there's no reason not to get the 5" unless your car space is really really tight.

When going solo, I probably will only bring the one pad. Yeah I feel like I would maybe regret not getting the 5” now. Car space is fairly tight, but not too tight. The extra $20 doesn’t concern me, mainly just size and weight. Do you ever regret not getting the 5”? 

After buying several bouldering pads over the last 20+ years, I can confidently say that buying the largest, thickest bouldering pad you can afford (and can fit in your vehicle) is always the way to go.