OK, I have done extensive searching on this, and I was originally dead set on the new Saints. Only now I have a line on the Elixir CRs, which will save me $$$ over the Saints. Before I start, these are going on a DH/shuttle rig. (For riding at Cypress/Squamish/Whistler.) I'm about 200lbs, and I've been running Avid Juicy 7s with no real complaints on my FR bike for a couple of seasons.
What I have gathered so far is that the Saints have gobs of stopping power, but are plagued by three problems: 1.)off/on feel 2.)cost of replacement pads (which is like double the price of everything else) 3.) Shimano specific hardware - if I snap a bolt (or strip one out, which is more likely) - it will not be fixed by a quick run to the local hardware store for a cheap replacement. Some have said that they run through pads more quickly. My experience with them was that they did feel a bit grabby, but nothing I could not get used to with some time.
The Elixir CRs are said to be more powerful than the Juicy's I've got now, and have great modulation. They seem to have had a bad initial run (NO WAY!!!) so there are lots of stories of leaky, air sucking reservoirs, and vibrating (howling) rotors. I have not ridden them at all, but I really like my Juicy 7s, even if they use DOT fluid (ugh).
I might have an option to get the Codes at a decent price as well, not sure though. Also not really sure I want to go that way as the inconsistent lever feel problems seem to plague the Codes even worse.
Formulas are out because of cost and difficulty to find parts. Advice?