I think Brooks saddles tend to be lumped together too often. Over the decades, they really were made for rather distinct purposes - even among the un-sprung models. So, the relative comfort is often mis-understood and also found disappointing when a saddle is used for a purpose other than the style of riding (and type of bike) for which it may have been designed. We (the general public) now tend to view "road" bikes in a narrower view - typically, modern roadies ride bikes with more modern [as in post-1980] "racing" geometry. And this may not be best served by classic Brooks saddles.

Regarding the White Swallow... I was pleased to see they based it on the B-17 style frame - with saddle bag loops and also with the flat rails rather than the forward up-sloping rails of the Professional frame. I do agree that saddle is more for a wall-hanger vintage bike than a everyday user. Not that it would be uncomfortable, just that the white leather will soon no longer be... white (in my greasy fingered experience, anyway).

I tend to like the feel and the leather quality of the Pro. I use them (usually older ones) on several bikes. The newer B-17s I find oddly too "stiff" - yet, ironically, they have slightly thinner leather, and it is this model which has the reputation for being THE most comfortable saddles made. This rigid feel is probably the result of the much longer side skirts which were originally intended to help better retain the shape of the standard B-17 saddle when used on touring bikes - which might be ridden in a somewhat more upright position by the average cyclist.

A few years back there was a version with a "pre-aged" finish - a matt brown, rather than the standard factory-polished style leather. This could be the ultimate in comfort and could even offer somewhat less break-in time. It would definitely "age" in color tone very quickly - right after the first dose of Proofide, I would suspect. Unfortunately, they were/are only available with black rails.

The B-17 "Narrow" model is really more geared to a (vintage, of course) "racing" bike and intended for lower handlebars (and thus less weight on the saddle) as well as massive tree-trunk racer's thighs.

The limited edition reproduction of the "Sprinter" must have been like sitting on a narrow wooden rail. The original model was intended for track racing, so comfort was not a real concern. I do wonder how many of that limited run actually sold... and how many are actually ridden? (Ouch!)

I sold a LTD Ed. Swallow earlier this year. It was simply soooo beautiful I simply could not bring myself to ever consider riding on it. I would (will?) probably fork over the cash for a chrome railed Swallow - and actually use it. When you are considering the final weight of a TI railed but thick leather topped saddle, 350 grams is comparable to a really cheap chromo railed modern saddle. I would prefer the flashy chrome and accept the additional 150 grams weight, since weight savings will NEVER be the prime concern for any Brooks, anyway... and... well, I just really like the look of chrome in an otherwise all-too-hi-tech world.

Each to his own taste... and aesthetics... and comfort requirements. For me, nyet! on the white Swallow.

But, I do hope they some day offer a Swallow... with chrome B-17 rails... and, in a dull brown "pre-aged" leather... I'm ready to buy one!

FWIW: I'm typing this while sitting on an unpadded wooden stool... What does that say about my personal saddle preferences?