Owner reviews for brake pads

I have a full Stoptech setup (4 slotted rotors and street pads) on my MK6 GTI right now, and I like how it feels and performs. I used to have just Stoptech rear pads on OEM rotors, and it seemed to perform just fine as well. The downside (in my experience) with the street pads is that they dust a LOT, especially the rears.

I did Redbox pads on my B5.5 Passat with 312 rotors, and I loved them. I skimped out when I first did the upgrade and went with CARQUEST pads and absolutely hated them. Maybe that's why I liked the Redbox so much....

I know they aren't anything special but I personally like the Akebono Euro-Ceramics. Inexpensive, little to no dust, and no squealing. Great pedal travel/feel but verging on squishy, however the bite is there. My one issue is that if you do any sort of repetitive hard stops they immediately show that they do not like it. For DD stuff, they're great.

Hawks HPS 5.0, that's what I have on my Jetta, that's what I'll be putting on the Camaro soon.

Mintex Redbox are always on my list for Daily Driver pads on VWs. I just started into my 3rd set on my 180k wagon. In contrast, the Mintex are linear, fairly quiet, wear well, are easy on rotors, low dust and can tolerate a bit of spirited driving.

I managed to get my hand on a set of MK1 Audi TT front and rear brakes for a steal, also round the corner to my work which was even better. This takes my front brakes from 288mm up to 312mm and takes my rear brakes from 232mm solid discs to 256mm vented discs.

I like the Ferodos and I would buy them again. They had good feel and bite, and they are quiet.

You don't have to buy original rotors and pads. OEM (same manufacturer but without the Audi logo and part number) and third-party (e.g. Bosch, NK) are just as good.

I've had a couple of bad experiences with Stop Tech pads ( High Performance division of Centric ). Euro made semi metallic pads are usually very good ( ATE, Brembo, Ferodo Valeo ). Bendix Titanium II pads are very good. Akebono Premium Ceramic pads are very, very good...

I've used them on my previous car and wasn't impressed, HP+ on the other hand was a much better choice for me (not to mention quite a bit cheaper)