Across the board, riders have access to a larger selection of reliable, high-performing components than ever before. The current selection of brakes has come a long way from the days of v-brakes and crude hydraulic systems, with every major manufacturer offering a reliable 4-piston brake capable enough for the demands of modern enduro and downhill bikes. Such a wide range of options allows a variety of components ranging from entry-level to ultra-boutique. For riders wanting to experience the pinnacle of modern brake manufacturing, German-based manufacturer Trickstuff has meticulously crafted a lineup of brakes, placing an emphasis on providing the ultimate braking system without compromise in favor of mass production or OEM application. 

Trickstuff offers three models: the ultra-light Piccola, trail-oriented Diretissima, and the gravity-focused Maxima. The Maxima stands atop the Trickstuff lineup as their most powerful 4-piston brake intended for all-mountain, enduro, and downhill riding. Over the past few weeks, we have put the Trickstuff Maxima to the test, subjecting it to various Pacific Northwest conditions and performing a head-to-head test between the Maxima and other popular 4-piston brakes on the market.

Maxima Tech Specs

• 4-piston 

• Tool-free Reach Adjustment 

• Bional Brake Fluid 

• 540g per set

Power / Modulation

A well-defined, consistent, and firm bite point is essential for precise braking and predictable performance. Achieving such requires the interplay of multiple factors, such as the brake fluid’s viscosity, the caliper pistons’ rebound behavior, and the brake system’s overall stiffness. As hydraulic pressure increases, the stiffness of components like hoses, calipers, and pads becomes crucial to minimizing deformation and maintaining a responsive bite point. 

Trickstuff brake systems are engineered for high stiffness and precision, using components such as high-pressure Kevlar hoses to optimize pressure transmission. Their two-piece calipers and tight manufacturing tolerances ensure consistent piston rollback and quick return, preventing brake fade during repeated use and preserving lever feel. The result is a brake system that delivers reliable, direct braking force with uncompromising control and confidence.

Lever Feel 

The combination of advanced engineering and premium materials in Trickstuff’s Maxima brakes results in a remarkably refined lever feel and precise modulation. Central to this is the use of four ball bearings—two in the main pivot and two in the connecting rod—which ensure low, consistent friction throughout the lever’s range of motion, eliminating radial play. Additional play is also removed thanks to a POM plastic ball integrated into the barrel nut, creating a lever that feels solid and responsive. The CNC-milled 7075 aluminum components, enhanced through anodizing and polished piston tracks, offer a smooth, durable surface with low friction, further improving mechanical efficiency. Additionally, the pressure-resistant POM pump pistons glide effortlessly within the lever body. 

Ergonomic lever shaping and reach adjustment round out the design, ensuring not only control and confidence during braking but also a customized and comfortable feel. Together, these elements create a braking system that delivers intuitive, finely-tuned modulation and a consistently smooth lever action.

Test Setup // Head-to-Head Testing

To fully discern the differences between Trickstuff Maxima brakes and other popular 4-piston brakes, we outfitted a test bike with a set of Maxima’s and had five riders test them back-to-back with their preferred brake setup.

 Our testing took place on Galbraith Mountain, with the test “track” consisting of the trails Spirit Bear, upper Happy Hour. This route begins with one of Galbraith's largest rock rolls before an onslaught of fast-sweeping blue tech intermixed with a fair share of heavy braking zones. The easily repeatable nature of this test “track” allowed our riders to get numerous descents aboard their preferred brakes before repeating the same lap aboard our Maxima-equipped test bike.

Trickstuff Brakes Compared to SRAM Maven

Our customer service manager, Sam, has been a fan of the SRAM Mavens since their release due to their positive lever feel and extreme braking power. 

“The power of the Maxima’s is similar to that of the Maven’s, but their bite point feels more subtle. Sometimes, the Maven’s can feel a bit stiff, while the Trickstuff lever pull feels a bit more refined. There is just a smoother action through the lever pull. The Maxima’s are noticeably easier on your hands, providing similar power with a smoother  feel.” - Sam, Customer Service 

Compared to SRAM Maven brakes, Trickstuff Maxima’s have a much lighter lever pull with a drastically larger window of modulation. While the Mavens provide a very firm, distinguishable “wall” to their bite-point, the feeling of the Maxima’s is a bit more vague but also has a smoother actuation throughout the range of its pull. Both brakes offer similar “grab” and overall stopping power, with the power of the Maven being the most comparable to that of the Maxima out of all the brakes we tested. 

Trickstuff Maxima Compared to Hayes Dominion A4

The Hayes Dominion A4 has become a shop favorite for its extremely light lever pull and well defined bite-point. It provides plenty of power and is widely used by professional enduro and downhill race teams. The Maxima has a similarly light initial lever pull with a slightly wider range of modulation before the skid-inducing power comes through. While the Dominion A4 provides World Cup level stopping power, the Maxima still has it beat, providing a slightly more grab once it hits its bite point. 

“The thing that stood out most about the Maxima was their lever pull and how much the power ramps up. You don’t realize how  much power the Maxima has until you start rolling down the trail.” - Dylan, Marketing 

For riders that favor the light lever pull of the Dominion A4 but want slightly more overall power and a wider range of modulation, the Maxima delivers. 

Trickstuff Maxima Compared to Shimano XT 

Shimano’s XT brake has been a staple in the industry due to its straightforward bleed process and sharp bite point. While the XT is suitable for trail riding, it is not widely used by downhill riders, unlike the other brakes we had on test. As such, the Trickstuff Maxima unsurprisingly outperformed the XT regarding overall stopping power. The careful attention to detail and boutique nature of the Maxima is evident when comparing these brakes side-by-side.

“The biggest difference I experienced was the straight-up amount of power. The Maxima has a lot more power than the Shimano XT.” Nick, Buying 

Trickstuff Maxima Compared to TRP DH-R Evo 

Rich has been our resident TRP die-hard fan for a while now, and he definitely isn’t afraid to voice his opinions on components he doesn’t care for. When he came away from the Trickstuff test genuinely impressed by their performance, it was evident that Maxima’s aren’t “just another set of brakes.” 

“With TRP there is a nice, solid wall that you hit, and with the Maxima, you kind of ease into power but when the Maxima’s fully engage they are super powerful and bite really hard.” Rich, E-Commerce 

The light lever pull and progressive ramp to the full power of the Maxima brakes are what set it apart from TRP’s heavy-hitting DH-R Evo. The DH-R Evo has a slightly firmer lever feel and defined bite-point whereas the Maxima has a softer lever feel that ramps up heavily toward the end. While both brakes deliver World Cup-level stopping power, the overall finish and quality of the Maxima are in a class of their own.

Riding Impressions

Out on the trail, the Maxima proves why it has developed a near-mythical reputation. While their lever action might feel deceptively soft in the parking lot, that all changes once speeds pick up and terrain gets rough. The power ramps up nicely, offering immense stopping force without ever feeling unpredictable. The modulation window is broad, allowing riders to feather the brakes with precision or grab them with confidence, depending on the situation. Compared to SRAM, Shimano, Hayes, and TRP, the Maximas offer a uniquely balanced feel—softer on the fingers than Mavens, more powerful than XT, and smoother throughout the stroke than the DH-R EVO. Whether navigating technical chutes or heavy braking zones, the Maximas inspire confidence with every pull of the lever.

Verdict

The Trickstuff Maxima stands apart in the world of high-performance mountain bike brakes. It's not just a brake—it's a statement of precision engineering and boutique craftsmanship. With stopping power that rivals or exceeds top-tier competitors like the SRAM Maven and Hayes Dominion A4, yet delivering it through an ultra-smooth, refined lever feel. The Maxima manages to combine brute force with surgical finesse. Riders looking for maximum control, minimal hand fatigue, and a lever feel that’s both responsive and luxurious will find few (if any) rivals. Yes, they come with a premium price tag, but for those who want the absolute uncompromising performance, the Trickstuff Maxima is in a league of its own.