I have same question.. XX1 costs approximately 3 times as much as GX, weight difference between them is negligible.

 

Just get a KMC X11-93. Cheaper, negligible weight difference, great life.

Edit, sorry X12 for 12 speed.

 

Thank you for the suggestion jestep, I'll try to keep my eyes open for KMC X12 when they become available around here (Europe).
None of the shops I frequent sell them and KMC .eu site doesn't even admit their existence.

 

Hy!
But keeping things in SRAM, what's the general experience in longevity between the chains?
I'm also interessed in knowing. Thk's!

 

759 miles on my XO1, and I'm showing about 30% elongation.
I'm 200 pounds and ride harder than most.
Chain is lubed before EVERY ride.
This is the best wearing drivetrain I've ever had.

 

I wondered the same things, I ended up going with the X01 version for an upcoming build. Based on SRAM's published information, it seems that all 3 versions use the same geometry profile and should shift similarly. The main difference seems to be the pins, the GX uses a chromed solid pin and the X01 and XX1 use a hollow "Chrome Hardened" pin. As I understand the processes,the difference between calling something chrome vs chrome hardened should refer to the thickness of the chrome coating. Chrome is very hard, and putting a thick coating of it on the pin would effectively harden the pin. Where a thin coating would be primarily cosmetic and corrosion protective. The X01 and XX1 also seem to have better link plate coatings, with a final extra application of a PVD color coating on the XX1 for the $25 premium.

 

I ran the gold version for 1,500 miles over 4 months and never had any issues, and only replaced it due to elongation. Could have kept riding it.

As I didn't have a gold version on hand, I used the black version the last couple of months. About 700 miles thus far and no issues.

Other than the weight difference, I really haven't noticed any performance difference between the two. Did popcorn by accident a few times but both chains held up just fine.

 

My old bike had Eagle GX installed from factory (Trek Top Fuel 9.8).
Ny new bike (Top Fuel 9.7) I upgraded from a mix of NX and GX 11 speed to Eagle XX1 black. I must say this is indeed more precise and has none of the problems I felt with GX. Much of it I would say is because of the lighter XX1 cassette over the GX cassette which I felt would continue to spin after I stopped pedalling. No more with XX1 Eagle.
I guess you get what you pay for in the end.