I use Beljum Hard Core Budder. It's the only one I've used. I haven't tried Chamois Butt'r or any other type.

I've used it on the sides of my leg where it meets the pelvis, I've used it on my sit bones area, and it feels so smooth.

I'm on the learning curve, and I'm not too sure how often I need to reapply (so far, I've only ridden an hour as my longest ride). I just put a dallop and shove it down my shorts, get some water and rinse my hands off...very easy to rinse.

I'm not too keen on petroleum jelly because jelly isn't exactly easy to clean off.

I guess it's all preferences. You may not be used to the saddle since you're coming off the recumbent...It took me a week, but now I'm used to the saddle and it feels really comfortable.

On top of that, always make sure that the saddle fits you and the bike is fitting you right...just a little angle off can cause issues.