I love my Gilles Berthoud Aravis (titanium-framed touring version), and prefer it over the well-broken-in B-17 on another bike. It requires less nose up tilt than the Brooks so it's less likely to cause perineal pressure (none for me with the GB; my B-17 is now slotted to prevent that problem). The leather is thicker than any Brooks in my experience, and consequently takes longer (about 500 miles) to break in, but it was never uncomfortable in that time. It has the same short rails as Brooks. Yes, GB saddles are expensive, and yes, it was worth it to me. I'd buy another one in a flash, but maybe the steel-framed Aspin version for a bike that I'm not riding as much.

Wallbikes and Rene Herse both have 6-month money back guarantees on their Brooks and Gilles Berthoud saddles. Harris and others also sell them.

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I've had a Selle An-Atomica Titanico X, and it was nice under the sitbones, but I didn't care for the thigh chafing on one side due to the shape. That's not a universal complaint, but others have also had the problem. It was surprised how much adjustment was required in 500 miles of use. The GB has needed no adjustment in 2500 miles, and the Brooks very little in more than twice that mileage, even with the slotting that SAA performed about 8 years ago. OTOH, the long SAA rails make it more likely to be adjustable to the preferred fore-aft position. I use Velo Orange's long setback seat post with the GB for that reason.