I know I'm probably about to open a can of worms with this thread, but in all seriousness just broken my SRAM x-9 last ride out and need to replace it.
Personally I'd go shimano, but as stated you will require a shifter to go with it. What about Zee mech and shifter, cheaper than a Saint mech on it's own, similar in performance.
Go Saint short cage if you can. I worked at an LBS with a guy that was breaking Sram rear der left n right, x9 and x10 shatter on small impacts over a 6 mo span, kept telling him Saint. 10 der later he finally bought one.. It's been 2 yrs, hasn't broken yet. You'll need a new shifter too, for some reason Xtr's are better than Saint - smoother. He rides Demo forest in Santa Cruz everyday, he's good and fast, not a beginner.
Thanks for all your input guys. Have decided to go with a saint m820 derailleur and shifter. Can anyone know which would be better for the shifter mount as it comes with direct or bar mount options...?
that's entirely dependant on whether you have a compatible lever or not. Also i found that i cant get the shifter in a comfortable position for me on the direct mount, i prefer bar mounted.