Brake Pad Differences?

[SthTx3000gtSL]

Just wanted to ask you guys 1: If there are any differences between the ceramic and semi metallic brake pads? 2:If so, then which are better? 3: If not, then which do you guys prefer? I need to replace my pads and rotors soon and want to get what is best. Thanks for your guys.

[Morphius289]

If I am correct, I believe the ceramic pads are the better ones.

[ChrisGood]

I have not had semi metallic on mine but i did notice one night while joy riding that after a lot of heavy braking my ceramic pads lost a little stopping power, they seemed to stop quick as normal after a cool down period though. Of course they dont seem to squeel and show little wear on them.

[2old]

There varies alot depending on the Manufacturer but in general semi-metallic "grab" better or have better initial bite but are noiser and dust pretty badly.

Ceramics usually have better heat resistance, quieter and wear better, but they are almost never rotor "friendly".

That said a good semi-metallic (like carbon-metallic from good manufacturer) is hard to destinguish from a good ceramic unless you drive them back to back.

[Igovert500]

yeah they both have their pros and cons. I have stillen metal matrix pads and like them, but I'm gonna try something else, maybe hawk or ebc pads next time, just to see which I prefer. For daily driving and some racing the stillen pads work just fine though. I suggest checking out the brake upgrade guide on stealth316.com for some good reading.

[SthTx3000gtSL]

I've been told that the Hawks are really good, but that the Axxis Ultimates are very similar if you are on a budget.

[VR43000GT]

I have the semi-metallic pads and they were noisy for about a week and a half and now they dont make any noise. I've also heard the semi-metallic pads have a longer life. I'd reccomend them, they've worked great for me.

[2old]

I must run through brake pads awfully quick... I have used EBC (greenstuff which is "kevlar" based), SBS (ceramic) and right now running Hawk (carbon metallic).

For braking feel I liked SBS most (nice feel to it), but it ate it's way through my rotors which gets rather expensive rather quickly... Right now running Hawk which has a greater initial bite and is lasting a bit longer and easier on my rotor (doesn't feel as good because it bites in too quickly which makes it a little harder to modulate then the SBS).

I did not like the EBC green stuff... Better then stock but wears quickly and feels a little spongy. I heard the red stuff is a lot better.

[SthTx3000gtSL]

I guess my main concern is that I am going to start auto crossing. I already know which rotors and lines I'm going to use, but there are so many choices for brake pads! AAARRRRGGHHH!!!! LOL