Per Cobalt Andie's recommendation, I bought a set of Ferodo DS3000 from them and used them for about 130 track miles 2 weeks ago. I meant to write up a review earlier, but was too lazy until I saw some other thread asking about these pads.

First of all, thanks Andie/Cobalt for the great service.

Before the DS3000, I used Endless MA-11 - which are some pretty agressive track pads from the JDM land.

DS3000 has good cold bite and VERY good hot bite. Compare to the MA-11, I still think the MA-11 bites a bit harder, but kinda abrupt. Sometimes when I realize the entry speed is too high, I would press on the pedal a bit harder right before turn in. With the MA-11, I would sometimes feel the lockup; but not with the DS3000 - both were with Victoracer V700. The braking force from the DS3000 is very consistent, no abrupt feeling.

But just to be fair, Endless does recommend competition tires (I think they mean slick) for the MA-11 pads. So if slick tires were used, result would be different.

Because of the braking consistency of the DS3000, pedal didn't need to be pressed as long and deep to achieve the desired entry speed. I was able to push my brake point closer to the turn, about one "stick" closer than I used to, which is a BIG PLUS for my lap time.

After the event, I checked the rotors and they didn't have any deep grooves. The wear rate of the pads seem reasonable. The MA-11 was infamous of long lasting and I got about 800 track miles (just lapping days) out of them before I tossed them out at the end of EXPO. I have to wait and see if the Ferodo can beat it in this category.

Pricewise, MA-11 is more expensive. I got mine from HK for about $200US (no shipping, brought it back myself). The DS3000 costs $14X shipped (forgot the exact amount) so depends on how long it lasts, even if it lasts 2/3 of MA-11's life, it's still a better choice because of its performance (at least for the R tires.)

For those of you who still hesitate about getting these pads, do it.

edit: thanks Yoshi for correcting the misspell on the title line. It's important for future Search!

 

Thanks for the info. I may try those next...

 

Bring back to life from page 3.

 

800 track miles is indeed pretty good wear.

 

I just came back from Gingerman yesterday and gained another 100 track miles of experience with the DS3000.

It was really cold yesterday at South Haven. It was slightly above 40'F throughout the whole day. There's an hour time between each 20 mins session so when I went out each session, the pads were STONE COLD. It was a great opportunity to test out the *cold* bite of the pads.

The *cold* bite wasn't too great. It felt like the fluid was boiled (which was not) because I had to press the brake pedal quite deep to achieve the desired stopping power. It took about one lap then the excellent stopping power came back again. Once they heated up, they rocked. So the only impression I've changed on these pads is the cold bite; otherwise everything is great.

I also recommend people NOT to use them on the street. I put these pads on the day before the event so I have one less thing to worry about at the track. When I got there, I changed tires and my wheels were covered with thick brake dust and the rotors looked really ugly (deep grooves).

Then at the end of the day, after all the heat and abuse, the rotors looked really smooth and my track wheels were very clean except for some tire rubbers. So for those who plan on using these pads on the street, be prepared to see heavy brake dust and ugly rotors.

 

Nice review Wai, these were just on the front?

Ed

 

Yup just the front pads. I'm using Endless NA-S in the rear and they still have about half left. Once they're worn out I would see what recommendation Andie is gonna give me.