m739 vs m951 shifters: is there one that genuinely performs better?

[tweedi]

Looking to move to v-brake for a new build and therefore would like to get a new set of shifter.

Is there one of these sets which is actually better than the other and if yes can you tell me why you think it is better?

Tempted to go m950 to match my m950 levers however I see more 739 out there and not opposed to it.

Not sure that it matters but I will try and go for the standalone shifters so I can re-use my m950 v-brake levers. Some have said here in the past that the m739 does not go well with some levers however I have also read accounts of people who managed to make them fit, interested to hear your experience on this too.

Thanks!

 

[mk one]

Yes, but only slight, absolutley nothing wrong with 739 though, solid reliable kit.

 

[Lucidone]

I ordered m950 levers and m739 shifters new bitd but ended up sending the m950 levers back as it was a right dogs dinner combination - I love m739 but with those levers I'd personally stick with m95* series shifters.

 

[bikeworkshop]

M739 rf+s are more prone to breaking, but this is in the general population at the time - and they were way more common.

The xtr owner would have been less careless.

If they've lasted this long they should be ok.

The issue of bent internals starts to show as missing the downshift* (thumb lever) occasionally.

Some vertical play in the lever can be removed, but the issue is caused by the pawl pivot being bent out of alignment.

*for rapidrise users that's upshift

 

[ishaw]

I'd stick with m950 if you are going 8 speed. M952 9 speed will work with your mech, assuming it's also m950, but you'd need to change the cassette for 9 speed to match the shifters. Possibly chain but maybe not, I can't remember.

Brake levers and shifter compatibility from a fitting perspective wasn't something I'd ever had issues with until recently. Had a few problems with some hope and magura disc brake levers working nicely with Shimano xt and xtr with both standard bar clamps and also matchmakers. The latter was very strange as designed for that very purpose.

 

[millsm]

I would definitely go for the M950, if possible. I've had both (the combined shift/levers of both M950 XTR & M739 XT) & the feel is quite different - the 950 thumb paddle is larger & more comfortable, and the finger paddle makes a much more satisfying "click" when you shift. Also, I believe the 950 has 4 ball bearings in the paddle vs the 2 in the 739, if I remember correctly. Plus, you'd have the added bonus of matching your M950 levers