People are not all made the same. Brooks saddles HURT me. I've tried them a couple of times. The last time I tried a B-17, I rode on that saddle for about a month before I gave up (about 150 miles per week, back then). It felt okay during the first 15-20 minutes, and steadily got worse after that.

My favorite saddle so far is an old Terry saddle, followed closely by Specialized saddles (Avatar and Aliante). They feel about the same, except that the Terry is also leather. I find that leather is more comfortable in general (slightly less hot, and less sliding around and friction when it gets damp with sweat).