🔥 Tested in Morzine: New Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro Finned Pads with Aluminium Back plate

At Gorilla Brakes, real-world performance comes first — not just lab claims. This August, we took our next-generation Enduro Pro finned brake pads to the brutal alpine descents of Morzine, Châtel, and Les Gets for a week-long stress test. These pads aren’t available yet — but they will be in early 2026, and we’re already excited by what we’ve experienced on the mountain.

🚀 What’s New: Two Back Plate Options, One Ultimate Compound

We’re currently developing two versions of our Enduro Pro Ultimate compound pads:

• Aluminium Back Plate (Finned)
• Steel Back Plate (Finned)

Both versions use our flagship Enduro Pro Ultimate compound, formulated for the most aggressive riders. The fins add surface area for improved cooling — ideal for extended braking on long descents.

Initial Verdict?
The aluminium back plate version is performing exceptionally well. Think: instant bite, no fade, and beautifully progressive modulation — even on 30°C alpine days with back-to-back descents.

🧪 Field-Tested: Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel — August 2025

For the test, Gorilla Brakes' Test Pilot and Customer Support Manager, Lee Hine, took the pads straight to the Portes du Soleil — one of Europe’s toughest playgrounds for bicycle braking systems.

We averaged around 18,000 ft of descending per day, non-stop, for seven straight days. That’s over 120,000 ft of punishing elevation drop — the perfect environment to stress-test braking compounds. It’s not a bad job working for Gorilla Brakes — we get to test new bikes, new brakes, and the latest high-performance products before they launch. Every descent teaches us something new about how our pads perform under pressure.

🔧 Test Setup

• Rider: Lee Hine
• Weight: 74kg
• Bike: Transition Smuggler
• Brakes: HEL Advocate ADV1
• Pads: Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro Ultimate (Aluminium Finned)
• Rotors: SRAM Centerline
• Conditions: 30°C+ every day, full-suspension trail/enduro riding

These HEL Advocate brakes use the same pad shape as Shimano’s 4-piston systems — including Deore, SLX, XT, and XTR — making this test relevant for a wide range of riders.

🛠️ Bedding-In: Brutal, But Realistic

Let’s be honest — most riders don't bed in pads properly before their first descent. We tested our pads the same way. No bedding procedure, no break-in — just install,and go.

What happened?

• First descent: Pads bedded in surprisingly quickly. You could feel power building on every lever pull.
• Second descent: Full power. No vibration. Just confident, quiet, progressive braking.
• Rest of the day: Endless dragging on steep terrain. Still no fade. No glazing. No complaints.

🧊 Cold Bite, 🔥 Heat Resistance, 💯 Control

The standout feature? Zero brake fade — even after long descents with heavy dragging and no cool-down time. These pads are clearly working with the  aluminium back plate to shed heat effectively.

Control was another highlight. The Enduro Pro Ultimate compound offers superb modulation, even on loose and dusty trails. Whether feathering the brakes into corners or scrubbing speed fast, the feedback was excellent.

🏁 When Can You Buy Them?

We’re aiming to launch the Enduro Pro Ultimate Finned Pads in early 2026 — once durability testing is complete on both aluminium and steel back plate variants.

In the meantime, you can still shop our proven Enduro Pro Ultimate compound in non-finned options for all major caliper brands, including:

• Shimano 4-piston (Deore, SLX, XT, XTR, Saint, ZEE)
• SRAM Code / Guide
• Hope V4 / RX4
• Hayes Dominion A4 / T2 / A2

➡️ Browse All Enduro Pro Pads »

🎯 Brake Feel – Why HEL Advocate Stands Out

One thing that became immediately clear during testing is how good the HEL Advocate ADV1 brakes feel on the trail. Unlike some systems that suffer from a vague or “numb” initial stroke, HEL brakes are sharp, direct, and incredibly precise.

There’s virtually no dead zone — as soon as you touch the lever, you’re into the power. That responsiveness creates a real sense of control, even on unpredictable alpine terrain. The feedback through the lever is crisp, letting you modulate with accuracy and confidence. Whether you’re feathering the brakes through steep switchbacks or scrubbing speed into a berm, the brakes give you exactly what you ask for — no guesswork.

But it’s not an on-off feel. The more you pull the lever, the more the power builds — smooth, progressive, and precise. And if you need to anchor hard, the power is there instantly. Whether you're dragging the brakes or using fingertip feathering, the modulation is dialled. These brakes really do give you heaps of feedback, helping you stay in full control all the way down the mountain.

✅ Why Trust This Test?

At Gorilla Brakes, every new product is tested inside a lab, then by real riders, in real terrain, under real stress. We don’t launch compounds until we’ve spent time dragging them down the same tracks you ride — in weather that melts ice cream and brakes alike.

Author Profile:

Lee Hine
Test Pilot & Customer Support Manager
Lee rides 3–6 times a week across road, gravel, and mountain terrain, and helps with field testing for Gorilla Brakes. When he’s not on the bike, he’s helping riders find the perfect pad for their setup — from weekend warriors to World Cup mechanics.

💬 Got Questions?

Want to know more about our upcoming Enduro Pro Finned Pads?
Drop us a message — or visit our Gorilla Brakes news to be first in line when they launch.

📌 TL;DR – Key Takeaways

🔧 Where to Buy HEL Advocate Brakes

If you’re looking to upgrade to the same brakes we tested in Morzine, check out HEL’s official list of authorised dealers and fitting locations across the UK and Europe.

Buying from an authorised dealer ensures you get genuine HEL components, expert fitting advice, and full manufacturer support.

➡️ View HEL Authorised Dealers & Locations »