Which Disc Brake Pad Compound Should I Choose? (Complete Guide)
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If you’re asking yourself “Which disc brake pad compound should I choose?”, you’re in the right place. The pad material you pick dictates noise, bite, heat management, rotor wear, and lifespan. This guide explains the differences between semi-metallic, sintered, ceramic, and Gorilla Brakes’ high-performance Factory Racing and Enduro Pro compounds—so you can choose with confidence.
🔹 Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pads
Best for: road, gravel, commuting, light MTB
- Quick bedding-in with excellent cold bite
- Quiet, predictable braking and smooth modulation
- Rotor-friendly with low wear
- Not ideal for heavy eMTB or ultra-long alpine descents
🔸 Sintered Disc Brake Pads
Best for: enduro, downhill, wet/muddy conditions
- Very durable in abrasive terrain
- Consistent power in the wet; resists fade
- Handles heat on long, steep descents
- Trade-offs: louder, can increase rotor wear
🟢 Ceramic Disc Brake Pads
Best for: trail / all-mountain riders who value modulation
- Progressive feel with strong control
- Quiet in dry conditions; great on long descents
- Wears faster than semi-metallic or sintered
- Not the best choice for thick mud or gritty slop
Shop Ceramic Pads | Shop Enduro Ceramic Pads
🏁 Factory Racing Compounds (Performance-Tuned)
- eBike: built for heavier bikes and higher loads (Factory Racing + eBike Pads)
- Organic (Copper-Free): eco-friendly, quiet, rotor-friendly (Factory Racing Organic Pads)
- Titanium Pads: lightweight backing plates (Titanium Pads)
Explore Factory Racing Range →
🥇 Enduro Pro (High Performance)
The Enduro Pro line is engineered for riders who want the highest performance across power, heat stability, and control.
- Enduro Pro Ultimate: maximum bite and fade resistance for enduro/DH
- Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic: wet-weather control, low noise, rotor-friendly
- Enduro Pro Resin: ultra-quiet with smooth modulation (road, gravel, XC)
✅ Quick Decision Guide
- Everyday road & gravel: Semi-Metallic or Enduro Pro Resin
- Trail / All-Mountain: Ceramic or Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic
- Enduro / DH / eMTB: Sintered or Enduro Pro Ultimate
- Quiet commuter / city: Semi-Metallic or Factory Racing
Eco & Compliance
- All Gorilla Brakes pads are REACH compliant
- 100% recyclable via our Brake Pad Recycling Program
- Eco-conscious, recyclable packaging
❓ FAQ: Which-disc-brake-pad-compound-should-I-choose
What’s the quietest disc brake pad compound?
Semi-Metallic and resin and Organic from our factory racing are the quietest compound , with Enduro Pro Resin delivering race-level silence.
Which compound lasts the longest?
Sintered pads usually offer the greatest lifespan, especially in wet and abrasive conditions.
What’s best for eMTB?
Enduro Pro Ultimate for maximum bite, heat management, and durability under heavier loads.
Do ceramic pads wear quickly?
Yes, ceramic pads wear faster, but they provide exceptional control and feel—great for technical trail riders.