Mountain Biking - saddle recommendation for a steel hardtail

Just last week I received my new bike. The LBS put together a nice bike around Rocky Mountain Blizzard frame for me. I haven't ridden MTBs for a few years now and last week during the first longer ride I noticed that I need a better saddle. For years I rode MTB, cyclo-cross and road with variations of Selle Italia Flite saddles (ti, gel flow, etc). The saddle I currently have on my cyclo-cross bike is Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow 9the one with the cut-out). It's much more comfortable than standard Selle Italia Flite Ti on my road and MTB bikes. However, I would like something a bit more comfortable. I am in the 30s, weight about 210lbs, I ride a steel hard-tail MTB but would like something with more support, cut-out for the sensitive area and good padding. I am willing to give up weight for comfort but I don't want to go too heavy or too bulky.
Can someone recommend some good alternative to Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow?
How about Fizik Aliante (I know, it doesn't have a cut-out area but the padding seems to compensate for that)? I hear that carbon rails Aliante is comfortable but that it breaks down easily (apparently the carbon rails come apart after a few months). Is the ti version better?
Thanks

Saddle preference is a very personal thing. Something that is comfortable to one person may be extremely painful to another.

I use a Specialized Avatar 155 on my hardtail. The saddle comes in 3 widths and it is pretty comfy for big riders.

Like never said, it's such a personal thing; however, I've found more WTB Vs in one form or another that I've liked more than most. They do make a Comfort V Sport but it's on the heavy side at a tick over a pound (where your Selle Italia is about 5 oz. less). If you're not looking that wide-n-cushy, check out maybe the Rocket V.

My butt gets tired of sitting on my Fizik Alliante for more than an hour. I switched to some gel padded cycling shorts that seem to help on the 1 1/2 or longer rides.

I have the Fizik Alliante on my road bike. My mtb has a Fizik Gobi and a carbon seat post that seems like a pretty comfortable combination.

Edit: My Fizik Alliante was the original saddle on my Cannondale Rush Team Replica. I replaced the Alliante with a Gobi just because I found a deal on Ebay and I wanted to preserve the original Alliante saddle. But now, I'd choose the Gobi over the Alliante if I had to pick just one for my mtb. My road bike has the Fizik Arione and definately not what you looking for.

another vote for the WTB line of saddles. i have an inexpensive speed v comp that suits my needs well. comfy.

I also recommend WTB saddles.

The usual problem with saddles is not cushioning but width. It is common to see big guys riding on saddles designed for lighter riders with relatively narrow hips. Do yourself a favor and measure your seat bones spread and choose a saddle that has the correct width for you. If you do that and then take the time to check tilt and position you should be fine with any saddle.

I like cut out designs in general but they are more important on the road or on a softail where you pedal most of the time from the saddle. The hardtail will force you to move and pedal out of the saddle a lot so it is a feature that you shouldn't need. If you want a cut out design check the Terry liberators. I have one in my cross bike and like it a lot.

My butt gets tired of sitting on my Fizik Alliante for more than an hour. I switched to some gel padded cycling shorts that seem to help on the 1 1/2 or longer rides.

I have the Fizik Alliante on my road bike. My mtb has a Fizik Gobi and a carbon seat post that seems like a pretty comfortable combination.

I have gobi's on my main rides. It is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. especially for long rides and distances.

once you gobi, you'll never go back

Does the Flite not have a cut-out?

WTB Laser V

specialized bg2 sport
A+++++++++++++++

dunno if theyre still about, & it's personal pref etc... but flite ti's were superb for anyone. great profile for leaning & getting on/off the saddle, best with padded shorts but VERY comfy after about 20mins riding. it's just a perch it's not meant to get in the way too much. good on hardtails with the flexy ti rails, had mine over 5 years, only the shine has gone. no snaggy stitching, very smooth.