IRD Brake Lever Set Cafam-S vs. Paul Canti levers

[BobW]

I'm looking at the IRD Brake Lever Set Cafam-S  for a conversion from drops to swept back bars.  I originally was considering the Paul Canti levers, which get great reviews.  Does anyone have any insights on the IRD Canfam's in comparison to the Pauls??

I think they both have bearing pivots .  

thanks!!

[Mr. Ray]

I have Paul's Canti levers and was looking at the IRD Cafam levers last night (Soma is having 30% off sale).  To my eye, the Cafam look the same sans the Paul logo and Paul's groovy barrel adjusters.  Like the Paul levers, the Cafam have sealed bearings and are aluminum.  For the price (with discount) the IRD levers are an exceptional value.  If I didn't already have Paul levers, I would buy the IRD levers.

[Joe Bernard]

I guess there's only so many ways to make a brake lever but geez man, I hope IRD got some kinda sign from Paul that it was ok to do this. 

[Thomas Lawn]

I own the IRD version, and while they are nicer than pretty much every lever in the sub-$50 price range, they are still a far cry from the quality of machining you get from Paul. Most notable is the lever blades on the Paul levers have imperceptible play, if any, where the IRD levers can wiggle and rattle noticeably, even while properly adjusted. Given both of them are in the same class of "really expensive levers" I would just go for the Paul levers if there's any question between the two.

[RichS]

+1 on the Paul levers. I have a set and they are excellent. For the record I have no experience with the IRD model but Thomas makes a pretty convincing case for going with the Pauls.

Best,

Rich in ATL

[Alan Barnard]

If your budget allows, you’ll likely be more satisfied with the Paul levers over the long run. The IRD levers are OK, but the difference in quality is obvious in person. Also, I’m not big on the fact that the IRD is IMO too much of an obvious knock off of the Paul. YMMV.