Its like wearing good leather shoes. As your butt presses down on the hard surface, it will stretch and conform to relieve the pressure where it presses down hardest. A plastic saddle can't do this. You have to give it time to break in. I really love Brooks. Its superior to gel in that I think where soft tissue is concerned it keeps it from not getting proper support while riding. Horse riders have used leather saddles for comfort and it should be no different for cyclists.