Keep Shimano 6120 or upgrade to XT 4 piston brakes? What’s the real world diff?

[glmoto]

I just purchased my first EMTB. A Trek Rail 9.7 that came with Shimano 6120 4 piston brakes. Before I rode it I thought for sure that I would need to replace the brakes right away and can purchase XT 4 piston from my LBS, however now that I’ve ridden it 50 miles or so, I think the 6120’s are working pretty nice. So looking for some help from those who have experience with the 6120’s and XT 4 piston. My weight is 200lbs, bike is XL, and a typical ride on my local trails will have an elevation gain of between 2-4K , so pretty hilly terrain.
Thx!
Greg

 

[Gary]

The main differences you'd actually notice are all in the levers
XT will gain you:
Servo wave explained here

SERVO WAVE ACTION | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-SOUTH-EAST ASIA

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bike.shimano.com

Free stroke adjustment

FREE STROKE | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

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Which really does nothing a well set up lever without freestroke does.
and
On the fly reach adjust

REACH ADJUST | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-SOUTH-EAST ASIA

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

Just the same as the allen key adjustment your current levers have but tool free.

Materials and finish are slightly different and XT calipers come fitted with Icetech pads

ICE TECHNOLOGIES | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

You can buy these for your Deore calipers.
They're expensive and not really worth having unless you do extended descents and heat build up is an issue for you,
and they tend to rattle in the calipers.
and XT calipers can take standard non finned pads (half the price)

 

[glmoto]

The main differences you'd actually notice are all in the levers
XT will gain you:
Servo wave explained here

SERVO WAVE ACTION | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-SOUTH-EAST ASIA

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

Free stroke adjustment

FREE STROKE | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

Which really does nothing a well set up lever without freestroke does.
and
On the fly reach adjust

REACH ADJUST | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-SOUTH-EAST ASIA

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

Just the same as the allen key adjustment your current levers have but tool free.

Materials and finish are slightly different and XT calipers come fitted with Icetech pads

ICE TECHNOLOGIES | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

You can buy these for your Deore calipers.
They're expensive and not really worth having unless you do extended descents and heat build up is an issue for you,
and they tend to rattle in the calipers.
and XT calipers can take standard non finned pads (half the price)

 

[glmoto]

Thanks Gary!
Very much appreciated

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Little real world difference in my experience between the 6120(4 piston) vs XT.

I have the 6120's on 2 bikes, they are very good, possibly the best bang for buck brake out there IMO.

I also have the XT's on 2 demo bikes. Again, great, but definitely not worth changing your 6120's out for them.

 

[glmoto]

Thanks Gary!
Very much appreciated

Little real world difference in my experience between the 6120(4 piston) vs XT.

I have the 6120's on 2 bikes, they are very good, possibly the best bang for buck brake out there IMO.

I also have the XT's on 2 demo bikes. Again, great, but definitely not worth changing your 6120's out for them.

Awesome Rob!! Thx ! Now I can put that $$ towards upgrading the clunky SRAM NX drivetrain with GX.
Cheers!
Greg

 

[Stihldog]

Thanks Gary!
Very much appreciated

Awesome Rob!! Thx ! Now I can put that $$ towards upgrading the clunky SRAM NX drivetrain with GX.
Cheers!
Greg

I have the same bike. I wore out a few rear pads then eventually the rt76 rotor. Upgraded to the rt86 rotor. I use the Shimano resin pads. I wonder if cooling fins on the pads might help?