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@ChrisNW
+1 to what polkiinghorn says.
I do remember my b17 being really slippy at first, but after a couple of rides in the wet the shiny surface dulls and becomes less of a problem (warning: the black ones do leave a mark on lighter coloured materials at first while you are breaking them in so don't wear your best jeans).
My b17 has changed shape, I do believe it has moulded to my sit bones as well as getting softer. I found that when breaking the saddle in which I did over winter it felt least comfortable for about the first 5 miles, then gradually improved over my full commuting distance (18miles), I put this down to the leather being cold. By about 500 miles the saddle had changed shape and was fairly comfy, by about 1200 the softening and moulding meant I had to tighten for the first time - this probably varies with the weather you ride in and your weight (I'm 70kg). Now with easily 3000 miles, it's really comfy for any distance.
Measured with a spirit level across front and back (middle now dips more than it did new), I have 11mm spacer between front of saddle and spirit level to get it level, so front is 11mm lower.
I also found that the sides started to flare out as it got softer so I drilled holes down the sides and laced them together underneath, which really works better than just tightening the saddle.
Good luck with your new purchase.