Top 6 Most Powerful 4-piston Mtb Brakes For Downhill, Enduro & Electric Mountain Bikes

Top 6 ebike brakes and downhill brakes. Best brakes for electric mountain bikes
Magura MT7 HC3 - bit.ly/44of2Vf
Hayes Dominion A4 - bit.ly/3ObfeBB
Shimano XT -
TRP DHR EVO -
SRAM Code Stealth Ultimate - bit.ly/43DomDL
Hope Tech 4 V4 - bit.ly/3NHwcpC
Brakes at Competitive Cyclist - bit.ly/3PQqjJH
Brakes at Jenson USA - bit.ly/3NJUSOq
0:00 Introduction
1:58 MAGURA MT7 WITH HC3 LEVER
2:40 TRP DHR EVO
3:20 SHIMANO XT
3:45 HAYES DOMINION A4
4:19 HOPE TECH 4 V4
4:51 SRAM CODE STEALTH
6:01 PRICE AND WEIGHT COMPARISON
6:48 POWER, MODULATION AND FADE COMPARISON
8:33 LEVER FEEL, ERGONOMICS AND ADJUSTABILITY
9:52 EASE OF INSTALLATION, BLEED, MAINTENANCE
11:19 LOOKS, NOISE, OTHER FEATURES

[@EMTBReview]

Buy through these links to support e-mtb review. Any product you buy after clicking the link within 15 days will help the channel Magura MT7 HC3 - bit.ly/44of2Vf Hayes Dominion A4 - bit.ly/3ObfeBB Shimano XT - bit.ly/43oAGas TRP DHR EVO - bit.ly/43oAGas SRAM Code Stealth Ultimate - bit.ly/43DomDL Hope Tech 4 V4 - bit.ly/3NHwcpC Brakes at Competitive Cyclist - bit.ly/3PQqjJH Brakes at Jenson USA - bit.ly/3NJUSOq

[@shafiqjan1474]

I was an early adopter, Hayes offered pro-deals back in the day to introduce their 1st disc brakes with Hugi (now DT) hubs. Since then I have had most versions of DH brakes from Hope and they are on 3 of my 5 FS bikes. 👍🏼

[@WStar4Life]

Just upgraded my brakes to Shimano XT 4 piston front and rear with their mt800 rotors. Caught a sale and upgraded front and rear complete. Got F+R levers/calipers/rotors for only $300 shipped bc they stacked my military discount on top of the sale 😏. Swapped the levers to run moto style as I ride motorcycles a lot and it feels more natural.

[@Clinky1]

Good job pointing out all of the elements for great e-bike brakes. All of the brakes tested are powerful, and with a 220 front rotor they will all do a good job of stopping. On long, fast downhills lever pressure needed to get that power is a bigger factor. In this regard, the Dominions are VERY good. Good bye hand pump! Code RSC require at least double the lever pressure to get the same power and by the time you're at the bottom, they're screaming and fading.

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Very interesting video. I have some of the brakes on this video except the TRP, Hope, and Code Ult. I do have the Code RSC, Guide RSC, Dominion A4, Shimano XTR, Mt7 pro HC3, MT5 HC1. One thing that the video didnt mention is if the brake is DIY friendly, meaning will the owner be able to repair the brake master cylinder if anything happens to it. This is why the best brake of the bunch is the Sram CODEs. This is the only brake thats fully repairable by the owner and parts are available most of the time. The video OP also unaware the adjustability of the codes is way superior than any other brakes, and the Dominion A4 comes second. You have to completely disassemble the master cylinder of all these brakes ro under why the codes have way more superiority compare to the other brakes. Both my MT7 and XTR feels like nothing is happening with their pad adjustment. Also When i replaced my code fluid to pennzoil 5.1, the feel of the lever is so much lighter and snappier and modulation is the best in the business. I had my friend feel the brake on out local bike shop and my codes and he was shock how light my lever is and the spongy feeling is almost gone. I would agree that the MT7 pro with HC3 does feel great. There's something about the combination of the HC3 thwt makes that brake feel so good. When it comes to raw power, all these brakes are good enough for all of us! But there is a clear difference in all of them, Hayes I believe is on top followed by the XTR. From what ive heard people posting, the Shigura will blow any brakes out of park. I have not yet try it but im very interested and may be someday i will do it. Back to the Code RSC, some people hate them and other swears by them, but to me, the ability to repair the brake and spending less is the way to go.

[@joehoeper3941]

Great video - love my TRPs

[@jfflyboy]

Your videos don’t receive the likes they deserve. As I’ve ventured into the EMTB world, you have been one of my best guides.

[@brucehamilton6019]

I learned a ton of stuff. A very informative comparison. Thx

[@EMTBReview]

Glad you enjoyed it! We'll do more of this.

[@leo76dragon22]

The Rail I was on when I seen you at UC has Saints, magura 220 rotors, and mtx red pads.... Works great!🤙🏽

[@EMTBReview]

Oh whuuut, you ride in the enchanted forest too?

[@GhislainLeduc]

I don't understand why nobody talks about Shimano Saints... They are sooo good, not sure why nobody talks about them... They are so stronger than XT...

[@EMTBReview]

They're just aged like wine.

[@ROSE-by5su]

They became shit after other companies putting out better options. Shimano have the worst lever feel, it has the On and Off feeling like no modulation at all. That’s why downhill racers started using XTR lever and Saint Caliper because the XTR lever have more modulation. That’s the reason why new brakes this day have longer levers for more precise braking, try pulling your lever in the most inside part of the lever and try pulling it in the most outside part of you will understand why.

[@yofoo138]

Saints are old news now yes they are good but look at all the new new stuff

[@aldrineledesma6010]

It's because he doesn't have it , saints are old but gold you can't go wrong

[@philrob4468]

@@ROSE-by5su I like the on off of Shimano that’s why I use them

[@markusilomaki8922]

I have built couple of Emtbs recently with Magura MTs and I have to agree that they are good. On all of these installations I was able to get away without needing to bleed the brakes at all!

[@EMTBReview]

What a great share! Yes, during install, they cable is disconnected but dialed. Cut and install and no bleed needed. Such a great system. What levers and rotors are you using?

[@markusilomaki8922]

@@EMTBReview just the standard Magura storm 203mm rotors. The brakes I've installed were actually the more affordable MT5 eSTOPs, basically the same but less features and fancy materials 😀

[@mtb24only]

Tried them all, but I like the most Formula Cura 4. Modulation in between XT and Code, nice power with 2.3mm hope rotors and in gold they look the best. In my opinion :)

[@szyszkojad666]

I've used sram guide brakes, shimano XT/Zee/Saint, Magura mt5 and now formula cura 4. The best brake for me in terms of power, modulation and ergonomics was magura mt5 with shimano levers. I actually had to change magura levers to shimano because I had problems with brake fluid leaking out of them (they are made of smth they call carbotexture which is a fancy name for plastic), they weren't super easy to bleed and setup though, it was a pain to find a spot where the brake calipers wouldn't touch the rotor while the wheel was spinning. Shimano brakes have the most ergonomic levers for me and really good bite/power, they feel great but modulation is a bit lacking, bleeding them is a breeze. Sram guide brakes were lacking in ergonomics and brake power so I got rid of them very quickly. Now I have formula cura 4 which are a blend between magura's braking power (a bit weaker I have to admit but still plenty) and shimano's egonomics, bleeding is easy, but setting them up on the front wheel is quite the challenge, the back wheel however is fine for some reason. I haven't tried the dominion brakes but I've heard a lot of good about them, would love to try sometime. If I had to choose the best all-around brakes from those I've tested so far I'd probably go for Shimano/Formula as Magura is more of a lottery and might require a conversion to shimano brake levers, also I'm not a very heavy rider so I don't need a brake which can stop a truck :).

[@EMTBReview]

Great, great share!!!! Yes the Shigura combo of Shimano lever and Magura brake has a cult following for a reason. Cool that they both use mineral oil.

[@Raumance]

I've had Shimanos and Maguras and they definitely don't have modulation. Very sharp bite.

[@Sck519]

I've been on code rsc for a while and had a demo with the TRPs and they were amazing. Can't wait to get some

[@EMTBReview]

Exactly. Sooo many bikes come with Guides and Codes. That's one of the key motivations for this video, show folks a cool upgrade path.

[@daxolivares6939]

Cobwebs gets a cameo...love it

[@bman12383]

Haha I came here to say the same thing!

[@EMTBReview]

I’m notorious for showing up in rides with cobwebs on bikes… and spiders. #testbikes

[@andrewsiminoff9330]

I agree on the look of the Hope brakes but the TRP are the clear winners. Took the Codes off my Decoy and went TRP and improved all my PRs on Strava. Way less arm fatigue on long descents based on amount of required lever pressure, no fade, and more power for late braking panic situations. I think the Magura 4 pad idea seems cool but must be more expensive to replace pads. I go through pads in approx 350 miles on my TRPs.

[@EMTBReview]

TRP has been giving people what they want. Or at least what Aaron Gwin wanted. Brakes with muscle.

[@Raumance]

The more I search the more the answer seems to be TRP.

[@scoto1976]

Trick stuff brakes for the win

[@olik136]

Magura also sells "normal" pads- price at the retailers is about the same

[@yofoo138]

You’ll break more PRs by not braking as well lol

[@thim8009]

I didn't even realize they had those new codes. All my bikes have code r. I get along with them most of the time. I spend the money savings on the better suspension. Nice job on the vid, informative.

[@EMTBReview]

Right on. Thank you and spread the word about the channel

[@jamesdorsijiuhjuh6151]

Hopes with mtx gold pads !!!! Dead silent in every condition and unreal feel!🤘🤘

[@EMTBReview]

I put MTX on my T-type Code Stealth brakes and they are much better.

[@jeffgaufin2606]

This man needs 100 times as many subs. What a rockstar.

[@EMTBReview]

Ha, ha.... that's a high compliment. Spread the word!

[@crembz]

Surprised the formula cura 4 didn't make an appearance here. I'd like to see mt7 vs cura 4 vs dominion shootout

[@DaBinChe]

Don't have to stick to the brake setup as is....I mix match my rotors with what ever brakes and that gives noticeable improvements. Using larger and thicker rotors would be the first change. Pads the second change. If those are not enough then change the caliper and lever.

[@stefan-norge]

I use the XT with Hope‘s 220mm disc. Works well 👍🏻

[@EMTBReview]

Oh man, that is a power combo.

[@zoranpl]

Yeah..same xt with magura storm and formula rotors..

[@stefan-norge]

@@zoranpl also an option I use: XT with Magura 220mm rotor

[@djdubz]

Very informative video. what's the difference between the hayes dominon a4 slf vs normal lever size? Are they the same length but the slf easier to use for smaller hands? or can you explain the differences?

[@cleme5215]

slf lever are for small hands. how i understand they are the same lengh and same leverage just for smaller hands.

[@godlike0630]

Tech 4 v 4 with the 3.3mm thick vented rotors..the best of the best. You need the thicker vented rotors for the v4 to work properly since it does not push out the pistons as far out.

[@EMTBReview]

3.3mm is crazy. That could get quite heavy

[@fe9523]

try to get one of those in the US or in any country in America, it is impossible

[@godlike0630]

Its actually 2 thinner rotors that are sandwhiched together that leaves a space in between for cooling. And yes, i ordered it from UK i live in LA. Had to pay 100$ shipping. Oh and dont forget use the stainless braided cable. Hope tech 4 v4, with 220mm vented rotors that is 3.3mm thick with stainless steel braided cables. Best brakes ever and ive tried it all.

[@robcottam8558]

@@godlike0630how are your thoughts after a few months ? Thinking about picking up a pair of

[@LastAphelion]

Hey I have serious hand/wrist pain and need the lightest activation I can get, my new bike came with code stealth ultimates and it feels awful to want to replace new top brakes but are any of these lighter and less straining to operate? Or should I give them a try first. I've always been wanting to try TRP and Hayes

[@EMTBReview]

I heard the lightest effort brakes is the Hayes Dominion A4. Magura MT7 might be second place.

[@Nico-bu6bj]

How ca you make a list like this and leave out Formula Cura?

[@rewind9536]

Sold my Saint 820 and Tech 3 V4 and ordered me some Tech 4 V4.

[@philrob4468]

How are they looking for new brakes ? U liking them ?

[@rewind9536]

@@philrob4468 They are the best I have found.

[@lexusstefan927]

Using Tech 3 V4 Hopes on a V5 Nomad weighing 155lbs with 220f and 200r rotors Lever feel is literally like a cable brake, light pull, incredibly solid bite point, like a brick wall Power is perfect and the bite point is very adjustable as well in power second only to Magura in my experience Bleeding is easy as you don't need any tools at all if you don't mind making a mess, they like to rub after a bleed but once they settle in they are perfect Noise wise they chirp like Magura although I enjoy that sound so didn't bother me, contrast to Dominions which tend to moan/contaminated sound even when perfectly clean of all contamination and function normally Reliability no issues at all over 2 years now on my bike, favorite brakes so far Used Magura, Shimano, Dominions so far

[@EMTBReview]

Yeah, I heard the really worked to decrease the lever effort.

[@ieatslag5947]

Finally, been waiting on a comparison of the two best brakes on the market... Hayes Dominion and TRP evo. What is your personal favorite between the two?

[@EMTBReview]

Right now TRP EVO on ebikes with 220mm rotors. All mountain bikes, Magura MT7 for weight and performance. I'm gonna get a Hayes Dominion for long-term test since my time on them was limited.

[@21armyn]

ive tried them all! TRP DHR EVO is the best! power of a shimano saint and modulation of a sram code rsc! one brake that i havent tried is the TrickStuff maxima but its not on the list bec of availability and price..

[@EMTBReview]

I kind of feel the same right now for the biiiig downhills. Trickstuff is voodoo. They're good but they try to make it desirable with a ludicrous price.

[@21armyn]

@@EMTBReview yeah $2000 and a six months wait for a break is just insane hahaha

[@ieatslag5947]

What is your opinion on the difference between TRP and hayes dominion?

[@21armyn]

@@ieatslag5947 hayes is like the sram codes but have a very little more bite. TRP's are just more consistent on longer descent and more power under extreme heat. trp's are easier to bleed and they maintain their bleed very good! ive only bled my trp's once a yr lol!

[@rewind9536]

@@EMTBReviewI ran Hope Tech 3 V4 with Trickstuff 730 brake pads. Beats Galfer, because Galfers best brake pads called Advanced (red) has issues with breaking apart, leaving big chunks missing on the pad. Nothing of that yet on the Trickstuff pads. When I get my Tech 4 V4 I am buying Trickstuff pads again.

[@fud1376]

I run SLX M7100 with 4 pot calipers and Scintered pads, does me fine....And I haven't had any 'bite point' issue at all...!

[@EMTBReview]

Yeah, that is the sweet spot. Yeah, Shimano for me has the best bite point among all the rest. I think the problem exists in freezing temps.

[@zoranpl]

​@@EMTBReview That problem was solved by adding another oil Putoline hpx r 2.5

[@dodgechristopher]

Here's my experience: Magura MT7s with HC3 lever set at max power and 220 rotors for 3 years. We have a DH here that drops 1300 ft in .8 miles in typical SoCal garbage dirt. You have to go as slow as possible to clean it. I used to get to the bottom and my hands would be claws. There were times I thought that was the end of my day because my hands were wrecked. Finally decided to try the Dominion A4s and voila, my hands were no longer claws by the bottom. Yes they were tired but not completely destroyed. The other negative on the MT7 is I found the bite point to move in once I got over 9,000 ft altitude. No amount of bleeding ever solved that and the bite point adjust on the HC3 is not tool-less. I know have Domions on both of my Es.

[@EMTBReview]

Great share indeed!

[@Trade2Invest-]

No shimano XTR? owning the XTR vs XT is night and day! You could have done a shigura with the XTR MT7 with galfer race pads and with any 2.3 rotor. Also MT7 is not the same as the MT5. The MT7s have a better leverage pull and the caliper is narrower so it can bite the rotor right a way. My favorite brakes are hayes A4 but i also like the CODES, because you can rebuild them and parts are available every where. Only the CODES and Hopes have the best parts availability all over the world.

[@nickjones5728]

TRP’s with Freedom Coast levers for the win! also the blue pads they come with are shit for durability there gold sintered pads have been great so far!

[@EMTBReview]

Oh man, I am definitely going to seek out those levers

[@nickjones5728]

@@EMTBReview ya you will love them over the stock levers makes it so you can get the levers closer and they have a nice feel like the shimano’s Plus they look bad ass lol!

[@LastAphelion]

I only just learned that Cascade also makes aftermarket calipers for the TRP DHR Evo that also works for all Shimano and the Sram DB8. They claim a 13% increase in power, I also always hear people gush about Galfer rotors and pads. I'd love to see someone film a test of the new calipers to see if it's worth the money, and then with aftermarket rotors and pads cause I'd love to know if it'd be worth it and how well everything would work together.

[@ichewtoast111]

The hopes are super powerful and look good however almost nobody Carry’s parts for them.

[@EMTBReview]

Exactly. It's more a choice for the Euros. Availability is tough and it won't get better, base on history with Hope in the US.

[@siriosstar4789]

i live near Freiburg Germany where they make Trickstuff brakes . they have a new model called the ultra mega galactic stop on a sub atomic particle brake . it is currently on sale for 147,000 € tax included . levers , pads and brake fluid not included . weight is one tenth of a microgram. made of solid Tritanium Siliconium carbon fiber X from the sirius star system ., Prime express delivery in four light years . guaranteed for ten minutes .

[@ryanmichels2981]

Bang for buck, shimano deore with metal pads. Admittedly not as good as some of the others, but relatively cheap in comparison, reliable, and cheap/easy to repair if needed

[@EMTBReview]

This is very very true. The power is 95% there. Getting a high quality, Rotor will improve it quite a bit.

[@andreaTRY2FLY]

Bang for buck i'd say magura mt5s. Really cheap and have almost the same power as the mt7s

[@olik136]

@@andreaTRY2FLY I have deore and mt5 brakes- the deores are much stronger- but sadly the lever is way too close to he bar- which I really don't like-- so I am thinking about switching to MT7 or Hayes Dominion (the Dominions are much more expensive here though)

[@joehoeper4648]

MAGURA MT7s are terrible to live with - super tough to bleed, squeel all the time cuz of the tight pad clearance, and always seem to require attention. Also the lever bodies are plastic while the bar clamps and screws are metal - making them super easy to strip. Avoid.

[@MTBPerspective]

I think it would be hard to find a truly bad one. Also, I think the biggest thing with any of these is keeping them bled, tuned, and pad conditions so IMHO anything that facilitates easier (and thus more likely to do it) maintenance is a winner! Wicked loose steep uphill where no brakes are required! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5OUgWCglNV1kJo

[@BadManWithAMadPlan]

Why aren't grip twist brakes a thing?

[@jackcheung4301]

Where are those German trickstuff brakes? 😎😎😎

[@Danielxperez14]

Hey don’t you have an rc channel as well? Small world haha

[@EMTBReview]

Most definitely. My two favorites in this world

[@scoto1976]

Why not include Trick Stuff Brakes in your test. Hands down the most powerful brakes you can buy.

[@EMTBReview]

Good brakes but very rare here in the USA with sales and support. And don't find them at all as OE on any bikes.

[@davenawahine4428]

TRP won't sell you parts/seals to rebuild the caliper when they start leaking....and eventually they will leak.

[@EMTBReview]

Good to know!!! They are scaling up their production and support as they start selling their awesome new complete drivetrain. So hopefully, they'll make it all rebuildable.

[@carlomaraingan4479]

KABAYAN!

[@SomeGuyOnHisDreamBike]

No Trickstuff ? No Intend ?

[@EMTBReview]

Too esoteric but will try and test them.

[@AlexAutoYYC]

oK, SO, WHAT ARE THE BEST, THE MOST POWERFUL AND THE MOST RELIABLE, COMFORTABLE BREAKS!!????

[@EMTBReview]

The best all-around is the Hayes Dominion A4. The most powerful is the SRAM Maven

[@Guenounovitch]

they're all the same 4 pistons.. whatever i'll stay with TRP

[@chileanadventures5459]

bro what happened with those bikes,😢😢 the trp rotor is full of rust and the xt brake is all covered in spiderwebs😂😂

[@EMTBReview]

I know man. It was a long summer, and a lot of Bikes went in the testing stable so many of these do not get ridden for a while. We will treat them better!

[@Bogdan_Ch]

Why no Saints?

[@EMTBReview]

They were represented by the XTs which are similar and this is more relevant these days. I couldn't have both.

[@Bogdan_Ch]

@@EMTBReview have both and saints are obviously more powerful / better for downhill and long descents.