The XTR M9100 shifter gets the nifty addition of a little rubber grip pad onboth shift levers. Ive definitely experienced my thumbs slipping off paddles from time-to-time, so I can see this as a useful feature. For downshifts, Shimanos 2-Way Release feature allows you to use either your thumb or index finger. You can also downshift two gears at a time by pushing your thumb past the first click into the second click. It does require a bit more pressure on this shifter compared to previous Shimano shifters, so as to avoid accidentally double downshifts. For single shifts, Shimano does claim a 35% reduction in shifting effort, which Ill take with a grain of salt. Im always wary of these sorts of claims, and whether or not anyone can actually notice. That said, 35% is a pretty big number, and I will say that the shift-feel of the new XTR is smooth and requires very little thumb effort. But who knows, Ive been hitting the gym lately, so maybe my thumbs are just stronger!