i had a set of the xtrs on my old stock and they wear great brakes, i ran the full xtr set up including the standard pads. it is a tad harder to get identical lever feel compared with hs33s but then u dont have the worry of leaky hoses and seals. the hold was quality with stadard pads, and with a tiny bit of tar on smooth rims it was more then good anoth for my riding. considering there are plazmatic and coust pads out now i dont think there alot of difference in power and hold. but when it comes to service and the price of parts vs are the way foward.