Brake Talk

Exhibit A:  Avid advertisement.  Basically, Curtis Klean is addicted to biking and can jump a 29er.  Whooptedoo

http://forums.mtbr.com/brake-time/broken-brake-lever-sram-xx-need-advice-818480.html

Exhibit B:  A really great reason not to buy these brakes.  I saw someone break two Avid levers like this today in a tree collision where 1, their lever was loose enough to be pushed around the bar and 2, they were able to shrug off the damage to their hands.  That's bullshit. 

Conclusion: 

Shimano Zee.  Best brakes I have ever ridden with.  Super short pull, mega power, effortless braking, and a fair amount of modulation too.  

The balance has shifted, Avid.