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Disc Brake Pad Compounds


Many disc brake pads are available in different compounds

Semi-Metallic Compound

Also known as Compound S (Semi-Metallic)

Semi-metallic compound for good wear in all conditions. Medium density with consistent wet and dry performance and good grip.

Advantages: Cheap, Above average all around performance
Disadvantages: Grippier and longer lasting pads are available
Suitable For: Everything
Conclusion: Best Value

Superlight WorldCup Competition Alu Backed Pads use the medium compound.

Professional Grade Black Ceramic Compound

Also known as Compound C (Ceramic Pro)

These soft organic ceramic fiber disc brake pads are carbonized. The ceramic compound insulates the brake system from friction heat up to 400oC. The result is a very powerful, quiet pad with extremely low heat generation which all but eliminates the chances of brake fade.

  Details
  • Upgrade on original fitted pads
  • DIN 79100 Standard Approved
  • Organic Compound contains no metal material
  • Reduces damage to rotor
  • Carbonized compound reduces brake fading
  • Ceramic Fiber insulates brake system from friction heat


  • Advantages: Excellent grip, Low noise, Low heat, Consistent in all conditions
    Disadvantages: Short life span unless rider is light on brakes
    Suitable For: DH, Dry XC, Ti Rotors
    Conclusion: Best Performance, Short Life

    Metallic Sintered

    Also known as Compound T (Sintered)

    These sintered pads offer superior power in all conditions

     
  • Long wear pads, great for all types of riding
  • Consistent braking power in the wet
  • Almost unaffected by rain and snow
  • Copper back plate



  • Advantages: Better performing and longer lasting than most pads
    Disadvantages: More expensive than medium pads
    Suitable For: XC, DH (low brake use), All weather conditions, Mud
    Conclusion: Solid Pads and Best All Rounders

    Red Ceramic Compound - Hard

    Also known as Compound D (Ceramic Hard)

    Harder than ordinary pads. This is the highest density, hardest, ceramic compound for performance and longer lifetime. These organic disc brake pads contain a high amount of ceramic fiber, which insulate the brake system from friction heat up to 400oC.

    Advantages: Better performing and longer lasting than medium pads

      Details
  • Upgrade on original fitted pads
  • DIN 79100 Standard Approved
  • Organic Compound contains no metal material
  • Reduces damage to rotor
  • Carbonized compound reduces brake fading
  • Ceramic Fiber insulates brake system from friction heat


  • Advantages: Longer lasting than Black Ceramic pads
    Disadvantages: More expensive than Black Ceramic pads and not as grippy
    Suitable For: XC, DH (low brake use)
    Conclusion: Advantages of a Ceramic Pad with Longer Life

    Kevlar Compound

    Also known as Compound V (Kevlar)



    Contains Kevlar brand fiber developed by DuPont
  • Kevlar is a high strength synthetic fiber which dramatically improves the performance of these medium density pads and gives excellent braking power

    Advantages: Better performance than semi-metallic
    Disadvantages: More expensive than semi-metallic and known to wear out faster in bad weather
    Suitable For: XC, DH
    Conclusion: Performance Advantages of Kevlar

    Other Factors

    Low Noise: The black ceramic compound C is thought to be virtually silent

    DH: Black Ceramic pads are great for Downhill as the ceramic compound insulates the calliper pistons from heat build up so reducing the likelihood of brake fade.

    Rotors: All of these compounds can be used with any rotor. Ceramic pads cause less damage to rotors than metallic compound pads. Titanium Rotors: We recommend black ceramic compound for titanium coated rotors, as it contains no metal, so will reduce damage to the rotor. The coating on titanium plated rotors is extremely thin (often just a few microns), so will ultimately wear off no matter what pad you use, but ceramic pads will prolong their life over pads containing metal.


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