To be fair goat is somewhat spongy by nature...Personally I find 5 star goat and cow to be a better hide than the cowhide used by Hercules, which was exceedingly light/thin and far too shiny and plastic feeling.... I would put both companies in the same sandbox/price point.I spent $25 and ordered ALL available leather samples from Shawn, including premium goat. All were spongy. Shearling was very light and flimsy. I will not be ordering from 5*.