My bike came with a low grade shimano front derailleur that translates to poor performance on the trail. Rest of the bike is sram x-4 which works fine for my occasional weekend warrior mtbing. However, I want to replace that pos but I've never done it b4 so here are the specs.

31.8 clamp size, 24/34/42, triple, bottom pull

Need some suggestions. Thinking a sram x5 will do the trick?

what is your current fd? the tourney one? shifters play a bigger role in feel. good crank and rings will help with shifting too

No SIS

Plus bike only has eight rear gears... idk if that matters...

Minus indexing, lots of FD's work fine, the cable pull length per click,
as translated to sideways motion of the shifting cage,
is a roulette wheel if mix and of manufacturer's parts
throws in a couple variables..

So in that regard, no SIS, meaning, indexed,.. Not !, .. is a benefit.

yeah but i figure if i throw a sram x7 on there or something with proper specs my fd shifting should get a big facelift... correct?

I doubt it. What do you have for a shifter? If it's not an index shifter with just 3 clicks, it still isn't going to index just because you changed the derailleur.

No idea about the differences between the x model numbers in their product offerings.

you will have to get the answer from the SRAM website.

Yea, new is usually shinier than old .. so it will look slick.

Shifters are sram x4's would put an x4 on but i can't find an x4 derailleur