my chain had its last ride today, I’m running 9 speed X0 rear mech with X0 grip-shifters.

any recommendations on a chain? SRAM or Shimano? – going to get a new cassette but will stick to XT.

KMC chains are good and cheap

SRAM PG990 cassette and 991 chain – cheap off Merlin – will be as cheap as XT

If you can find a cheap Yumeya chain get 2 or 3. Run them alternate weeks and your drivetrain will run silky forever

2nd the yumeya or dura ace/xtr 7701. It’s all I’ll use on mine, a lot smoother than SRAM chains IMO.