Mavens are heavy handed compared to dominions (and everything else). The 2 lb 1-finger stopping power of the dominions is light years ahead since it takes 2 lbs just to break away the maven lever, 3 ounces for the Hayes. (the base maven is direct drive, no link, is around 1 lb, but has no swinglink for reduced pad travel) I use the T4 and T2 with carbon lever. I personally like the Hayes light feel and the "right now" braking with little dead stroke. AND they do modulate well, Maven has shimano-like feel, but more annoying, especially in the back. Either can be set up with min dead stroke. TBH, you need a lot of soft rubber to make use of the max power advantage of the Mavens, and the rear is way overkill binary with any tire. Mavens also seem to need a lot of ongoing attention, mostly based on reports from others. The 3 sets of Hayes I have used have been set and forget. One opinion from someone who has tested most modern brakes. Still a big fan of properly executed Shigura. BUT, if I were 260 lbs setting up a DH bike, Mavens do have purpose.