27/12/2008
When it comes to enhancing your vehicle's performance, few upgrades are as crucial as improving your braking system. Whether you're a seasoned track day enthusiast or simply looking for a more confident and responsive driving experience on the road, the right brake components can make a world of difference. In the UK automotive scene, two names frequently crop up when discussing high-performance braking solutions: PBS (Performance Brake Solutions) and PB Brakes. While both cater to the demand for superior stopping power, they offer distinct specialisms. This article will delve into what makes each brand stand out, exploring their product offerings, target markets, and the benefits they bring to discerning drivers.
Understanding PBS Brake Pads: The Track Day Specialist
PBS, standing for Performance Brake Solutions, is a UK-based company that has carved a significant niche for itself in the demanding world of track days and motorsport. Their reputation is built on a foundation of delivering exceptional braking performance without an exorbitant price tag. This commitment to value and performance has made them a favourite amongst drivers who push their vehicles to the limit on circuits and closed courses.
The popularity of PBS brake pads is particularly evident within the thriving communities of Honda and Renault enthusiasts. These brands, known for their sporty and engaging driving dynamics, often attract owners keen to maximise their performance potential. PBS has responded by developing a comprehensive range of pads that cater to a vast array of makes and models, continually expanding their catalogue to meet the evolving needs of the market.
The Prorace Compound: A Standout Offering
At the heart of PBS's success lies their highly acclaimed Prorace Compound. This friction material is engineered to provide outstanding bite, fade resistance, and consistent performance under extreme temperatures – conditions commonly encountered during spirited driving and track sessions. Unlike many high-performance pads that can be noisy and aggressive on road discs, the Prorace Compound strikes a commendable balance, offering impressive stopping power while remaining surprisingly manageable for daily use. This versatility is a key reason for their widespread adoption.
Key characteristics of PBS Prorace pads include:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| High Friction Coefficient | Superior stopping power and reduced stopping distances. |
| Excellent Fade Resistance | Consistent braking performance even under prolonged heavy use. |
| Good Pad Life | Offers durability, providing good value for money. |
| Reduced Dust | Cleaner wheels compared to many aggressive aftermarket pads. |
| Compound Versatility | Suitable for track days, spirited road driving, and even some forms of club racing. |
For those looking to elevate their driving experience beyond the norm, PBS brake pads represent a compelling upgrade. Their focus on track-derived technology filtered into accessible products makes them a top choice for many performance-oriented drivers.
PB Big Brake Kits: Precision Engineering for Ultimate Stopping
While PBS focuses on replacement pads, PB Brakes takes a more comprehensive approach, specialising in Big Brake Kits (BBKs). These kits are designed to replace your vehicle's entire factory brake setup – including calipers, rotors, and associated hardware – with larger, more potent components. PB Brakes are a company that many workshops, including ourselves, choose to work with, often sourcing kits directly from their operations in Hong Kong.
The philosophy behind PB Big Brake Kits is rooted in precision engineering and the use of premium materials. Each kit is meticulously CNC machined, ensuring exact tolerances and a perfect fit for your specific vehicle. This precision is vital, as it guarantees that the upgraded components integrate seamlessly with your car's existing braking system architecture, such as the master cylinder and brake lines, while also ensuring proper function and safety.
What's Included in a PB Big Brake Kit?
A typical PB Big Brake Kit is a complete solution, designed for a straightforward installation that directly replaces the stock brakes. The comprehensive nature of these kits ensures that you have everything needed to achieve a significant improvement in braking performance. A standard kit for two wheels usually includes:
- Calipers: Often multi-piston units designed for greater clamping force and better heat dissipation.
- Rotors: Larger diameter discs, frequently featuring slots or drilled patterns to help manage heat and remove gas and water from the pad surface.
- Brackets: Precision-machined adapters to allow the larger calipers to mount correctly to the vehicle's hub.
- Brake Lines: Stainless steel braided lines that offer a firmer pedal feel by resisting expansion under pressure compared to standard rubber hoses.
- Shims: Essential components to ensure correct pad alignment and quiet operation.
PB Brakes offer a variety of aesthetic and performance options, allowing customers to tailor their kits to their preferences. This can include different caliper colours, rotor face finishes (slotted, drilled, or plain), and even variations in pad compounds depending on the specific application.
Ensuring Fitment: The Wheel Clearance Challenge
One of the most critical considerations when upgrading to a Big Brake Kit is ensuring that the larger calipers and rotors will physically fit within your existing wheels. The increased size of BBK components, while beneficial for performance, can sometimes interfere with the inner spokes or barrel of the wheel. To address this, PB Brakes provides wheel fitment templates upon request. These templates are a crucial tool, allowing you to accurately measure the clearance between your current wheel's inner face and the brake components. It is highly recommended to obtain and use these templates before purchasing to avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth installation.
Beyond Front Kits: Rear Upgrades and OEM Solutions
PB Brakes doesn't limit its offerings to just front-wheel upgrades. They also supply rear brake kits, which can include matching calipers and larger discs, to provide a balanced braking system. Furthermore, they offer replacement discs and pads for the rear axle, allowing for a complete overhaul of the braking system if desired. This holistic approach ensures that both front and rear braking capabilities are enhanced, providing a more predictable and powerful stopping experience.
In addition to their performance-focused BBKs, PB Brakes also provides OEM 'original equipment manufacturer' brake upgrades. These are typically enhancements to the standard factory components, such as higher-performance pads or discs that are direct replacements for the original parts but offer improved performance characteristics. This is an excellent option for drivers who want a noticeable improvement without the complexity or cost associated with a full Big Brake Kit.
PBS vs. PB Brakes: Which is Right for You?
The choice between PBS brake pads and a PB Big Brake Kit often comes down to your specific needs, budget, and intended use of the vehicle.
- For Track Day Enthusiasts and Spirited Drivers: If your primary goal is to improve the braking performance for track days, autocross, or very spirited road driving, and you're looking for a direct replacement for your existing pads, PBS Prorace pads are an excellent choice. They offer a fantastic balance of performance, durability, and value.
- For Maximum Performance and Aesthetics: If you seek the ultimate in braking power, require significantly shorter stopping distances, want to upgrade the visual appeal of your wheels, and are prepared for a more substantial investment, a PB Big Brake Kit is the way to go. These kits provide a complete, high-performance solution.
- For Balanced Upgrades: If you want an improvement over standard brakes for road use, perhaps with a slightly firmer pedal feel and better heat handling, considering PB's OEM upgrade discs and pads, or even a milder PBS pad compound, could be ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are PBS brake pads suitable for daily driving?
Yes, the PBS Prorace compound is known for its versatility and performs very well on the road, offering good modulation and reasonable dust levels compared to many aggressive track-focused pads.
Q2: Do PB Big Brake Kits require special wheels?
Not necessarily, but you must check wheel clearance. It's essential to use the provided fitment templates to ensure the kit clears your current wheels. Some larger BBKs may necessitate a minimum wheel diameter or a specific offset.
Q3: Can I fit a PB Big Brake Kit myself?
While BBKs are designed for direct replacement, they involve critical safety components. If you are not experienced with brake system work, it is highly recommended to have the kit installed by a qualified mechanic to ensure proper fitment and function.
Q4: What is the main difference between PBS pads and PB Brakes kits?
PBS primarily offers high-performance replacement brake pads, while PB Brakes offers complete Big Brake Kits that replace calipers, rotors, and other associated hardware for a more significant performance upgrade.
Q5: Are there any other brake upgrade options available?
Yes, both brands offer various compounds and kit configurations. Additionally, options like upgraded brake fluid and stainless steel braided lines can further enhance your braking system's performance.
In conclusion, both PBS and PB Brakes represent excellent choices for drivers looking to enhance their vehicle's stopping power. PBS provides a focused solution for pad upgrades, particularly favoured for track day use, while PB Brakes delivers comprehensive Big Brake Kits for those seeking the pinnacle of braking performance and a striking visual upgrade. By understanding their respective strengths and carefully considering your driving needs, you can make an informed decision to elevate your car's braking capabilities.
If you want to read more articles similar to PBS & PB Brakes: Performance Upgrades, you can visit the Brakes category.