Thoughts on HS11 performance v HS33

I'm leaning toward HS11 for a particular build as I quite like the cleaner look (sans brace/fluro).
I've used HS33 years ago and found them to be great, sharp reliable performance - but I imagine that the brace does help to increase performance a little, or perhaps a lot?
I've read that they pretty much share the same parts, save for the HS33 levers being alloy over plastic - are the HS11 levers noticeably flimsier?

Anyone found HS11s to be pretty much as good as the 33s?
Or would you say they should be avoided for good reason?

I've hydrostops, HS11 (mid 90s) and have had/have most models of HS33 except the most modern ones. The 'plastic' ones are NOT flimsy. my HS11s & hydrostops will flex the frame & fork alarmingly long before the lever even thinks about flexing.

Early HS11 with genuine magura 'red' pads are every bit as good as later HS33s with clarkes pads. Later models get you 2 finger levers (the early ones are quite long) and a slightly easier adjust-ability.


Honestly, choose the ones you like the look of.

Great response, thanks.

I should have added, the braces help... a LOT.

Haha, thats the main bit solved then. I do imagine they would flex the stays without a brace, just wondering if it makes a significant difference to output performance.

Guessing by your response that they do.

Massive difference, I've modded my old ones to take the Evo II brace (one front one back) as the sidewise pressure (flexi) on the rear stays of my (Carbon/plastic) Scott Endorphin scared me

very similar - braces, as said do help. TBH, making sure your pistons are all moving freely makes more difference to the feel than most other things in my experience. Comments about difference in levers sound fair - the plastic ones are still pretty sturdy, and long levers are fine, if you get on with them/can move then inboard a bit.

You could retrofit braces etc. to the HS11, even if they aren't included. All of them are great brakes though. (I've had plenty, through the years and I'd choose them over V-brakes any day

Si F

Same power in my experience.

I wouldn't use hydro rim brakes without braces again (managed to bend out the brake bosses on some forks), unless using the braze on magura mounts.

Lots of choices of braces and pads.

I agree the grey/silver HS11 does look rather nice (had them on a Pace once).

Edit: doh!!! It was HS22 that were grey/silver I've had the HS11 as well though, same power just don't "feel" quite as nice.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3168335389

Anyone able to date these? Has been suggested that they are within 10 years old. Am ideally looking for late 90s

Says 2005 on the cover of the manual...