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Wheels and Rotors
So am looking at running a second set of wheels as I like to run fat tyres for the summer grip/downhill fun and skinner faster tubeless tyres for XC racing/events. I have seen the Shimano XT Wheelset (M785) for around $400 which is about the max I want to pay and was wondering if anyone rides these or has tried them? I’m looking for a tubeless ready pair, that are light’ish but still strong… I current ride basic Deore hubs with Alex XC-44 hubs.
I was also wondering with Rotors whether it is ok if you can mixed them up, i.e. ride Avid brakes but with XT rotors? And whether I could build up a complete set of separate wheels (i.e. with rotors) and just change over the cassette, or whether it is best to change the rotors with the cassette to my race wheels when I need them?
Hope some can help 
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I'm almost certain that you'll need to run the correct rotor for the brake calipers. Manufacturers have a range of rotors that are designed specifically for each caliper they manufacture. Each rotor has a different outer edge shape making them unique.
Hope this helps!
The XT wheels are great! They handle 5ft hucks no problem if you land light. If you're a rock plower then maybe not the wheelset for you due to their narrow width (19mm internal), but a very tuff and light XC wheelset. Just make sure you get the correct front axle to suit your bike (QR, 15mm, 20mm etc).
As for the rotors. Yes you can run different brands for rotors and brake set, you just have to make sure you are either running the correct adapter, as some avid rotors are slightly different diameter compared to Shimano (165mm vs 160 etc). Also, if you run different rotors on each wheelset, you will have the obligitory break-in period for the brake pads to mate with the rotors. Best option, is if you currently have 6 bolt rotors you can get a centerlock to 6 bolt adapter. Simply fit the adapters to the XT wheelset, then fit your current rotors to the adapters. Doing this will mean no dramas with the caliper adapters, no rotor diameter problems and no break-in period for the pads. The only thing you may have to adjust is the caliper adjustment to align the rotor with the pads so they don't rub.
Hope that helps.
I run Avid G2 rotors with XT calipers on my Rize, and apart from the rotors being more difficult to true than the Shimano discs I've had they run fine because the brake track is wider than the pad.
I would not recommend the other way around on some Shimano older rotors as the track would be narrower than Avid pads, leading to undercutting of the rotor spokes.
That said, you still need to line up your pads and rotors even if using the same brand as back in the day as a newby I had quite a bad problem with spoke undercutting on my Hayes Nines.... not helped by the rotors being made of cheese.
I use the same rotors and cassette betweeen my everyday wheels and my race wheels. It keeps my discs and pads in sync as well as my chain and cassette. It's simple enough to unbolt my rotors from one wheelset and then attach them to my other set. Same with the cassette.
Have a look at the Fulcrum Red Metal 3, tubeless, light and about $400. I have been using and abusing and these are faultless after 9 months.