Tried the new Saint brakes briefly in Fort William, much more powerful than my current Saints....(monobody couldn't handle the extra power according to the rep) which don't feel that great anymore having tried other ones. But then they are easy to adjust etc. and haven't bled em in 2 years.

And the new saint rear mech....luverly. Remedy with full Saint groupset please barman!

a set of new seals for your caliper? thats the cheapest option.

I'd stay away from the current saint/old XT Dan, you'd not be happy with the power of them, decent brakes for xc or a first set of discs, and my XT has been totally uncookable, just lacks the oomph when braking hard.(which is why it's gone on the back, though it has given great consistent predictable performance, it was only lacking in power.)

The k18 is coming on strong now after the last bleed, feeling similar to the juicy albeit with a tiny bit less bite but more ultimate power, the lever position ain't great though, but I don't really notice it when riding. Definately more power then the xt now, plus pad change simple and easy. B*stards to centre though. Still worth considering, and bleeding same as Juicy so I could bail you out if need be!

The new servo wave xt's more powerful, pauls felt nice and strong in the car park when I tried them, worth a look, and bleeding easy(ish) with friendly fluid, though they often take a few to get right, as did pauls and numerous ones the mags have used.

Juicy's would piss you off getting pads in and out, plus theres a stud thing in the piston similar to the hayes, and mine have been less fade resistant than the xt. Plus they can also be buggers if they feel like it. Though while they've behaved I love mine.

Also worth a look are the quad brakes, though pad availability scarce, but the qhd1 stinger (which also has braided hoses as oe.) are same as old deore according to mbr, so that should be fine, just the new axis and dime which would be an issue. allterraincycles.co.uk has some quad in stock. Highly reputed brakes from all mags, and the qhd1 was/is used by some DH'ers.

Who needs expensive brakes that just shout bling.

These things will do, had them on my old bike and they felt great - better than my wooden Hayes Strokers I have now...

In Kontrol, are the Strokers really that bad? I got used to the wooden feeling of my old HFX's tbh..

btw peeps, I should have mentioned I need something powerful /reliable enough for the odd DH day too...

I bought a set of strokers to replace my hfx brakes after 4 service free years. The strokers (trail model has more adjustment) have much more modulation and are just as ungodly powerful. Picked them up for £135 a pair from merlin. 8 inch of course. They are awsome and reliable.

I replaced the hfx brakes cuz they are going on my wife's bike. They are dirty but still sweet.