Brake pads STOPTECH or OEM Volkswagen

I use the Stoptech Street Performance pads and they do a good job. ABS comes on with most 200TW tires... but I havne't tried the RE71R yet. Can't ask your brakes to do much more.

I run Stoptech Street Perfomance pads on my Miata and my Mustang. The Stoptech pads, from what I can tell, don't bite as hard as the Hawk pads people like to run, but they seem to be more linear in their braking response. And this might hold true for all pads, but the Stoptechs, especially on a cooler day, need a run or some sort of warm-up before they really feel good. Once they do get a bit of heat into them, they really feel nice and predictable.

Stoptech brake test mounted to the spindles. I buffed off the Stoptech logo with buffing compound. I prefer the understated look.

Actually just installed a set in my MK6 GLI and they are a whole lot better than the OEM branded pads.

There is a noticeable difference between OEM pads and these along with high temp brake fluid when doing 20 min sessions at Portland International Raceway... less fade and shorter stopping distance. Also the pads are still quiet and about same brake dust as OEM.

I went with the Powerstop slotted/cross drilled rotors, and Stoptech Sport pads on my Impreza, and they're awesome. The Stoptechs are Semi-metallics and initial bite is really good compared to the ceramics I previously had.

Same, with a 2015 on stage 2 tune it can be pretty quick and on road trips with the cruise set to 70 it can pull some pretty fantastic fuel economy.

My brakes are also "grabbier" and harder to modulate than my '16 GTI (312mm), which had great brake feel.

Here is a shot of the front brakes. They're quite worn, below the legal acceptable thickness for a Phaeton and showing hairline cracks on the inside, the pads are also fairly shot.

Whenever I talk to people they don't say too much about reliability, but what they do say is how they hate the maintenance costs with VWs. $100+ oil changes, paying for maintenance items off warranty at dealer (brakes), etc.