So I'm up for replacing mine, and I love the initial bite of the OEM's, but thought if maybe I can get something else for same or less price, why not, so I started looking.

I could get the Centric 100 series which are supposed to be the exact same compound for like $100, or

the Axxis Metal Master pads (same as XBG I assume?) from Turner, for like $170, which according to them should have almost as good of an initial bite, but with way less dust...

When I go to Axxis's site though, this is what they show for friction level, which isn't great...
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I like Akebonno Euro's. No to very low dust, perform better than OEM for me. I hated the grabby feel of the OEM brake pads not to mention the dust.

 

You're going to get a whole lot of opinions on this because its a preference thing bro, everybody is different. I hated the dust of OEM pads so Ive been there trying to find the right pads. I went with HAWK HPS pads some like em some dont (I have no complaints, very low dust). Like DavidF some prefer Akebonno's some dont so look around, its all relative information. Good luck

 

we carry some aftermarket pads if interested, some that bite about the same as OEM and some for even more bite, and all create less brake dust compared to the OEM pads =)

 

I'm with DavidF. Akebonno is the way to go.

 

+1

 

Interesting... Hadn't considered the Akebonos, though I know lots of people who run them. I've got the Stoptech Street Performance pads on my 3 series, and know and like them. They do have a bit less bite, but they're pretty good at the track, which is why I got them.

I had figured I could get away without spending $170 on pads, which the SP's cost, so if I end up paying that much for pads, I'll just get what I know at least and won't be surprised by anything.

I'm not up to paying $230 on brake pads right now, for Cool Carbons.

So what's the big difference with ceramic pads vs. semi metallics? These Akebonos say they're ceramic.

This is how Centric compares their pads. Assuming the same goes for other manufacturers, it seems they're as good as semi metallics for the most part, and give more bite?

What's the downside to them vs. semi metallics then?