Pros: Simple setup and adjustment
Cheap
They just work

Cons: Not as much power as hydraulics

Recommendation: These came on my bike and have served me well. I replaced the levers with some adjustable Avid's and found that every complaint I had about them was related to the cheap levers.

There aren't many times on the trails that I'm left wanting the power of hydraulics so I recommend these to anyone looking for an inexpensive upgrade to rim brakes.

Pros: Cheap, easy to set up.
Outperforms rim brakes in rain and mud. No wear on rims.

Cons: Squeaking noises, not a lot of power. Have to re-adjust after several rides due to pad wear.

Recommendation: Not bad mechanical disc brakes if you are upgrading a cross-country bike to discs. For more serious riders look for hydraulics.

Pros: Price, fit, adjustable, and descent modulation.

Recommendation: These ar pretty descent mechanical brakes for the money. Great entry level plus, especially better than the Pro Max.