Just getting done with a set of EBC Greenstuff front pads after about 12k miles, none of it on a track (as will probably be the case 99% of the time from here on out). Flame me if you want, but apparently I drove hard enough at times to crack the pads. I definitely need something more durable. Dust and noise aren't really an issue, but rotor life and temperature resistance are. The two pads in the title come up pretty frequently in discussion, so I figured I'd ask.

Opinions?

 

Porterfield R4S hands down.

 

How hard are they on rotors?

 

Bump... Any more thoughts?

 

EBC are crap, Axxis are crap, get the Porterfield (of the two choices you listed). I'd get Hawk HPS over Porterfield R4S for no other reason than they are cheaper. Performance-wise, they are very equal (and superior to the crud you had on there, and the Axxis Ultimates).

 

I recommend AGAINST Hawk HPS pads, the ones I had on my old car were super loud and screetching every stop after 10k (70% pad left).

 

Porterfield are twice the $$ than the Axxis! why are Axxis so bad? $25 a pad, they seem pretty darn good to me.

 

I called www.porterfield-brakes.com and they said that the R4-S doesn't quite have the huge stopping power of the Hawk HP+, but is MUCH easier on rotors and is a significantly better performer than the HPS. That is exactly what www.ImportRP.com said about the Axxis Ultimates, so I figured they're probably in the same league. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the Ultimates? I need specifics!

 

HPS are far better than Ultimates, in the same league as R4S (I have friends who have used both R4S and HPS and they said they are pretty similar, but I haven't used the R4S). I have used the HPS and the Ultimates so I know the comparison between those two to be fact. HP+ is a little too much pad for the street. You said you aren't racing, you don't want the HP+, no question about that. They are what I use on the track. I take them off for the street.

Porterfield-brakes.com is of course going to say the R4S is a better pad than the HPS, they make the R4S, it's their pad! Not saying they aren't telling the truth, it may very well be a better pad than the HPS, but just keep in mind that the R4S is the pad they make. And yes I am aware that they sell both brands there, so they are probably telling the truth.

As far as the squealing guy, that like has more to do with installation than the pad itself, in the case of the HPS anyways. There are definately pads that squeal, and you just can't do anything about it, but in my experience the HPS is not one of them (though they do make alot of dust). I've had 2 or 3 sets of HPS on my car, no squeal problems. I know other guys who use them on their cars for street pads, no squeal problems there either.

Performance Friction also makes very good pads and they are at a good price typically too. Though I don't know anything specific about their street compounds. I just know their 01 and 03 race compounds are great track pads.