The chainring for the Shimano SLX M7100 is made with a new tooth profile that holds well on the chain, even if there is no chain guide or shifter on.

It can be used for all frame standards, so you use the same chainring whether you have a frame with boost or a standard frame.

It only fits Shimano's 12speed systems and cannot be used with earlier versions of the Shimano SLX.

The technology in the chainring is similar to the one used in both XT. However, the choice of material is different, which makes the chainring heavier and the precision is not quite as good as it is in the XT M8100.

However, not everyone can feel the difference, precisely because the technology is so well developed.