For scrubbing off serious speed when hauling downhill, there is nothing like being able to implicitly trust your brake setup to save your bacon. Re-designed over the original Saint disc brakes, the M810 models feature a radical departure from the 1-piece twin piston that debuted on the market all those years ago. With a desire to increase stopping power and control, Shimano have engineered a much beefier calliper that is connected to the new Servo-Wave enhanced brake lever that draws heavily on the M
775 XT brake levers. Together, the Saint disc brake system provides more adjustment, control and raw power than almost any other brake on the market.

Free Stroke & Servo Wave
Much like other brakes on the market, Shimano have employed a pad-contact adjuster on the Saint levers in the form of "Free Stroke" that allows the rider to adjust the point during the lever throw at which the pads bite the rotor. While not a massive range, the Free Stroke adjuster is great for finicky riders to get the perfect lever feel for their riding style. The brake levers also get a tools-free reach adjuster courtesy of the gold dial on the lever blade that allows you to fine tune the lever position depending on the length of your fingers. 
While not a new feature, having originally been used on Shimano V-brakes over the years, the application of the Servo-Wave technology to Shimano disc brakes is new and brings improved modulation to the braking feel while also improving pad clearance. This cam-actuated piston is particularly useful on the DH Saint brakes as the increased clearance between the rotor and the brake pads provides improved air flow and heat dissipation, resulting in less brake fade on long descents. 

For the latest Saint calliper, Shimano have employed a Quad piston design with varying piston diameters to provide a smooth linear actuation to what is otherwise a mini-sledgehammer in terms of braking power. This varying piston size not only provides more modulation, it also provides more even pad wear and makes for less finicky brake setup compared to other 4-6 piston brakes. Shimano claim a 50% increase in stopping power over the 1st generation Saint brake, and those who ride fast and steep terrain will appreciate this improvement. A beefier BH80 hydraulic hose also maintains the durability theme, with a higher pressure rating compared to Shimano's XC brakes thanks to a thicker construction that is also more resistant to kinks and damage from crashes.

On The Trail
Firstly, there is a massive boost in braking power over previous models and other brands brakes on the market, there is no doubt about that. Though once the rider is used to the sheer tonne of power available at their fingertips, you'll be surprised at just how much control and modulation is available between open and locked up. Once you've setup the reach adjuster and Free Stroke setting, the ability to feather these brakes along loose terrain knowing that you've got another Gigawatt of brake power just a few more mm's of lever throw away is positively addictive. Combine with the latest IceTech Deore XT or XTR rotors for even further reduced brake fade and consistent performance from the start till the end of each run.

 

The Shimano Saint M810 Brake Set features: