I have one of the gyes saddles that's supposed to be like a brooks swallow, but with the cutout. In that case, the price difference was worth it. I've never tried the Brooks it was based on, but the Gyes is a decent enough saddle. I might go back to my old standby of a San Marco Regal though as that seemed a bit more comfortable. Maybe if I get back in better shape I'll decide I like the Gyes better again.