May sound like a silly question, but do XT rear derailleurs really shift that much better than LX rears?

I'm asking cuz I've been going through about 4 each season and usually stock up on XT's, but it's getting expensive.

No they arent, the only real diffrerence is colour and weight. In previous years shimano have gone out of their way to make LX heavier than XT and XTR, i am sure that you will find that if they are set up correctly a deore deurailler will work just as good as an XTR, despite the fact that xtr has some sealed bearing componets.

No they arent, the only real diffrerence is colour and weight. In previous years shimano have gone out of their way to make LX heavier than XT and XTR, i am sure that you will find that if they are set up correctly a deore deurailler will work just as good as an XTR, despite the fact that xtr has some sealed bearing componets.
I agree with above. Nothing wrong with lx . How are you going through 4 ayear? If you are free riding, then lx or deore will give you good performance for the buck. Xt if youare cross country but you shouldn't be wearing out an xt with that kind of riding.

I agree with above. Nothing wrong with lx . How are you going through 4 ayear? If you are free riding, then lx or deore will give you good performance for the buck. Xt if youare cross country but you shouldn't be wearing out an xt with that kind of riding.

Should've clarified that. I'm not wearing them out, more like bending them. One good tag on a rock without a replacable der. hanger and they're gonzo.

You know how it is....."I was just rindin along and....."

Looks like it's LX's for me.