Shimano XTR vs Deore XT: Firebolt Di2 Switches

If you want to setup a Di2 system on a flat handlebar bike, most likely you will use one of the Firebolt switches. These are electronic "shifters" that mimic the feel of a normal mechanical shifter, but with a different ergonomics. For more details on these switches, check out this post where I first used it on the Dahon MuEX.

When it was first launched, only the XTR version was available, which I used on the Dahon MuEX. Later on, a Deore XT version was also available, which can be found at a lower price point. If the price is lower, surely there will be some difference in features.

Let's compare the XTR SW-M9050 Firebolt vs the Deore XT SW-M8050 Firebolt, to see the similarities and the differences.

Deore XT Firebolt Di2 switch. You can buy it as a left side only, right side only, or as a pair, depending on your requirements.

One switch comes in one box, which is wasteful packaging as it takes up a lot of space.

Comparing the switches side by side. As clearly labeled, the left side is Deore XT, right side is XTR.

The shape and curvature of the levers are slighlty different. The Deore XT version is actually better, having been refined from the initial XTR version.

Position of the rubber encap on the XTR levers can be adjusted, via a screw at the back.

Deore XT also offers this adjustment feature, but the screw is located at the bottom.

Showing the different shape of the levers, and also the position of the adjustment screws.

This different screw position is due to the different way the lever is made. XTR uses aluminium casting, while Deore XT uses stamped steel which is cheaper.

Another closer look at the different levers. This is one of the main differences.

XTR has a mechanical ratchet system inside, to simulate 2 clicks on the lever.

Deore XT has a simpler system, as it only needs to simulate 1 click.

XTR uses a set screw to push a steel plate against the handlebar, and this fixes the switch onto the handlebar. However, it needs to be quite tight to prevent rotation.

Deore XT uses a more conventional clamp design to fix the switch onto the handlebar.

Deore XT uses a steel clamp design, which saves cost but is also heavier.

Comparing the different clamp design and lever design.

XTR switch only weighs 65 grams

Deore XT switch weighs significantly more in terms of percentage, at 93 grams.

Differences:

1) XTR can shift 2 clicks at one go, compared to just 1 click for the Deore XT version.

2) XTR version is lighter in weight.

3) Deore XT has a more comfortable lever shape, as it is wider and flatter.

4) Deore XT has a clamp design that is easier to tighten.

5) Deore XT is much cheaper than the XTR version.

To me, the main difference is the number of clicks possible with one shift. If you really need to be able to shift with multiple clicks, you need to get the XTR version. However, if you don't mind shifting one click at a time, the Deore XT version is OK.

You can also adjust the Di2 setting so that you can press and hold the lever, for multiple gear shifting. However, I personally don't like this setup, as without feeling the number of clicks, it is difficult to tell how many gears you have shifted on the cassette. Therefore, when I use these switches, I disable multi-shifting, so that one click changes only one gear.