Brake pads Carbotech or OEM KIA

I have the 1521’s, and will add another data point - less initial bite, great modulation. No dust, No noise. Overall I’m happy with them, but will continue to experiment - next round of braking components - floating/2 piece rotors and new calipers.

I have used the Carbotech 1521 pads for a while and have been very satisfied. They are also made in the USA.

Received the brake pads today. They look pretty massive.

I had a set of the Carbotech fast road/track day pads in my AW11 before I had to scrap it and they were amazing.

If your just daily driving then OEM is fine, if you're looking for a slight upgrade then I recommend Carbotech 1521 Bobcat pads. I have the Carbotechs and they are nice.

When I had my mini cooper, I ran the 1521s on stock rotors and never had any issue in the rain.

I have run the Carbotech 1521 on the street and can confirm they are low dust and noise, but not the most performance oriented.

I just changed my pads and rotors at all four corners asI was always very unhappy with the stock pads and rotors; mostly because of noise in the cold and the amount of brake dust the pads made. Upon inspection of my rotors, with barely 30k miles on them, there was a startling amount of material removed and channeling from the pads. I would totally recommend you replace the rotors at the same time. I too went with the ECS slotted and drilled rotors with Carbotech 1521 pads and love the setup. Very quiet, very little dust and good performance.

Carbotech Pads (F-CT682 & R-CT340 1521 Street Compound)

Over 25 track days I tried : RBF600 + stock pads -> Failed

RBF600 + powerstop -> Failed

Endless + Carbotech xp12 -> Great but wore off quick

Endless + CSG -> less bite but much more durable