I always had numbness issues on Brooks B17 saddles, probably because I would always slide forward on them. That said my new Waterford came with a C17 and it's fantastic. I'm not sure why but it feels a lot grippier, so I guess I don't slide forward. Or the subtle change they made to the shape. Whatever - it's amazing. First saddle I ever had where it just disappears under you. Also the natural color is just gorgeous on my dark green bike. Looks like burlap.