Road race pads for an R?
I went to an hpde with hps pads and cooked them off the car.
What are you more experenced guys running?
Best place to get them?
Thank you for your time.
What are you more experenced guys running?
Best place to get them?
Thank you for your time.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,633
Likes: 1
From: Off THE 60, Between THE 605 and THE 57
cobalt friction Spec VR's from http://www.cobaltfriction.com
carbotech XP8/9/10 from http://www.carbotecheng.com
hawk blues from whereever people get their hawk blues.
carbotech XP8/9/10 from http://www.carbotecheng.com
hawk blues from whereever people get their hawk blues.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
hawk blues from whereever people get their hawk blues.</TD></TR></TABLE>
http://www.raceshopper.com
hawk blues from whereever people get their hawk blues.</TD></TR></TABLE>
http://www.raceshopper.com
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">http://www.carbotecheng.com
Talk to Matt. He'll fix you up as Carbotech pads are simply the best
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Must agree my panther + pads i used at roebling still got a lot of beef left on them
Talk to Matt. He'll fix you up as Carbotech pads are simply the best
</TD></TR></TABLE>Must agree my panther + pads i used at roebling still got a lot of beef left on them
Carbotech. They quit making the 1109s. If the car is dual purpose I would probably get the 1108s. If pretty much a track car go with the 1110s.
Barry H.
Modified by apexinghonda at 9:37 PM 4/25/2006
Barry H.
Modified by apexinghonda at 9:37 PM 4/25/2006
Trending Topics
http://www.cobaltfriction.com
Talk to Andie. He'll fix you up as Cobalt pads are simply the best
(Too bad they're in the process of moving and changing suppliers, and many of their pads won't be available for a couple of months.)
Modified by nsxtasy at 1:45 PM 4/25/2006
Talk to Andie. He'll fix you up as Cobalt pads are simply the best

(Too bad they're in the process of moving and changing suppliers, and many of their pads won't be available for a couple of months.)
Modified by nsxtasy at 1:45 PM 4/25/2006
Like others have said, Carbotech! Call them and tell what you'll be doing with the car, weight, ect. Also mention Honda-tech; I'm not sure if they still offer the H-T discount or not.
Awesome pads, and great customer service.
Awesome pads, and great customer service.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">http://www.carbotecheng.com
Talk to Matt. He'll fix you up as Carbotech pads are simply the best
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Those are better in every way to hawk blues, except they are a bit more $$. Blues are old news.
Talk to Matt. He'll fix you up as Carbotech pads are simply the best
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Those are better in every way to hawk blues, except they are a bit more $$. Blues are old news.
panther plus are like the HP+ except [way] better and the bobcats are to HPS.
panther+ would probably be your best bet dual-purpose auto-x pad/some hpde/RR, if you are doing primarily hpde or heating up the pads pretty good on a high speed autox course, look at the XP8/9 or the XP10; but these don't have the cold bite that panther+ have. Best thing to do and i think someone has mentioned it is to swap out pads according to your needs. There are pretty big compromises when trying to dual-purpose a pad, rotor life, and cold bite, and effective op temp.
panther+ would probably be your best bet dual-purpose auto-x pad/some hpde/RR, if you are doing primarily hpde or heating up the pads pretty good on a high speed autox course, look at the XP8/9 or the XP10; but these don't have the cold bite that panther+ have. Best thing to do and i think someone has mentioned it is to swap out pads according to your needs. There are pretty big compromises when trying to dual-purpose a pad, rotor life, and cold bite, and effective op temp.
The very best track pads I have ever used are the Cobalt Friction Spec VR. It had a broad temperature range, something like 500-1600 degrees, and very high coefficient of friction throughout that range.
However, they are simply not available anymore. When Cobalt Friction finishes its move and starts up again, I think they are only going to be producing ceramics.
I stopped using Carbotech pads when Andie moved and started Cobalt. However, I am about to try in May a set of Carbotech XP 10, and we'll see where we go from there.
I noticed that when I called to order that he didn't just ask what I wanted, he asked what I was doing and listened to the answers before he made his recommendation...so that's good.
However, they are simply not available anymore. When Cobalt Friction finishes its move and starts up again, I think they are only going to be producing ceramics.
I stopped using Carbotech pads when Andie moved and started Cobalt. However, I am about to try in May a set of Carbotech XP 10, and we'll see where we go from there.

I noticed that when I called to order that he didn't just ask what I wanted, he asked what I was doing and listened to the answers before he made his recommendation...so that's good.
wouldn't make sense to have such a strong following of their spec VR pads in the HC crowd (and others) and then not produce them after just a 'move'
this reminds me of how kosei is not producing the K1 anymore in 15x7...good cheap wheel.
this reminds me of how kosei is not producing the K1 anymore in 15x7...good cheap wheel.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,633
Likes: 1
From: Off THE 60, Between THE 605 and THE 57
yeah, i'm a little disappointed about no more spec VR's, they were my fav.
oh well, i wish andie and the crew the best of luck in all future endeavors, and luckily we have options even with CF out of the market.
now, xp9, 10, or 11 for a H4 car?
oh well, i wish andie and the crew the best of luck in all future endeavors, and luckily we have options even with CF out of the market.
now, xp9, 10, or 11 for a H4 car?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chrisw85 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">wouldn't make sense to have such a strong following of their spec VR pads in the HC crowd (and others) and then not produce them after just a 'move'.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Compared to the other brake companies, Cobalt Friction is pretty much "big time" now. You'll see them in American LeMans, World Challenge and several pro series a lot more than you'll see them in series like Honda Challenge.
It's too bad for us, but I understand.
Keep an open mind about the new technologies, too. It's possible we'll all be on ceramics in the future.
Compared to the other brake companies, Cobalt Friction is pretty much "big time" now. You'll see them in American LeMans, World Challenge and several pro series a lot more than you'll see them in series like Honda Challenge.

It's too bad for us, but I understand.
Keep an open mind about the new technologies, too. It's possible we'll all be on ceramics in the future.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's too bad for us, but I understand.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'd wait to say that until you try the XP1110 compound, George. I'd be surprised if you ever went to anything else after running them, especially on the R.
I'd wait to say that until you try the XP1110 compound, George. I'd be surprised if you ever went to anything else after running them, especially on the R.
Thanks for the props 
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's possible we'll all be on ceramics in the future. </TD></TR></TABLE>
We (Carbotech) have been doing ceramics for 7 years now. Perhaps "Crazy Larry" knew what he was doing after all?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">now, xp9, 10, or 11 for a H4 car?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Initially, I'd say XP10.
As a side note, we've superseeded XP12 for XP11. XP11 is no more. So our lineup now is Panther Plus (a long time track day favorite), XP8 (lighter race cars, HPDE), XP9 (mostly rear applications), XP10 (the majority of IT/Showroom Stock cars) and now XP12 (stupid-fast'n'heavy race cars: Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes, etc)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">he asked what I was doing and listened to the answers before he made his recommendation...so that's good. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Dan actually took your order. He had no idea who you were or your relationship with Cobalt. He treated you like every one else that calls.
BTW, I have a pile of Type R pads on the shelf right now.....

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's possible we'll all be on ceramics in the future. </TD></TR></TABLE>
We (Carbotech) have been doing ceramics for 7 years now. Perhaps "Crazy Larry" knew what he was doing after all?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">now, xp9, 10, or 11 for a H4 car?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Initially, I'd say XP10.
As a side note, we've superseeded XP12 for XP11. XP11 is no more. So our lineup now is Panther Plus (a long time track day favorite), XP8 (lighter race cars, HPDE), XP9 (mostly rear applications), XP10 (the majority of IT/Showroom Stock cars) and now XP12 (stupid-fast'n'heavy race cars: Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes, etc)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">he asked what I was doing and listened to the answers before he made his recommendation...so that's good. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Dan actually took your order. He had no idea who you were or your relationship with Cobalt. He treated you like every one else that calls.
BTW, I have a pile of Type R pads on the shelf right now.....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I'd wait to say that until you try the XP1110 compound, George. I'd be surprised if you ever went to anything else after running them, especially on the R.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm looking forward to it. There is certainly a devoted group of supporters for the XP-10 here.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We (Carbotech) have been doing ceramics for 7 years now. Perhaps "Crazy Larry" knew what he was doing after all?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'd be interested in hearing more about this and the applications. I am ignorant.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">He treated you like every one else that calls. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I meant for it to be taken well that he asked specific questions about the application. I didn't mean anything bad by it.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BTW, I have a pile of Type R pads on the shelf right now.....</TD></TR></TABLE>
Smart.
I'd wait to say that until you try the XP1110 compound, George. I'd be surprised if you ever went to anything else after running them, especially on the R.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm looking forward to it. There is certainly a devoted group of supporters for the XP-10 here.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We (Carbotech) have been doing ceramics for 7 years now. Perhaps "Crazy Larry" knew what he was doing after all?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'd be interested in hearing more about this and the applications. I am ignorant.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">He treated you like every one else that calls. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I meant for it to be taken well that he asked specific questions about the application. I didn't mean anything bad by it.<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BTW, I have a pile of Type R pads on the shelf right now.....</TD></TR></TABLE>
Smart.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As a side note, we've superseeded XP12 for XP11</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh my. XP12?
I'm foaming at the mouth right now. Unfortunately, so are my caliper boots and balljoints....
Oh my. XP12?
I'm foaming at the mouth right now. Unfortunately, so are my caliper boots and balljoints....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I meant for it to be taken well that he asked specific questions about the application. I didn't mean anything bad by it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didn't take it as bad at all. I took it as a high compliment coming from you considering the ...shall we say, "history", with previous management.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd be interested in hearing more about this and the applications. I am ignorant.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
All of Carbotech's compounds going back to the original Panther compound in 1999 have been ceramic based instead of carbon based. It is true we were Hawk's custom manufacturing shop for years and hung our hat on carbon-metallics. But when we got DAILY customer complaints about rotor wear and/or dust that turned to concrete on their $1000 forged rims, Larry finally said "Gee, I wonder if ceramics would eliminate that". Now, other big time companies are getting into ceramics. Even Hawk is beginning to play with ceramics. Looks like Crazy Larry wasn't that crazy afterall....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Smart.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Isn't the ITR Expo coming up soon? And the official brake sponsor won't have pads for a while, you say? Hmmm...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh my. XP12?
I'm foaming at the mouth right now. Unfortunately, so are my caliper boots and balljoints....
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Pretty much. I tried XP12 on a Spec Miata a few weeks ago. I merely waved my foot at the brake pedal and the car stopped. Drivers with suspect talent levels would likely lock everything up and flat-spot $1000 worth of Hoorierdaddies.
Modified by MaddMatt at 7:32 AM 4/26/2006
Modified by MaddMatt at 7:32 AM 4/26/2006
I didn't take it as bad at all. I took it as a high compliment coming from you considering the ...shall we say, "history", with previous management.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd be interested in hearing more about this and the applications. I am ignorant.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
All of Carbotech's compounds going back to the original Panther compound in 1999 have been ceramic based instead of carbon based. It is true we were Hawk's custom manufacturing shop for years and hung our hat on carbon-metallics. But when we got DAILY customer complaints about rotor wear and/or dust that turned to concrete on their $1000 forged rims, Larry finally said "Gee, I wonder if ceramics would eliminate that". Now, other big time companies are getting into ceramics. Even Hawk is beginning to play with ceramics. Looks like Crazy Larry wasn't that crazy afterall....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Smart.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Isn't the ITR Expo coming up soon? And the official brake sponsor won't have pads for a while, you say? Hmmm...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh my. XP12?
I'm foaming at the mouth right now. Unfortunately, so are my caliper boots and balljoints....
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Pretty much. I tried XP12 on a Spec Miata a few weeks ago. I merely waved my foot at the brake pedal and the car stopped. Drivers with suspect talent levels would likely lock everything up and flat-spot $1000 worth of Hoorierdaddies.
Modified by MaddMatt at 7:32 AM 4/26/2006
Modified by MaddMatt at 7:32 AM 4/26/2006
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Isn't the ITR Expo coming up soon? And the official brake sponsor won't have pads for a while, you say? Hmmm...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes - the http://www.ITRCA.com Expo 6 is coming up on June 12-13. Andie at Cobalt may not have specVRs available, but not everyone should be running them anyway. He's been great support for many years - I think it's reasonable to cut him a break for that support.
Carbotech's are the only major pad I haven't tried yet. I'll reserve judgement on them until I get a chance.
As for other pads:
Hawk Blues - awesome initial bite
Cobalt specVRs - Wonderful modulation (less initial bite)
Gransport - Only 1 race so far, but very pleased. Initial bite like the blues with better modulation These pads are from http://www.tracracing.com. I will be running them at the Expo.
Isn't the ITR Expo coming up soon? And the official brake sponsor won't have pads for a while, you say? Hmmm...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes - the http://www.ITRCA.com Expo 6 is coming up on June 12-13. Andie at Cobalt may not have specVRs available, but not everyone should be running them anyway. He's been great support for many years - I think it's reasonable to cut him a break for that support.
Carbotech's are the only major pad I haven't tried yet. I'll reserve judgement on them until I get a chance.
As for other pads:
Hawk Blues - awesome initial bite
Cobalt specVRs - Wonderful modulation (less initial bite)
Gransport - Only 1 race so far, but very pleased. Initial bite like the blues with better modulation These pads are from http://www.tracracing.com. I will be running them at the Expo.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chrisw85 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">panther plus are like the HP+ except [way] better</TD></TR></TABLE>
I disagree. See below.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chrisw85 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">panther+ would probably be your best bet dual-purpose auto-x pad/some hpde/RR, if you are doing primarily hpde or heating up the pads pretty good on a high speed autox course, look at the XP8/9 or the XP10; but these don't have the cold bite that panther+ have. Best thing to do and i think someone has mentioned it is to swap out pads according to your needs. There are pretty big compromises when trying to dual-purpose a pad, rotor life, and cold bite, and effective op temp.</TD></TR></TABLE>
One other compromise in using pads for both track and street is noise. I tried the Panther Plus, and didn't like it for that reason; they squealed (LOUD!) on the street. The Hawk HP+ don't squeal, and for this reason they are a better dual-purpose pad IMHO, although the Cobalt GT Sports were even better, when they were available. And if you are going to swap pads out for track use, then you may as well use one of the more aggressive track compounds anyway...
I disagree. See below.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chrisw85 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">panther+ would probably be your best bet dual-purpose auto-x pad/some hpde/RR, if you are doing primarily hpde or heating up the pads pretty good on a high speed autox course, look at the XP8/9 or the XP10; but these don't have the cold bite that panther+ have. Best thing to do and i think someone has mentioned it is to swap out pads according to your needs. There are pretty big compromises when trying to dual-purpose a pad, rotor life, and cold bite, and effective op temp.</TD></TR></TABLE>
One other compromise in using pads for both track and street is noise. I tried the Panther Plus, and didn't like it for that reason; they squealed (LOUD!) on the street. The Hawk HP+ don't squeal, and for this reason they are a better dual-purpose pad IMHO, although the Cobalt GT Sports were even better, when they were available. And if you are going to swap pads out for track use, then you may as well use one of the more aggressive track compounds anyway...


