Pad has good amount of cushion and works great on multiple bags.
It hold my shoulder very well. Small pads may be exchanged.
It is amazing the difference you feel when you velcro this onto your shoulder strap. Increased comfort coupled with no-slip grip from this thick shoulder pad. I too, wonder why Manhattan Portage has not made these standard on all shoulder bags.
The 1001 Shoulder Pad is an absolute necessity if you have one of MP's shoulder bags.
I was surprised at how sturdy and substantial it was when I took it out of the packaging, because the photos made it appear somewhat thin and flimsy. Most importantly, it's well-padded on the bottom, it's considerably large, it's made out of the same Cordura material as the bag material, and it has the cool red patch on it. The material does not give very easily, and it took some flexing to get it to properly wrap over my shoulder.
I say that the pad is an absolute necessity for the following reasons. First, MP's bags don't include shoulder pads. I used my bag for 2 months before putting the pad on it, and the bare strap pinched my shoulder and made my chest/back sore. The strap definitely helps reduce pinching and it helps to distribute the weight more evenly. Second, the strap looks too plain/bare without the shoulder pad on it. I think that the pad makes the overall bag simply look better.
I got this bag via ebags.com (they offered free shipping). I now consider it a must-have. I use it on the Europa Deluxe Messenger Bag (1440). The difference is dramatic. Easy install (uses velcro), very comfortable, and easily adjustable. No regrets, I would buy it again if the need arose.