EBC Rotors/pads vs Akebono/Powerstop?

[Urshurak776]

The sets I'm eyeing are on Summit Racing...looks like they carry EBC pads for your Mazda3 but no rotors.

Thanks! Any recommendations for rotors that might be a good match?

 

[Nesterenko]

As someone who would not put Akebono even if someone paid me, I will tell you based on your priorities to get Akebono.

Really, why?

 

[edyvw]

Really, why?

Because I had them once. Crappy performance. In my vocabulary, brakes are about safety. Akebono is about keeping wheels clean.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks! Any recommendations for rotors that might be a good match?

If you can get their 3GD Series slotted/dimpled rotors, that would be a good choice. I'm running them on 3 of my vehicles; while two of them have the Ultimax2 pads, one has Yellowstuff pads and that was a vast improvement over OE performance.

 

[doitmyself]

If you can get their 3GD Series slotted/dimpled rotors, that would be a good choice. I'm running them on 3 of my vehicles; while two of them have the Ultimax2 pads, one has Yellowstuff pads and that was a vast improvement over OE performance.

It depends on what the OP's needs and wants are. And everyone remember, our tiny data points are just that, and performance of the same brake components on different vehicles can vary. Thus, Akebono's love/hate history. But, like I always tell my wife of 48 years, I am always more right than everyone else .

 

[tbm5690]

It depends on what the OP's needs and wants are. And everyone remember, our tiny data points are just that, and performance of the same brake components on different vehicles can vary. Thus, Akebono's love/hate history. But, like I always tell my wife of 48 years, I am always more right than everyone else .

Yeah I have no need for any of the "colored" EBC pads on the MDX. The black Ultimax 2 sound to be as good or better than OE which is fine with me. When it comes time to replace the pads on the GLI I'll want something a bit more capable.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Thanks! Any recommendations for rotors that might be a good match?

any Geomet coated rotors will be good, such as Powerstop

 

[D1dad]

Black Ultimax rotors have been discontinued. They can still be found in the wild, but not easily. Nissan uses akebono and the performance is almost identical to ultimax pads. I have and have ran both.

 

[D1dad]

EBC rotors are made in england and coated in Vegas
Just about anything else is chinese. If you have an issue you call Vegas and they will expedite any issues with normally just a pic and email. My rear rotors came in with a slight color variation and they shipped new ones immediately and told me to keep the old....no questions asked, and I wasn't on hold for an hour. The phone rang and they answered. NICE!!!

 

[Falcon_LS]

It depends on what the OP's needs and wants are. And everyone remember, our tiny data points are just that, and performance of the same brake components on different vehicles can vary. Thus, Akebono's love/hate history. But, like I always tell my wife of 48 years, I am always more right than everyone else .

Agreed However, to add a bit more substance, the vehicle in question in my Mitsubishi SUV. With FF rated OE brake pads, the brakes left a lot to be desired and custom braided stainless steel brake hoses with the 3GD rotors and Yellowstuff pads were the solution to my problem.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Agreed However, to add a bit more substance, the vehicle in question in my Mitsubishi SUV. With FF rated OE brake pads, the brakes left a lot to be desired and custom braided stainless steel brake hoses with the 3GD rotors and Yellowstuff pads were the solution to my problem.

My power stop oe kit brings my vehicle down like I’m pulling a chute more than I need for an everyday driver

 

[edyvw]

EBC rotors are made in england and coated in Vegas
Just about anything else is chinese. If you have an issue you call Vegas and they will expedite any issues with normally just a pic and email. My rear rotors came in with a slight color variation and they shipped new ones immediately and told me to keep the old....no questions asked, and I wasn't on hold for an hour. The phone rang and they answered. NICE!!!

Their customer service is top notch.

 

[edyvw]

Yeah I have no need for any of the "colored" EBC pads on the MDX. The black Ultimax 2 sound to be as good or better than OE which is fine with me. When it comes time to replace the pads on the GLI I'll want something a bit more capable.

Ultimax might give you a bit more responsiveness. Expect more dust, too.
As for colored ones, Red Stuff is good upgrade. It will have some dust, but it is quite and aggressive pad. Yellow stuff is also mild track pad and avoid that as noise might be an issue in cold days.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Because I had them once. Crappy performance. In my vocabulary, brakes are about safety. Akebono is about keeping wheels clean.

To be fair my Akebono pads were the ASP performance parts. My Akebonos performed better than ford OEM and generic semi metallics that I had before. I tested these brakes all week long driving around Pittsburgh last week. If you know you know.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Ultimax might give you a bit more responsiveness. Expect more dust, too.
As for colored ones, Red Stuff is good upgrade. It will have some dust, but it is quite and aggressive pad. Yellow stuff is also mild track pad and avoid that as noise might be an issue in cold days.

Also the yellow stuff lasts about as long as ice cream in my house (hint Im fat)

 

[edyvw]

To be fair my Akebono pads were the ASP performance parts. My Akebonos performed better than ford OEM and generic semi metallics that I had before. I tested these brakes all week long driving around Pittsburgh last week. If you know you know.

I know they have ASP for Asian/American vehicles. I sued Euro stuff, which should actually be a step up from ASP. But compared to any major European OE or OEM brand, it pales in performance dramatically.

 

[edyvw]

Also the yellow stuff lasts about as long as ice cream in my house (hint Im fat)

Compared to what? They lasted, in my case, around 900mls on track, which translates to 30-40k on the street.
I actually dontt want pad that lasts 100k.
That is why I recommended Akebono for OP. His priorities are in line with Akebono.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I know they have ASP for Asian/American vehicles. I sued Euro stuff, which should actually be a step up from ASP. But compared to any major European OE or OEM brand, it pales in performance dramatically.

Did you mean ACT? I think ACT is the generic one? ASP is supposed to be their best performance pad. Their EUR part code stops better than ASP and ACT?
Also yeah Euro stuff has high initial grab and dusts like crazy.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Compared to what? They lasted, in my case, around 900mls on track, which translates to 30-40k on the street.
I actually dontt want pad that lasts 100k.
That is why I recommended Akebono for OP. His priorities are in line with Akebono.

I wanted to put EBC yellow on my ford flex but that 5300 pound bread box eats brakes like a fat kid got loose in a willie wonka chocolate factory.
I love my Akebono ASP pads, great cold performance and no high initial bite which is bad here in Lake effect snow land.
I think I may put EBC yellow on my Mini cooper project car.

 

[chexxers]

most rotors are cast in china of varying quality, EBCs were better although things change + pads vary a lot. check out NRS, great pads on my 2011 fronty. ebc +nrs hook the pads + use galvanized backing on NRS