XT shifter

XT shifter + deore mech > xt mech + deore shifter. The rear mechs are functionaly identical, it's literally a bit of weight and bling. The shifter adds actual functions/features and feels way nicer as a contact point.

The one notable difference is the shifter because you get more clicks (you can dump 4 gears at once and go up 2) and they just feel nicer on the fingers. So yes an XT shifter is totally worth it.

The XT shifter probably makes the biggest difference of all IMV. Almost the same setup and the shifting is much more positive as well as the 4x/2x shifting.

Shifter is the best part of XT. 4x down shift and 2x upshift

The XT shifter makes it feel even better. Probably my favorite set up yet..

XT shifter is much nicer to use than SLX and would be a noticeable upgrade.

I got to say, of all the parts it was worth it to go to a higher tier was the XT shifter. Multi up and down makes it a bit more snappy in accelerating.

if you were to upgrade one component, I would recommend the XT shifter as it allows, multi gear shifting, going up and down

I replaced the 3x9 drivetrain with a 1x11 with a Deore group set and an xt shifter, new BB, cranks, etc.

Then the only other things I would say are definitely upgrade to an xt shifter. It's a great cheaper upgrade to get better shifting and double upshifts with one push.