Keep in mind the more upright you sit, the more weight you take off you hands, and that weight goes to your bathing suit area. My last Brooks Pro was as hard and slippery as polished steel when new, but it got slightly softer with each ride for about a month, and not so dang slippery. I do not like the idea of accelerating a leather saddle's break-in with water, oils, etc., if you want it to last a long time. I tried a Selle Anatomica NSX with no cut-out (I dislike any sort of cut-out) and hated it. In short: buy and try a B-17 for a good long time before you dismiss them. Position of the saddle is important too, and might take some time to figure out. I love the idea of try-outs for saddles, but sometimes a healthy relationship takes time to nurture. Good luck!