Did you use the "Ultra" Gatorskins? which are wire beaded. I use folders and don't use tire tolls on my Trek nor did I on the Giant. I've never used wire beaded tires so I can't compare.
No, these were folders. However, I had bought them a while back and stored them folded in my garage for a year or so. That may have made the bead stiffer or put a funny kink in them. Sometimes tires just vary. Even my mechanic had trouble mounting them, and he thought they were just a set that were on the small side within their range of variability.