Which brake lever is more durable? Im building a new trials bike, and need something strong and light. I've heard the Avids develop play after a while, which is true after working on many bikes with them, but the are like half the price of Shimano XTs. Any ideas?

Go with Avid!

I always Eventually upgrade my eqipment to XT, and my current bike is no exception, except on Brake levers. 4 years ago I Upgraded a Bike to V brakes, XT of course, but could not afford the levers. On the shops recomendation I bought LX, and these have been superb, and were considerably cheaper than XT. On the Avid front, I have them on my tandem, but they are going. Play is there, but after 4 years so have the LX. Luckily the tandem is going disc, so I will only have to buy one set of levers.

I second the Avids! The speed dial adjustability is superduperfantabulicious!

well, there ya have it