You're in Southern California, eh Freckles? Why not send this one back and go buy one at one of the many shops in the area that must stock Brooks saddles, so you can pick out a nice one. Might cost a bit more but you will be happier. Not being snarky here. I have railed on about the decline in the quality of Brooks saddles here myself, only to be roundly criticized, by a couple of members, for doing so. Be careful. There are those here who will brand you because of your complaint, shared here. But I believe sub-standard or flawed workmanship needs to be outed.