Best MTB Brake Pads? What the MBUK Test Really Showed
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At Gorilla Brakes, we work with hydraulic braking systems every day - testing brake pads across different brake models, rotor sizes and real riding conditions, from trail riding to full-power e-MTB and long alpine descents.
A recent Mountain Biking UK (MBUK) brake pad shootout compared three very different options:
- A budget AliExpress pad
- Gorilla Enduro Pro
- Trickstuff Power pads
The goal was simple — to understand what riders actually gain as they spend more on MTB brake pads.
Gorilla Enduro Pro was presented as the Winner, recognised for delivering the best balance of performance, consistency and value across real-world riding conditions.
What MBUK Actually Found
The MBUK test highlights something most riders misunderstand when searching for the best MTB brake pads — braking performance is not just about maximum power.
While high-end pads delivered stronger initial bite, Gorilla Enduro Pro stood out for delivering:
- Strong, usable braking power
- Predictable and consistent feel
- Controlled modulation under load
- Stable performance across repeated braking
- Excellent real-world value
The verdict was clear:
This is what matters in real riding — not the most aggressive pad, but the one that delivers consistent, controllable braking when it counts.
The Biggest Misunderstanding About Brake Pads
The hydraulic brake system creates braking force. The brake pad controls how that force is delivered.
Braking power comes from:
- Lever input and leverage ratio
- Master cylinder design
- Hydraulic pressure
- Caliper piston size
- Rotor diameter
Brake pads do not increase that force - they influence:
- Initial bite
- Modulation
- Heat stability
- Consistency under load
- Noise and wear
This is why two pads can feel completely different on the same brake system.
Why Gorilla Enduro Pro Won
The MBUK test showed a clear pattern:
- Budget pads lacked consistent friction and durability
- Premium pads delivered more aggressive bite but at a high cost
- Gorilla Enduro Pro delivered the best balance overall
Instead of chasing maximum bite, Enduro Pro focuses on:
- Stable friction characteristics
- Predictable braking behaviour
- Controlled power delivery
- Consistency across different riding conditions
This is what allows riders to brake later, modulate better and stay in control — especially on technical terrain and longer descents.
“Power” vs “Control” - What Actually Matters
When riders talk about “power”, they usually mean:
- Stronger initial bite
- More aggressive engagement
- Higher friction feel at the rotor
But more bite does not always mean better braking.
In real-world riding, control and consistency matter more than peak bite. A predictable pad allows you to manage braking force accurately, maintain traction and ride faster with confidence.
This is exactly where Gorilla Enduro Pro stood out in testing.
Real-World Performance vs Lab Numbers
The MBUK test reinforced how brake pad performance changes in real conditions.
Gorilla Enduro Pro delivered:
- Strong dry condition performance
- Consistent braking under repeated use
- Stable behaviour on longer descents
Like most semi-metallic compounds, wet performance is solid but not as extreme as full sintered pads — a normal trade-off when balancing:
- Control
- Noise
- Rotor wear
- Consistency
Enduro Pro Ultimate — For Higher Loads
The performance characteristics highlighted in the MBUK test form the foundation of the Enduro Pro range.
Enduro Pro Ultimate builds on this with a proprietary high-performance compound designed for:
- Downhill riding
- Enduro racing
- Full-power e-MTB
- Long alpine descents
- High heat braking conditions
Where standard compounds begin to fade, Enduro Pro Ultimate is engineered to maintain stable friction and predictable braking behaviour.
Shop Enduro Pro Ultimate Brake Pads
Why Brake Pads “Lose Power”
Brake pads rarely lose performance on their own.
If braking performance drops, the cause is usually:
- Contamination (oil, spray, dirt)
- Glazing from incorrect bedding-in
- Air in the hydraulic system
- Piston imbalance
- Rotor condition
Brake pads are a static component — if performance changes, something else has changed.
How to Choose the Best MTB Brake Pads
Instead of asking “which pad has the most power,” ask:
- What type of riding am I doing?
- How much heat am I generating?
- Do I want more bite or more control?
- Am I riding in wet or dry conditions?
- Is my brake system set up correctly?
This is what determines the best MTB brake pad for your bike — not just price or brand.
Final Thoughts
The MBUK brake pad test confirms what we see daily in real workshop conditions:
The best MTB brake pads are not the most aggressive — they are the most balanced.
That’s exactly why Gorilla Enduro Pro was selected as the winner.
It delivers dependable braking performance, consistent feel and real-world usability — making it a smart choice for trail, enduro and e-MTB riders.
View the April 2026 MBUK issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gorilla Enduro Pro win the MBUK brake pad test?
Yes. Gorilla Enduro Pro was presented as the winner in the April 2026 MBUK brake pad shootout.
Do brake pads increase braking power?
No. Braking power is created by the hydraulic system. Brake pads control how that power is delivered.
What makes a good MTB brake pad?
A good brake pad delivers consistent friction, predictable braking behaviour, and stable performance under heat and repeated braking.
Are semi-metallic brake pads good for MTB?
Yes. Semi-metallic pads offer a strong balance of performance, durability and control, making them ideal for trail and enduro riding.
Are Gorilla Enduro Pro pads suitable for e-MTB?
Yes. They are designed to handle higher loads and sustained braking typical of e-MTB riding.
Shop Enduro Pro Ultimate Brake Pads by Brand
Looking for the best MTB brake pads for your setup? Explore Enduro Pro Ultimate across all major brake systems: