The ideal saddle is one that fits your backside. Brooks provide one way forward on this - presumably as long as your dimensions are not too far out from its. I did have a B17 in my teens when it was used extensively for touring. Although it was fine, it wasn't entirely painless on long rides even when broken in. At times I was sure that it was changing my shape rather than vice versa.
The other way forward is to find a saddle that fits you. This is described in Cycling Plus this month (no commission, honest). A good lbs will let you try a saddle, either by you buying it then using it with tape to protect the rails (so that it comes back in a saleable condition), or by having some available for trial (much better).
For what its worth I have a Spesh Toupe. This can be bought in 2 or 3 widths. It works very well for me but does hurt a bit more on long rides early in the season (like all saddles). It's much more comfortable than the Van Nicholas saddle that I got with the new bike that doesn't have a cutaway. I have a Charge Spoon on the flat bar commuter that is pretty comfortable but also quite cheap.
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