Personally, I'm not fond of the gel padding. I find it too bulky and noticeable. For centuries and longer, I've been perfectly happy with the lowest end Nashbar shorts (about US$19). One thing that I've found very helpful on longer rides is to use "chamois cream". This is something like a very heavy duty hand cream that you smear on your...well, not your hands!
Of course, your butt may vary!
Paul