Just got some second hand Avid 3s for the lad's bike but they look prettier than my old 5s. Should I have them and hand-me-down the 5s?

The lever assys appear identical but for the colour(3=black, 5=grey).
The caliper is different with the 3s having a moulded in boss to take the fluid pipe and seperate bleed screw while the 5s use a banjo to attach the fluid pipe with the bleeder as the banjo bolt.
The pipe attachment on the 3s is to the inboard piston so would be safer from snagging, I suppose.

Anyone know any more? Performance, materials,reliabillity?
What are you getting for the extra noney?

Cheers.

5,s a bit more powerfull than the 3,s???

Just adjustability isn't it, I've had a set of 3's on my bike for 2-3 years now and not had a problem with them, plenty of power.

Cheers, guys.
According to the SRAM website the 5s are able to cope with something called "All Mountain" where the 3s cannot."Why" is not explained.

The also get something called indexed lever adjustment – on 09 split clamp lever assy. But mine is the older type so probably doesn't have that.

I think I am having them on my bike.