Christ, what are people expecting when they buy a ~$100 saddle!? I mean, ok, I get it, they get a lot of good reviews and folks probably expect to open the box and have some glowing orb of perfection float out of it. It's leather, metal, and stitches. Some of them will "look" better than others and others may have their "quirks". Put it on your bike and go ride on the damn thing...does it FEEL off center? Are the "scuffs" chafing your legs? Did you order the saddle directly from the factory or through a dealer, did it leave the factory with the scuffs or did they occur during shipping? Is it off-center enough to effect the ride quality?

I have to wonder if Brooks' reputation (much of which is fueled by a loyal following here on these forums) has preceded them and is now setting folks up for inevitable disappointment. Scuffs? "Off-center"? I've got a 40+ year old saddle that is a bit off-center when viewed from the front and is chock full of scuffs, yet it is hands down the most comfortable leather saddle I have ever owned.

I still think they're an excellent bang for the buck. Has anyone priced a comparable leather crafted product lately? Think about it like a good pair of leather shoes or boots. For $100 you're going to get a decent pair...you want PERFECTION...be prepared to spend much, much more. Could Brooks produce an absolutely flawless leather saddle? Probably. For ~$100? I doubt it.

It's very possible you may have received an inferior product, but sending it back and asking for a replacement would probably be time better spent than looking for sympathy on a bike forum...maybe? As a company, their demand is up and they are producing a lot of product, some imperfections (at this price point) will slip through the cracks.

/rant, I feel better now, thanks lol