Mountain Biking - shifter advice

I need a new pair of shifters and I could use some advice.
Is there a noticable difference in shifting smoothness between the present shimano LX and XT shifters?
I'm on a bit of a budget here, so is it really worth getting the XT? They're both about 245 grams but the XT is much more expensive.
Is the deore shifter an option?
I have a XT rear der. and a LX front.

art,

I have two MTBs, one with LX and one with XT shifters. As long as you keep the shifters/front and rear deraileurs well maintained and oiled there is absolutely no difference whatsoever. My LX shifters are 3 years older and shift just as smooth, if not smoother. :)

I suspected it to be like that.....

:beer:

Well Weasel, I've got to disagree!

I personally never had a problem with my shifters, but my wife did! She has weak hands and always had problems shifting the front derailleur on her mountain bike. I upgraded her shifters from LX to XT but didn't change her LX derailleur. That solved the problem, she now shifts no problem!

I can notice the difference in shifters between Deore and LX and LX and XT, but cannot tell any difference between XT and XTR!

Derailleurs on the other hand make a big difference. The XT and XTR are WAY better than the rest.

Good Luck!
L8R

Derailleurs on the other hand make a big difference. The XT and XTR are WAY better than the rest.

It's funny howpeople have entirely different opinions on these things. I had both LX and XT rear der.'s and I thought they shifted equally well...

I have Deore on my Mesa, and XTR on my 9six. The Mesa is about 2 years newer than the 9six and the 9six is worlds apart from it.

I know that we are comparing apples to oranges here, but I don't think its a marketing gimic...

Now I have never had XT or LX stuff so I cant comment on it.

I must admit, it very well could also be the cassette and the chain. It's not just one individual component, but the whole drivetrain.

I work part time as a shop mechanic and there is a difference in the precision of shifts between low end and high end stuff, but unless your immersed in repairs and riding both, it's hard to distinguish. In otherwords, unless you're an expert or pro rider and ride everyday, you may not be able to distinguish the difference.

L8R

MY SRAM Rocket is lovely on the front... Hey maybe I'm odd :)

Richard