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TaunTaun Saddles: They are NOT all the same!
![](../img/article/TaunTaun-Belly-Strap.jpg)
I review a LOT of sales listings for Star Wars toys. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a seller will list an item stating it's "100% complete with original accessories", and it turns out that the accessory IS original (vintage), but NOT for that particular item! With TaunTauns, you will sometimes see this with the saddle - so I wanted to put this quick guide out so everyone can see the difference.
Open-belly TaunTauns are more rare than closed-belly TaunTauns, making open-belly versions more valuable. And the buckles on the straps do tend to break over time (for both versions) so an open-belly TaunTaun WITH its original strap will definitely command a higher value. On occasion, I see open-belly TaunTauns wearing the thin strap saddle version of the closed-belly TaunTauns - and people paying excessive prices for them. I almost NEVER see the reverse - a thick strapped open-belly saddle on a closed-belly TaunTaun... but that would be a good buy to hopefully reunite the saddle with its proper owner some day!
![](../img/article/TaunTaun-Side-Strap.jpg)
The difference between the straps is very obvious once you are familiar with them. The thick strap of an open-belly TaunTaun's saddle is a good two to three times wider than the thin version of the closed-belly's. This was likely an intentional design to help hold the flaps of the open-belly together.
So, if you are looking to buy an open belly TaunTaun, make sure to check that strap thickness - or you'll be looking to find a thick strap saddle on its own - and likely paying even more of a premium!
If you want to see the price differences between the TaunTauns, check them out in our visual guide here:
Open-Belly TaunTaun
Closed-Belly TaunTaun
If you want to see the price differences between the TaunTauns, check them out in our visual guide here:
Open-Belly TaunTaun
Closed-Belly TaunTaun