Short Answer
What Brakes Does Jackson Goldstone Use? Jackson Goldstone currently rides a prototype Shimano downhill brake system on his Santa Cruz Syndicate race bike. While Shimano has not publicly released full technical details, his latest World Cup setup features unreleased prototype brakes developed specifically for elite downhill racing.
For riders looking to replicate a similar powerful Shimano braking feel, the Shimano Saint is currently the closest production brake available.
Jackson Goldstone’s Current Brake Setup
As one of the fastest riders in the UCI Downhill World Cup, Jackson Goldstone has access to equipment that most riders cannot buy.
His current Santa Cruz Syndicate race bike is fitted with a prototype Shimano brake system that appears to be undergoing World Cup-level testing. This is common in professional downhill racing, where manufacturers use elite riders to develop future products under the toughest conditions possible.
Although Shimano has not publicly confirmed the specifications, the prototype setup is clearly designed around maximum power, consistency, and reliability.
Why Prototype Brakes Matter in Downhill Racing
Downhill World Cup tracks demand more from brakes than almost any other cycling discipline.
Riders need:
Massive stopping power
Consistent performance on long descents
Excellent heat management
Reliable braking in wet and dry conditions
Precise modulation through technical sections
A small improvement in braking performance can save valuable tenths of a second during a race run.
That’s why manufacturers like Shimano continually test prototype equipment with riders such as Jackson Goldstone.
Closest Production Alternative: Shimano Saint
For riders looking to replicate the feel of a World Cup downhill setup, the Shimano Saint M820 is still one of the best options available.
Why Riders Love Shimano Saint
Exceptional stopping power
Proven World Cup downhill pedigree
Reliable in wet and muddy conditions
Excellent heat management
Easy maintenance and bleeding
The Saint has been trusted by downhill racers for years thanks to its powerful four-piston caliper design and predictable braking feel.
Even with Shimano testing future products behind the scenes, many riders still consider Saint one of the benchmark downhill brakes on the market.
Shimano Saint vs Modern Enduro Brakes
| Feature | Shimano Saint |
|---|---|
| Stopping Power | Excellent |
| Modulation | Excellent |
| Downhill Racing | Excellent |
| Bike Park Riding | Excellent |
| Reliability | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Excellent |
For aggressive riding, steep terrain, and bike park laps, the Saint remains a proven choice.
Is Jackson’s Prototype Brake Better Than Saint?
Possibly—but nobody outside Shimano and the Santa Cruz Syndicate team knows for certain.
Prototype equipment often focuses on:
Improved heat management
Reduced weight
Better modulation
Increased power
Greater consistency during long race runs
Until Shimano releases the technology publicly, the Saint remains the closest production brake available to everyday riders.
Verdict
Jackson Goldstone currently races on prototype Shimano downhill brakes, meaning the exact model isn’t available to the public.
However, if you’re looking for a brake with proven downhill race performance and Shimano’s legendary reliability, the Shimano Saint remains one of the best MTB brakes you can buy.
For bike park riders, downhill racers, and anyone demanding maximum stopping power, it’s still a benchmark product in 2026.
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