I am one of the few that did OK with the stock seat. It was on the really long rides that I noticed that it did not breath. So I got the Alaska leather Sheep skin and all was much better. It took me a long time to justify a better seat. I visited Rocky Meyer in Ventura and got his custom seat. It is much better than the stock seat and it is lower than the Russell day long and I can easily flat foot it, perfect for daily commuting. Later a Russel seat showed up for sale here, Thanks to The Dan, so I bought it, It fits me perfectly and is what everyone says about it. It is harder to get your feet down because of the wings, so I am on the ball of my feet instead of flat footing. But it is so much better for the iron butt runs....
I also use the Sheep skin on both seats, Rocky and day long, because it really helps remove bottom side perspiration.....