I recently helped someone with a build and found a very nice set of XT brakes on MTB Parts finder on FB page. No rotors but $150.00 for the set with the finned pads. I found both my BB7 mechanical brakes and XO brakes both squealed like crazy in the snow. Neither pads or numerous adjustments helped. I am using XT brakes on my bike now and they will squeal here and there, but not that much and very infrequently. That is why I found the used ones for my friend.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/264404450297176/

Sram and Tektro brakes are both notorious for being noisy. It’s impossible to avoid the turkey gobble sound and vibrating feel. I mean, any brake is liable to do this if they are not worked in properly, and in the wet any brake will howl a bit. But from my experience there is almost no hope for Sram or Tektro. It is mostly an issue with the rotors, but once you start mixing rotors from one company with calipers (and adapters) from another, you run into other issues, or potentially just make the problem worse.

If you’re looking for performance brakes on a budget, nothing comes anywhere close to Shimano Deores with RT66 rotors (or RT68 rotors if you need Center Lock discs.

On that note, one compatibility issue you may run into is 6-bolt versus Center Lock rotors. Easy to tell the difference, but make sure you get the right ones no less.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/shimano-deore-m506-disc-brake/rp-prod119951

I’ve had SLX brakes since July 2015 and they’ve been flawless – they just work. You can always upgrade to the finned pads after, but I personally haven’t noticed a huge difference. Shimano have worked well for 1000s of riders and they don’t cost an arm and a leg, so I’d just put out for the whole new set up and then forget about the days of bad braking.

I’ll paraphrase an old Macedonian proverb “Poor man buys twice”

You guys are probably right. SLX is probably just as good. I did not offer it as an option as I have never run them. I prefer to comment on stuff I actually use.

If you don’t like noise, as has been said, avoid SRAM brakes. They’re loud. Nothing you can do about it. And it’s annoying has heck.

I’ve had various brake systems over time and Shimano XT have always come out as the best value for performance on trail bikes for ON riding conditions. Saints for DH. If the XT goodness has trickled down to SLX, then they’d be your best bet…. I haven’t been on SLX recently to say for sure.

Good choice. serious value and set & forget performance.