Brake pads Raybestos or OEM Mazda

Went Raybestos and they have been good so far. I wasn't impressed with the pads machining quality though. They just looked rough, but I haven't had any issues in 20k miles with some towing use.

I’ve ordered the Raybestos Element3 for multiple vehicles and been happy with them

The Element 3's have treated me very well on multiple vehicles now.

I bought the Mazda a while ago and hated it. I improved my skills and bought it again last night. It was a fucking blast. Have to be careful with the brakes and backend sliding but it is a straights rocket and has decent cornering without any assists.

I'm in WNY and run the Raybestos fully coated rotors and ceramic pads on my truck and wife's SUV. No issues so far after 3 years.

I would raybestos element 3 and akebono pads on my Lexus rx300. No complaints.

I put Akebono ProActs on my car 3 years ago, and it has the softest pedal of any car Ive ever owned; I almost have to plan ahead before hitting the brakes it takes so long to come to a complete stop. I Put the Raybestos E3 on my wife's van (which previously had warped rotors), and the braking was fantastic for the final 2 years we kept it. More bite, no warping (even with the Semi-metallic pads), stop on a dime, no noticeable noise. Meanwhile the Akebonos on my car squeal like frightened pigs now, and the rotors just started warping (hence why Im on this sub, comparing other brands).So I'm going back to the Element 3s, or moving up to PowerStop. IDC what Scotty Kilmer says about the Akebonos - the main thing I want from my brakes is to stop the car quickly and safely, hopefully without warping the rotors. Everything else is secondary. The friction on the "premium" ProActs is mediocre at best (also no warranty, but that doesn't really factor in for me). And with my family as passengers, Im more concerned with stopping safely than a little noise or dust, or pad longevity.YMMV, but for me, Im done with the 'bonos.

I would recommend Raybestos ST43s but they’re going to be the same price and availability is scarce.

Similar thing happened to me today, vehicle is 2023 cx-50, 25k mile, not even 2 year, in upstate ny with weekly car wash, gentle on gas and brake. They said front pads are 30%, rear pads are 50%, quoted me $600 to get new front pad & rotor, and rear brake service(cleaning, lubrication). Just 2 month ago from another mechanic's report (same delear), all pads are above 50%. I don't think it's that bad that both pad and rotor need to be replaced, so I denied the work,

Mazda. Brakes. Suck. I’ve owned 2 6s. A 2018 and a 2021. Both needed brakes at around 20k. DO NOT REPLACE WITH MAZDA OE BRAKES. Or you’ll just be in the same boat again. Buy a set of PowerStops and be done with it.