Originally Posted by
mobilemail
If you're buying used stuff, avoid 9 speed dura ace. They had little pawls that wore to failure much earlier than anticipated. The last I heard they are not rebuildable. (If I'm wrong someone please tell me, I have a patient.) The 9 speed ultegra I have are much better. I can't comment on any other DA or ultegra version.
My 9-speed Dura-Ace(7700) shifters are by far the best Shimano shifters I've ever owned or used. They are much more reliable and easier to use than my wife's 9-speed(6500) Ultegras. What has impressed be the most is that I can use any gear combination never need to trim the front derailleur. I have had to flush them with WD-40 twice since they were new in 1998. I like my Campy Record 10-speed but it requires trimming the front shifter in one gear combination, and the D-A is much quieter.