Brake pads resin or metal?

[Warren911]

Good day Hubbers.

 

Time for new brake pads.

I have got Shimano BR M596 brakes.

 

Which in your opion are better resin or metal pads?

 

From what I can see metal last longer but make more noise?

 

Any other pointers?

 

thanks

[GoLefty!!]

metal is better all round for wear and stopping power but resin gives better initial bite and your discs will last longer.

[LazyTrailRider]

Resin: Quieter, stops better, but doesn't last nearly as long (actually, can get destroyed with one muddy ride)

 

Metal: Slightly noisy (depends on the model), slightly less power, lasts much longer.

 

Take your pick...

[LazyTrailRider]

resin gives better initial bite

 

Yep, they slighty improve modulation in my experience.

Edited March 3, 2014 by MH for short

[Warren911]

Thanks!!!

[Showtime]

With the current generation Shimano brakes the metal pads have been quiet and plenty powerful for me. Resin pads can disintegrate within a few km's in mud.

[Paul Ruinaard]

WRT Resin: If you are doing multi day rides and there is any chance of rain then rather put in metal, as resin will disappear in a couple of km's of mud. Then you have no brakes and your ride is effectively a mess. Also if you do have this problem and you expect wet weather always carry a spare set of metal pads in your pack.

 

Anyone who has done muddy multi day races will be familiar with this. Resin is a no no.

 

So because of this i run metal in almost all my bikes

[Kona Kula]

I changed from resin to metal and hated every minute I rode with them. Changed straight back to resin. Wet weather and mud I can agree metal will wear better but for all other riding the resin performance is absolutely tops.

[dirtrider]

And just because it is Monday :

 

Many disc brake pads are available in different compounds

 

Medium Compound

 

Also known as Compound S (Medium)

 

Containing metal and graphite for long wear. Great for muddy conditions, and a good choice in all conditions. A medium compound with consistent wet performance and good grip.

 

Advantages: Cheap, Above average all around performance

Disadvantages: Grippier and longer lasting pads are available

Suitable For: Everything

Conclusion: Best Value

 

Superlight WorldCup Competition Alu Backed Pads use the medium compound.

 

Professional Grade Black Ceramic Compound

 

Also known as Compound C (Ceramic Pro)

 

These soft organic ceramic fiber disc brake pads are carbonized. The ceramic compound insulates the brake system from friction heat up to 400oC. The result is a very powerful, quiet pad with extremely low heat generation which all but eliminates the chances of brake fade.

 

Details

Upgrade on original fitted pads

DIN 79100 Standard Approved

Organic Compound contains no metal material

Reduces damage to rotor

Carbonized compound reduces brake fading

Ceramic Fiber insulates brake system from friction heat

Non-Asbestos

 

 

 

Advantages: Excellent grip, Low noise, Low heat, Consistent in all conditions

Disadvantages: Short life span unless rider is light on brakes

Suitable For: DH, Dry XC, Ti Rotors

Conclusion: Best Performance, Short Life

 

Metallic Sintered

 

Also known as Compound T (Sintered)

 

 

Superior power in all conditions

 

Long wear pads, great for DH or XC

Consistent braking power in the wet

Almost unaffected by rain and snow

 

 

Advantages: Better performing and longer lasting than most pads

Disadvantages: More expensive than medium pads

Suitable For: XC, DH (low brake use), All weather conditions, Mud

Conclusion: Best All Rounders

 

Red Ceramic Compound - Hard

 

Also known as Compound D (Ceramic Hard)

 

Harder than ordinary pads. This is the highest density, hardest, ceramic compound for ultimate performance and the longer lifetime. These organic disc brake pads contain a high amount of ceramic fiber, which insulate the brake system from friction heat up to 400oC.

 

Advantages: Better performing and longer lasting than medium pads

 

Details

Upgrade on original fitted pads

DIN 79100 Standard Approved

Organic Compound contains no metal material

Reduces damage to rotor

Carbonized compound reduces brake fading

Ceramic Fiber insulates brake system from friction heat

Non-Asbestos

 

 

 

Advantages: Longer lasting than Black Ceramic pads

Disadvantages: More expensive than Black Ceramic pads and not as grippy

Suitable For: XC, DH (low brake use)

Conclusion: Ceramic Advantages with Longer Life

 

Other Factors

 

Low Noise: The black ceramic compound C is thought to be virtually silent

 

DH: Black Ceramic pads are great for Downhill as the ceramic compound insulates the calliper pistons from heat build up so reducing the likelihood of brake fade.

 

Rotors: All of these compounds can be used with any rotor. Ceramic pads cause less damage to rotors than metallic compound pads. Titanium Rotors: We recommend black ceramic compound for titanium coated rotors, as it contains no metal, so will reduce damage to the rotor. The coating on titanium plated rotors is extremely thin (often just a few microns), so will ultimately wear off no matter what pad you use, but ceramic pads will prolong their life over pads containing metal.

[Kona Kula]

Just curious Dirt Rider, all these additional compounds are they from after market companies? I have only ever seen one or two shimano variations. Usually metal sintered and Organic/Resin.

[Mojoman]

I thought it all came down to what your discs are able to use?

Edited March 3, 2014 by Mojoman

[Spoke101]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzbyQWPNI-c

 

I have used both resin and metal. Only major difference I found were that metal pad needed to be bedded in correctly and properly and this takes way longer that resin pads. and that when wet and cold (ie. the rotors are not hot) metal pad sound like a cat on a hot tin roof.