🏁 Gorilla Brakes Compound Comparison
Bicycle disc brake pad compound comparison for MTB, road, gravel and e-bike brake systems. Compare pad materials, heat control, noise, durability and best-use riding conditions.
Choosing the right brake pad shouldn’t be guesswork. Whether you’re riding trail, racing enduro, commuting, riding road or gravel, or descending long alpine passes, Gorilla Brakes offers compounds engineered for specific riding demands and conditions.
Our brake pads are grouped into three clear performance tiers:
- 🏆 Enduro Pro – Highest Performance: Maximum braking consistency, heat control, and longevity for aggressive and high-load riding.
- 🏁 Factory Racing – High Performance: Ride-feel focused compounds tuned for modulation, control, noise behaviour, and braking character.
- 🔧 Standard Compounds – Performance: Reliable, value-driven pads designed for everyday riding.
🏆 Enduro Pro Compound Comparison (Highest Performance)
| Compound |
Backing Plate |
Dry |
Wet |
Heat Control |
Durability |
Best Use |
| Enduro Pro Ultimate |
🟧 Heat-Treated Steel (Orange) |
★★★★★+ |
★★★★★+ |
★★★★★+ |
★★★★★+ |
Downhill, Enduro, Alpine Descents, Road Racing, Gravel Racing, Full-Power e-MTB |
| Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic |
🔵 Steel (Blue) |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
All-weather trail, enduro, road & gravel |
| Enduro Pro Resin |
⚫ Steel (Black) |
★★★★ |
★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★★ |
Trail, road & gravel where quieter bite is preferred |
🏁 Factory Racing Compound Comparison (High Performance)
The Factory Racing range is built around braking character rather than outright power. These compounds prioritise modulation, lever feel, noise control, and ride experience, with backing plate materials used to fine-tune heat behaviour.
| Compound |
Friction Compound & Backing Plate |
Dry |
Wet |
Noise |
Durability |
Bedding-In |
Best Use |
| Factory Racing (Green) |
Hard High-Load Compound · Steel Backing Plate |
★★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★ |
★★★★★+ |
Short |
e-MTB, bike parks, downhill, enduro, heavy bikes, long road & gravel descents |
| Factory Racing Titanium |
Stealth Compound · Titanium Backing Plate |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
Short |
e-bikes, downhill, enduro, long road descents, gravel riding where heat control matters |
| Factory Racing Stealth |
Stealth Compound · Steel Backing Plate |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
Short |
Trail, e-MTB, road & gravel, riders prioritising quiet and consistent braking |
| Factory Racing Organic |
Ultra-Soft Organic Compound · Steel Backing Plate |
★★★★★ |
★★☆☆☆ |
★★★★★ |
★★★☆☆ |
Not Required |
Dry XC, road, dry gravel, riders prioritising instant bite and silence |
⚠️ Factory Racing Organic Notice
Durability ratings apply to dry conditions only. In wet or gritty conditions this compound will wear significantly faster.
Designed for instant bite, ultra-quiet braking, and no bedding-in — ideal for riders who prioritise feel and silence over longevity.
🔧 Standard Compound Comparison (Performance)
Reliable, affordable compounds designed for everyday riding across road, gravel, commuting, and light MTB use.
| Compound |
Backing Plate |
Dry |
Wet |
Heat Control |
Durability |
Best Use |
| Semi-Metallic |
⚫ Steel |
★★★★ |
★★★ |
★★★ |
★★★ |
All-round trail, road, gravel, commuting |
| Ceramic – Nano Tech |
🟢 Steel |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★ |
★★★ |
XC, road, gravel, low rotor wear |
| Enduro Ceramic |
🔴 Steel |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★★ |
Urban riding, gravel, hybrid bikes, light trail use, and casual e-bikes. |
| Sintered |
🟡 Steel |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★+ |
★★★★★ |
Wet, muddy riding, alpine descents |
🧠 Choosing the Right Performance Tier
All Gorilla Brakes compounds can be used across multiple riding disciplines.
The difference between compounds isn’t whether they work — it’s how they perform as
speed, load, heat, and riding intensity increase.
As you move up the tiers below, braking becomes more consistent,
more heat-stable, and more durable under harder use.
🔧 Performance (Standard Compounds)
Designed for everyday riding where reliability, value, and predictable braking matter most.
- Balanced bite and smooth modulation
- Lower noise and reduced rotor wear
- Ideal for mixed riding, commuting, lighter riders, and shorter descents
Examples: Semi-Metallic, Ceramic – Nano Tech, Enduro Ceramic
🏁 High Performance (Factory Racing)
Focused on braking feel and control, with compounds tuned for modulation, lever response, and noise behaviour.
- Stronger, more consistent bite
- Improved heat handling over standard compounds
- Suited to riders who push harder or ride longer descents
Examples: Factory Racing Stealth, Titanium, Green, Organic
🏆 Highest Performance (Enduro Pro)
Engineered for maximum braking consistency under extreme load and sustained heat.
- Maximum fade resistance and heat stability
- Highest durability under aggressive riding
- Designed for heavier riders, e-bikes, racing, and alpine descents
Examples: Enduro Pro Ultimate, Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic, Enduro Pro Resin
If you’re unsure: start with High Performance for the best balance
of feel, control, and versatility. Move up to Highest Performance if you regularly
ride harder, longer, or generate more heat.
