Recommend me a brake

Here's the problem: My 2012 Elixir 7s worked about as well as a V-Brake in the snow/slush last week-end. No power, no modulation, plus they squealed like a pig (which I wouldn't mind if they worked). Since I already disliked them before, they have to go now.
What should I replace them with? They're for my Element and Slayer SXC (yes, both pairs of brakes suck, and yes, they're bled, pads are ok etc.), so I don't need Saint power. They should not weigh much more than the Elixirs. XTR Trail would be the obvious solution, but that's more money than I'm willing to spend. I'm thinking XT or maybe SLX right now.
Not sure if I can rep anybody.

CRC is blowing out XT's

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67208

CRC is blowing out XT's

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67208

+1

I really like my 2012 XTs, they worked well for all the riding I did this summer.

The bike came with a 7" [HTML_REMOVED] 6" rotors, I upgraded to 7" front [HTML_REMOVED] back.

CRC is blowing out XT's

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67208

oh dear, that's a good price

too bad my 2005 xt's continue to work so damn well, no reason to replace/upgrade :(

I bought a set off of XT's from CRC in the spring for $136 per. Arrived about a week later. Not extra fees. Way easy. This latest sale is crushing.

or you could spend 30$ on a new set of organic brake pads and give it a shot before you replace them. Rode a bike with Elixer 7s for a few weeks this summer and they functioned great, even in the wet.