How do these compare to hopes in terms of power, reliability and fit & forget? They seem reasonably priced, i assume Japanese made, and are reasonably nice looking! I have always had hopes and would like the new x2's at some point in the future but ntosure if they are worth the extra £100

Used them on my AM/DH bike this summer including the Mega. They are very very good IME. Possibly get some better discs as I found them better with some floating rotors, but otherwise hassle free, powerful and easy to adjust.

They work. very well indeed. the levers feel nice. I am quite heavy and they stop me. recommended.

Shimano Brakes for the win!

I've not used anything except Shimano for years now, cos they just work, and work well. I'm keen when I get some money together to upgrade to the current generation XT myself, especially as they're even more powerful with the servowave lever than the older XTs.