So many variables. I was surprised to discover a narrow, firm Selle Italia SKS Kit Carbonio was perfect for me. Padding is comparable to a Fizik, not too much, not too little.

I figured a 140mm would be right for me, but when I checked my sit bones they're pretty narrow. Turns out the 131mm width was right for me. Kinda surprised me because my hips aren't particularly narrow for my weight -- I'm 5'11", 160 lbs with a bit of a belly pudge, and usually I wear 34 waist pants. Even at my thinnest in my teens and 20s I wore a 32 waist, not a 30 like some guys my size or larger in top condition. The wider saddles left me feeling bruised after long rides. But the narrow has been perfect this year.

Saddle height and angle make a significant difference for me too. I can tolerate a bit of leeway in height, but I can't tolerate any variation in angle. If the saddle is a single notch off level it drives me nuts. I set it level and realistically it probably dips just a wee bit under load while I'm riding.

I also dislike saddles with up-flared backs. Supposedly older guys with bad backs like me should be more comfortable on saddles with some up-flare to correct for hip tilt. But I can't stand the things. My Selle Italia has only the very slightest bit of up-flare, and at a glance appears flat but isn't. That's about right for me, at least this year. Subject to change as the body ages.