I've been running SRAM X0 shifters for 3 years and up until now I've been impressed as the shifting has been faultless but after changing the cables I can't help but think that someone slipped up on the design.
Tacking off the covers exposes a lot the internals and you would struggle to change a cable without removing the shifter.
The whole process is much simpler with Shimano.
you dont need to to disassemble with the X9 [same as X0 minus carbon and adjustability) did you do it correctly?
on recent x9 you do ... top cover comes off
early x9 just took the screw out like shimano ...although the screw liked to fall inwards and jam up requiring dismanteling to remove !
when i did it on my x9 you just screwed off the top cover and change the cable. you shoudnt be touching any of the internals
Can't say I've had much trouble changing cables on my 3 year old X0's, jut take the cover off, change the cable, put the cover back.
Much better than the cheese like plastic screw/bung on old x9.
Yeah, I think it's better. Also means it's better sealed for most of the time (when it matters) as there's one less hole in it. And if it did get manky inside, you could clean it out with the easy access. I think it's good design...