Brake Pad Reviews
 

So much for the new Google Search feature. I can't find a decent review of Hawk HPS pads for the life of me. Given that pad selection is a common question, let's make a consolidated thread here. I'll kick it off, but someone please post a nice review of Hawk HPS and HP+ pads. I'm also considering Carbotech's autoX pads, but they're about $100 more than the HPS and $50 more than the HP+ pads.

Stock Sport Pads:
Overall: Fine for everyday driving, would pass for auotX, not a good idea for track use
Initial Bite: terrible, my wife's Altima has better initial bite
Stopping power: fine...once you push the pedal very hard
Fade: they will fade out on track, should be fine for street use
Dust: Relatively none, rims stay clean a very long time
Noise: Silent

Carbotech XP10/8
Overall: Very aggressive feel and bite, ideal for track use, compromises daily driving livability
Initial Bite: Incredible! Will put you through the windshield the first time you try them.
Stopping power: Excellent, requires much less brake pedal force to get high levels of braking power
Fade: Haven't experienced it yet with these pads
Dust: Lots, plan on cleaning your rims after any events and probably twice a week if you use them on the street
Noise: Very squeaky. Given the slight brake pad/rotor contact at all times, you'll even get occasional squeaking while driving along at a constant speed.

Ok, come on Hawk users...

Hawk HP+, will last about 4 20 minute sessions on a brake intensive circuit before wearing to the backing plates with the sport brakes.

I'm running Carbotech XP12/XP10 now with my brembo fronts and sport rears, but haven't really had them on the track yet, only the two laps before my crash. I did just swap them back in last weekend in preparation for Zcon track day, and I must say they are silent on the street for some reason. I got one squeal out of them when I was backing into a parking spot, but thats it.

With Hawks, chances are that you will need rotors before new pads

Uh, sounds like Mike would disagree...

actually, I did forget, I not only wore the pads down to the backing plate, but scored and cracked the rotors.

Hawk Blues (9012)? Yes, for sure. But Hawk makes at least 12 compounds that I know of -- and a few others are in testing.

The HPS are not track pads and should never be used as such. The HP Plus are autocross pads with good bite right away when cold, but are not up to the ultimate high temperatures that full track use requires. Neither of these are in the same category as the XP8 or XP10, so they cannot not be directly compared. You will want to look at the DTC-30, DTC-60 or maybe the DTC-70 if you are comparing Hawk's offerings to Carbotech.

There is no one answer for all. You need to first understand the temperature range your driving style and track require, then compare pads that perform best in that range. Then, you can ask specific questions on those compounds to get an idea of what they feel like, wear like and whether or not they abuse rotors more or less than others. The ultimate goal is to find a solution that gives you as much feel/confidence you can get while staying under budget level you've set.

Chris

I have never used the Hawk Blues, but Hawk HPS is garbage. Hawks HP+ is a good pad, but too noisy and hurt rotors too much.

I've used HP+ and loved them but they are load and dusty as hell. As Chris pointed out, none of them are track worthy.

Another pad I tried was Ferodo DS2500 and I really didnt like that. No bite and they fade quickly. They are not meant to be used on the track.

Cobalt Friction XT series pads are pretty good track pads too, but they aren't very rotor friendly.

I successfully used the hp+ on the 350z and the C6, but the 370 brakes just get too hot for them

ive run project mu ns pads since last february when mike and i put them on while doing my calipers. that includes 8 track days at roebling and they're still there holding up well. my main problem was soft springs so ive got coils coming in this week. ill be at sebring in a month so i can really test them there with my suspension sorted but so far they've done great.

How do the Nismo pads hold up to daily driving?

I destroyed them in both cars you listed, that's why I stay with Carbotech now.

I used the HPS twice, never again for any driving. They have no initial bite, especially when wet. You are better off buying Wagner pads from Advanced Auto

I will echo the above, but I do have to say, you *can* use the HP+ just fine on the track - you just have to go easy on the brakes. No late braking...

Of course, I got sick of going easy, and of fade late in the sessions, so I switched to Carbotechs on the stock calipers, which have been solid for me. They did start making an ungodly racket after my last track weekend. They seem to be chilling out a bit since then...

Since I have the carbotechs for track days, what would you guys run for a daily driver and occasional autox? I'd like to only swap pads for my track days and run a pad that is DD and Autox worthy the rest of the time. Something a bit quieter and less dusty than the carbotechs, still rotor friendly, and has better bite and feel than stock but less than the carbos. Ideas?

I used the Carbotechs for a while on the street and autox, but they are very noisy. How about the basic Carbotechs?