02/01/2018
Choosing the right brake pad for your vehicle can often feel like navigating a complex maze, especially when faced with the excellent range of options from a renowned brand like Ferodo. We frequently receive queries about which Ferodo pad is best, and the truth is, the ideal choice hinges entirely on your specific priorities and how you intend to use your car. Are you a weekend warrior hitting the track, or do you need a versatile compound for spirited road driving with occasional circuit use? In this article, we'll thoroughly compare three of Ferodo’s most popular performance compounds – the DS2500, DS1.11, and DS3.12 – across a spectrum of crucial characteristics. While Ferodo offers other compounds, these three are designed to satisfy the vast majority of driver needs and wants, meaning one of them is highly likely to be the perfect fit for your driving style.
As you delve into these comparisons, you'll gain a clearer understanding of which compound aligns best with your requirements. However, it's vital to remember that selecting brake pads always involves trade-offs. There is no single 'perfect' pad for every situation. To make the correct decision, you'll need to identify which qualities are most important to you and purchase accordingly. Our insights are drawn from extensive internal and external dynamometer testing, rigorous track-testing, and invaluable real-world feedback from thousands of customers driving a diverse array of racecars, sports cars, and saloons, ranging from novice HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) enthusiasts to elite-level professional racers. Please bear in mind that Ferodo classifies all three of these compounds as race compounds, not standard road compounds.
Understanding Brake Pad Characteristics
To help you make the most informed decision, we've broken down the comparison into several key characteristics. For each quality, the compounds are generally ranked from best to worst, though 'feel' is subjective and not ranked numerically.
Fade Resistance and Maximum Operating Temperature
The ability of a brake pad to resist fade and perform consistently at high temperatures is paramount for performance driving, especially on a circuit.
- DS3.12: This compound boasts the greatest maximum operating temperature and fade resistance in the entire Ferodo lineup. Our dyno tests have pushed this compound through repeated series of stops exceeding 1600°F (870°C) with absolutely no fade. We are yet to encounter a real-world scenario where this compound has faded. It truly is the pinnacle of thermal stability.
- DS1.11: The DS1.11 also offers outstanding maximum temperature tolerance and fade resistance, though it's marginally lower than the DS3.12. Instances of fading this compound are extremely rare, with most drivers differentiating it from the DS3.12 based more on pedal feel than outright fade resistance.
- DS2500: Despite being considered a 'race' pad, the DS2500 exhibits superior fade resistance compared to any street or sport pad available on the market. It's incredibly popular for those seeking a multi-purpose vehicle solution. If you own a heavy, powerful car and intend to run race tyres on the track, you might approach the upper limits of its temperature range. Nevertheless, we've seen cars like the C7 Z06, equipped with our AP Racing brake kits, run the DS2500 on street tyres at demanding circuits without experiencing any fade. Many customers with AP Racing by Essex Brake Kits find they can use the DS2500 on track with street tyres because our systems operate considerably cooler than typical OEM brake packages.
Durability / Wear Rate (Miles Per Pad Swap)
Pad longevity is a crucial factor, especially for endurance racing or frequent track use, directly impacting running costs and maintenance time.
- DS3.12: Engineered as an endurance racing pad, the DS3.12 is the longest-lasting compound in the Ferodo DS range. This has been consistently proven through our brake dynamometer testing, track sessions, and countless client race reports. While precise mileage figures are difficult to pinpoint, all data suggests approximately 15% longer pad wear than the Ferodo DS1.11. This compound has already secured several winning seasons in GT endurance racing globally. Its higher mu (coefficient of friction) means it will wear discs slightly faster than the DS1.11, but overall, it remains gentle on discs compared to many other race pad brands when operated at optimal track temperatures.
- DS1.11: The DS1.11 is also an endurance racing compound, offering impressive longevity compared to many other pads on the market. However, it doesn't quite match the exceptional lifespan of the DS3.12. It's notably gentle on discs at track temperatures, provided a proper pad transfer layer is maintained.
- DS2500: While robust for a dual-purpose pad, the DS2500 will not last as long as the DS3.12 or DS1.11 when consistently subjected to high temperatures on heavier, more powerful cars, particularly when paired with race tyres. Its strength lies in its versatility, not ultimate endurance racing longevity.
Feel, Feedback, Stability, and Torque Curve
The 'feel' of a brake pad is highly subjective but critical for driver confidence and control. It encompasses how the pedal responds, the feedback through the pedal, and the consistency of braking force across different temperatures.
- DS3.12: This compound possesses a considerably higher mu than other Ferodo pads. This translates to a 'grabbier' initial bite when the brakes are applied, especially at track temperatures. Some drivers find them almost too aggressive on street tyres, noting that ABS can intervene with less pedal force than with other Ferodo compounds. Drivers transitioning to the DS3.12 typically require a few sessions to adapt their braking technique. You don't need to 'stand' on the pedal to elicit a strong response; they excel with precise squeezing or brushing of the brakes to settle the car. The DS3.12's torque curve is remarkably flat, meaning pedal inputs yield consistent responses across all temperatures. Top-tier drivers adore this incredible consistency, as the brakes feel identical throughout an entire lap or race. On the Essex dyno, the DS3.12 exhibited the flattest, most consistent torque curve of any pad compound from any brand ever tested.
- DS1.11: The DS1.11 has a lower mu than the DS3.12 across all temperatures and is characterised as a moderate mu pad among endurance racing compounds. It demands more pedal force than the DS3.12 and features a slightly declining torque curve as temperatures rise. As the pads get hotter and you dive deeper into a corner, you might feel the need to push a little harder on the brake pedal to achieve the same braking effect – a characteristic many drivers actually prefer for its progressive feel. Some drivers also feel the DS1.11 offers more control on street tyres than the DS3.12, as ABS activation is less immediate.
- DS2500: The DS2500 has a considerably lower mu than both the DS3.12 and DS1.11 at all temperatures, making it a better match for street tyres than full racing tyres. While its performance remains stable, its torque curve declines more with temperature than the other two compounds. Despite this lower torque curve, it will undoubtedly feel far superior to any pure street pad at any temperature encountered on a racetrack.
Manners (Cold Bite, Noise, Dust, Disc Wear)
For those who use their car for both road and track, 'manners' – how the pads perform in everyday conditions – are significant.
- DS2500: Despite its technical classification as a race pad, the DS2500 exhibits exceptionally good manners, making it by far the best in this regard within the Ferodo DS line. It offers more than ample cold bite, and provided they are bedded-in properly, the DS2500 typically operates silently. If noise does occur, it's usually a minor squeak or chirp at the very end of a stop. They are no harsher on discs than typical street pads. Dust production is moderate, comparable to an OEM pad on a European car, and importantly, the dust is not corrosive or problematic for paint finishes.
- DS3.12: The DS3.12 has low to moderate cold bite, meaning you'll need to allow a little extra stopping distance for the first couple of stops when the pads are cold. As with any higher mu race pad, they will wear your discs significantly faster than a road pad when driven cold. Remarkably, they are virtually silent in most applications, making them incredibly rare among race pads, which often squeal like a stuck pig when cold! Dust is heavier than the DS2500, but most users report no difficulty in removing it.
- DS1.11: For many, the DS1.11 has an unacceptable noise level when driven cold. They tend to squeal and scrape when cold, and sometimes even when hot. While some owners use them for driving to and from the track, they are definitely not 'date night' pads. Cold bite is not particularly strong, but they are not quite as harsh on discs as the DS3.12 when cold, owing to their lower mu (which sits between the DS2500 and DS3.12). Dust production is similar to most other race pads but is not corrosive or problematic.
Price
Performance is relative to cost, and it's worth reiterating that these are race compounds, so they won't offer the same quietness or dust-free operation as pads designed exclusively for those purposes.
- DS3.12: Representing the culmination of over 100 years of Ferodo pad research and development, the DS3.12 is the most costly compound to produce in Ferodo’s lineup. It's the choice of championship-winning race teams globally and commands a premium price comparable to other elite-level options. However, consider that the DS3.12 is one of the longest-lasting options available. Your actual track miles per pound may be considerably higher with the DS3.12 compared to alternatives. The potential to eliminate the need for multiple pad sets (and the valuable time spent constantly swapping them) makes them an even greater bargain for serious track enthusiasts.
- DS1.11: The DS1.11 is manufactured using many of the same high-quality ingredients as the DS3.12 and thus carries a similar price tag.
- DS2500: Given its incredible versatility and unique capability as a dual-purpose pad, the DS2500 stands out as one of the best bargains in enthusiast brake pads today. It combines manners akin to an aggressive street pad with the fade resistance and track capability of a race pad, all at a price point resembling many OEM replacement pads. If you factor in the cost savings from potentially fewer pad swaps, its remarkable value becomes abundantly clear.
Comparative Summary Table
Here’s a quick overview of how the three Ferodo compounds stack up against each other:
| Characteristic | Ferodo DS2500 | Ferodo DS1.11 | Ferodo DS3.12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fade Resistance / Max Temp | Excellent for dual-purpose, better than street pads | Outstanding, very high temp stability | Highest in Ferodo line, virtually unfadeable |
| Durability / Wear Rate | Good for dual-purpose, less than race compounds | Very good, long-lasting endurance compound | Exceptional, longest-lasting endurance compound |
| Feel (Mu) | Lower mu, stable, declining with temp | Moderate mu, requires more pedal force, slightly declining with temp | Higher mu, 'grabbier', flat torque curve, consistent |
| Cold Bite | Very good, ample for road use | Not especially good, requires warm-up | Low to moderate, requires warm-up |
| Noise (Cold) | Typically silent, minor squeak if any | Unacceptable for most, squeals/scrapes | Virtually silent, rare for race pad |
| Dust | Moderate, non-corrosive, like OEM European | Like most race pads, non-corrosive | Heavier than DS2500, easily removed |
| Disc Wear (Cold) | Similar to typical street pads | Not as harsh as DS3.12 | Significantly faster than road pad |
| Price | Excellent value for versatility | Similar to DS3.12 | Premium, highest in line, but long-lasting |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these Ferodo race pads suitable for daily road use?
A: While the DS2500 has excellent road manners and cold bite, making it a viable dual-purpose pad for street and occasional track use, the DS1.11 and DS3.12 are primarily designed for racing. The DS1.11 is notoriously noisy when cold, and both the DS1.11 and DS3.12 have lower cold bite and can be harsher on discs at road temperatures. For pure road use, a dedicated street pad would be more appropriate.
Q: Which pad is best for my heavy, powerful track car with race tyres?
A: For heavy, powerful cars running race tyres on track, the DS3.12 is likely your best option due to its unparalleled fade resistance, high maximum operating temperature, and exceptional durability. The DS1.11 is also a strong contender, but the DS3.12 offers that extra margin of performance and consistency at the absolute limit.
Q: How do I properly bed in new Ferodo race pads?
A: Proper bedding-in is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Generally, it involves a series of progressively harder stops, allowing the pads to cool between cycles, to transfer an even layer of friction material onto the brake discs. Always consult Ferodo's specific bedding-in procedure for your chosen compound, as it can vary slightly.
Q: Will using race pads affect my ABS system?
A: Pads with a higher coefficient of friction (like the DS3.12) can cause ABS to intervene earlier, as less pedal force is required to achieve high braking torque. This might require a slight adjustment to your braking technique. The DS2500 and DS1.11 are generally more forgiving in this regard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the 'best' Ferodo Dyno pad is subjective and depends entirely on your driving application and priorities. If you're looking for a highly versatile pad that performs exceptionally well on the road and can handle serious track duties with street tyres, the DS2500 is an outstanding choice, offering incredible value. For dedicated track use, especially in endurance scenarios or with powerful cars on race tyres, the DS1.11 provides excellent performance and durability. However, if you demand the absolute pinnacle of fade resistance, consistency, and longevity for serious racing or aggressive track driving, the DS3.12 stands alone as the ultimate performer. Consider your vehicle, your driving style, and your budget carefully, and you'll find the perfect Ferodo compound to elevate your braking experience.
Disclaimer and Note on Copper: Ferodo Racing Brake Pads are designed and sold for off-road use only. They contain copper, and it is up to the owner to determine their fitness, suitability, and legality for the environment in which they intend to run them.
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