Brakes

Quick Summary

Choosing the right brake pad for carbon ceramic rotors is critical — the wrong compound can damage your rotors, compromise performance, or create excessive noise. This guide covers the four recommended brake pad brands for carbon ceramic applications (Pagid RSC, Barbaro Racing, NetzschRacing, and Schaffen ZZ Racing), explains every compound in each range, provides a use-case selection matrix, and details why standard metallic and semi-metallic pads must never be used on carbon ceramic surfaces.

Why Pad Selection Matters More on Carbon Ceramic

On a conventional iron brake rotor, pad compound selection is important but forgiving. Iron is relatively soft (approximately 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale), and most pad compounds — metallic, semi-metallic, organic, ceramic — can function on its surface without causing damage.

Carbon ceramic rotors change this equation fundamentally. The C/SiC (carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide) material rates approximately 9.2 on the Mohs hardness scale. While this extreme hardness is what delivers the rotor's exceptional durability and thermal stability, it also means the rotor surface interacts differently with friction materials.

Why You Cannot Use Standard Metallic or Semi-Metallic Pads

This is the single most important rule of carbon ceramic brake maintenance: never install standard metallic or semi-metallic brake pads on carbon ceramic rotors.

Here is why:

Material hardness conflict: Standard metallic pads contain high concentrations of iron, steel, and copper fibres. When these hard metallic particles press against the even harder carbon ceramic surface, instead of creating a controlled friction interaction, they gouge, score, and scratch the rotor surface. Over time, this scoring can penetrate the SiC coating on CCB rotors or damage the matrix structure of CCM rotors. Transfer layer failure: Proper brake function on carbon ceramic rotors depends on establishing a thin, even transfer layer of pad material on the rotor surface. This transfer layer is what the pad friction material actually grabs against. Metallic pad compounds do not form a compatible transfer layer on carbon ceramic surfaces — instead, they deposit uneven metallic patches that create hot spots, vibration, and accelerated wear. Thermal mismatch: Metallic pad compounds have different thermal expansion characteristics than carbon ceramic. Under heat cycling, the differential expansion and contraction can create micro-cracking in the rotor surface. Compounds designed for carbon ceramic rotors use carefully formulated friction materials — typically ceramic-matrix, carbon-based, or specialty organic compounds — that are compatible with the C/SiC surface. They form proper transfer layers, do not score the rotor, and deliver predictable friction across the operating temperature range.

For more on how brake pad compounds work: Brake Pad Compound Explained

Pagid Racing RSC Series

Pagid Racing is a German engineering house with deep roots in motorsport brake technology. The RSC (Racing Sport Ceramic) line is purpose-developed for carbon ceramic rotors, offering three distinct compounds that cover the full spectrum from pure street driving to professional sprint racing.

Pagid RSC1: Street + Occasional Track

The RSC1 is the most versatile compound in the Pagid RSC range and the go-to recommendation for drivers who primarily drive on the street with occasional track day participation.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Effective from low ambient temperatures up to approximately 500 degrees C
• Cold bite: Excellent. The RSC1 delivers confident stopping power from the first pedal application, even on cold mornings. This is a critical differentiator for a street pad — you need brakes that work immediately, not after a warm-up lap
• Noise level: Low. The RSC1 formulation incorporates vibration-damping materials that minimise squeal, particularly the cold-morning squeal common to carbon ceramic systems
• Dust output: Moderate. Produces less dust than race compounds, with a lighter-coloured residue that is less damaging to wheel finishes than metallic dust
• Wear rate: Moderate. Designed for extended service life in street applications, with gradual, predictable wear
• Rotor compatibility: Full compatibility with both CCB (SiC-coated) and CCM (uncoated) carbon ceramic rotors

Best for: Daily drivers who want reliable, quiet braking with the option to attend 2-4 track days per year without swapping pads. Owners who prioritise cold bite and low noise for daily comfort. Bedding procedure: The RSC1 requires a controlled bedding sequence of approximately 30 moderate stops from 100 km/h followed by 10 harder stops from 130 km/h, with a cooling period between sets. Full bedding is typically achieved within 200 km. For complete instructions: How to Bed In Brake Pads

Pagid RSC2: Endurance Racing

The RSC2 is engineered for sustained high-temperature operation — the demands of endurance racing where consistent performance over hours of continuous use matters more than peak friction for a single lap.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Optimised for 200-700 degrees C sustained operation
• Cold bite: Moderate. The RSC2 requires some temperature before reaching full effectiveness — it is not ideal as a cold street pad
• Noise level: Moderate. Acceptable on the street but noticeably louder than the RSC1 during low-speed, low-temperature driving
• Dust output: Moderate to high under track conditions
• Wear rate: Low at operating temperature. The RSC2 is formulated to maintain its friction material over long sessions, making it economical for endurance use
• Thermal consistency: Exceptional. The friction coefficient remains remarkably stable across extended high-temperature operation, eliminating the performance drop-off that plagues compounds not designed for endurance

Best for: Endurance racing participants, drivers who do frequent multi-session track days, and any application where 30+ minutes of continuous hard braking is expected. Not recommended as a sole street pad due to limited cold bite. Bedding procedure: Requires a more aggressive bedding sequence than the RSC1, including several full-effort stops from high speed. Allow 300 km of mixed driving for complete transfer layer establishment.

Pagid RSC3: Sprint Racing

The RSC3 represents maximum friction output — this is a pure competition compound designed for short, intense sessions where every tenth of a second matters.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Optimised for 300-850 degrees C — this compound comes alive at temperatures that would destroy street pads
• Cold bite: Low. The RSC3 is not effective at low temperatures. It requires significant heat to reach its operating window
• Noise level: High. This is a race compound. Noise suppression is not a design priority
• Dust output: High under racing conditions
• Wear rate: Higher than endurance compounds, as the aggressive friction material trades longevity for maximum bite
• Peak friction coefficient: The highest in the RSC range. When in its operating window, the RSC3 delivers the shortest stopping distances

Best for: Competitive racing, timed sprint events, qualifying sessions. Not suitable for street use — the poor cold bite makes it potentially unsafe as a road pad. Bedding procedure: Aggressive track bedding required. Several hard stops from race speed, building temperature progressively. The RSC3 should be bedded on track, not on the street.

Barbaro Racing

Barbaro Racing brings an Italian motorsport lineage to carbon ceramic pad development. The Barbaro range covers pure street applications through to dedicated racing, with each compound reflecting the precision and attention to detail associated with Italian engineering heritage.

For a deeper dive into the Barbaro range: Barbaro Carbon Ceramic Brake Pads Guide

Barbaro C-01: Pure Street

The C-01 is Barbaro Racing's answer to the daily driver who demands quiet, clean, and confident braking from their carbon ceramic system.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Ambient to approximately 450 degrees C — purpose-built for street temperature conditions
• Cold bite: Excellent. Immediate pedal response from cold, with consistent feel throughout the temperature range
• Noise level: Very low. The C-01 is one of the quietest carbon ceramic pad compounds available, making it the top choice for drivers who are sensitive to brake squeal
• Dust output: Very low. Produces minimal brake dust with a nearly invisible light residue. Ideal for owners who prioritise clean wheels
• Wear rate: Low. Designed for maximum service life in street conditions
• Comfort factor: The C-01 delivers a progressive, linear pedal feel that mimics the refined braking character expected in luxury and grand touring vehicles

Best for: Pure daily driving, luxury vehicle owners, drivers who prioritise quiet operation and wheel cleanliness above all else. Owners of vehicles like the Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-AMG G63, or Lamborghini Urus will find the C-01 an excellent match for the vehicle's character. Bedding procedure: Gentle bedding sequence — 20 moderate stops from 80 km/h, followed by 10 stops from 100 km/h. The C-01 beds quickly and forms a smooth, even transfer layer.

Barbaro S-01: Street + Track Dual-Use

The S-01 occupies the critical middle ground — confident enough for spirited road driving and capable enough for track day sessions.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Ambient to approximately 600 degrees C
• Cold bite: Very good. Not quite as immediate as the C-01 in sub-zero conditions, but effective from the first stop in normal temperatures
• Noise level: Low to moderate. Quieter than dedicated track compounds, with only minor noise in cold conditions
• Dust output: Low to moderate
• Wear rate: Moderate. Balanced between street longevity and track-capable friction material
• Versatility: The defining characteristic of the S-01. It provides a genuine dual-use capability without the compromises that usually accompany "does everything" compounds

Best for: Enthusiast drivers who enjoy spirited road driving and attend 4-8 track days per year. The S-01 eliminates the need to swap pads between street and track for moderate-intensity track use. Excellent on platforms like the Porsche 992 GT3, BMW M3/M4 G-Series, and Ferrari 488. Bedding procedure: Mixed bedding — 20 moderate stops followed by 15 progressively harder stops. Allow a full cool-down between sets. Complete bedding within 250 km.

Barbaro RS-620 and RS-635: Dedicated Race Compounds

The RS-620 and RS-635 are pure competition compounds with no compromises for street refinement.

RS-620 characteristics:

• Optimised for 250-750 degrees C sustained operation
• High friction coefficient across the racing temperature band
• Suitable for track day and club racing applications
• Moderate wear rate at operating temperature

RS-635 characteristics:

• The more aggressive of the two, optimised for 300-800 degrees C
• Maximum bite for sprint racing and qualifying
• Higher wear rate than the RS-620, trading longevity for peak performance
• Competition proven in multiple racing series

Best for: Dedicated track cars and competitive racing only. Neither compound is recommended for street use due to limited cold-temperature effectiveness.

NetzschRacing

NetzschRacing applies German precision engineering to carbon ceramic pad development, offering a clearly segmented three-tier product line: Street, Race, and a purpose-formulated Carbon Ceramic Series.

NetzschRacing Street Series

The Street Series represents NetzschRacing's daily driving compound, engineered for the demands of everyday use on carbon ceramic rotors.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Ambient to approximately 450 degrees C
• Cold bite: Excellent. Engineered specifically for immediate effectiveness from cold starts
• Noise level: Very low. NetzschRacing has invested significant development in vibration management for this compound
• Dust output: Very low. Light-coloured, non-abrasive residue that does not embed in wheel finishes
• Wear rate: Low. Designed for maximum kilometres between pad changes in street use
• Rotor interaction: Gentle on rotor surfaces, promoting maximum rotor lifespan

Best for: Daily drivers who want a set-and-forget pad solution — install, bed in, and enjoy quiet, clean braking for tens of thousands of kilometres. Particularly well-suited for luxury SUVs like the Audi RSQ8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. Bedding procedure: Standard street bedding — 25 moderate stops from 90 km/h, 10 firmer stops from 110 km/h. Allow natural cooling between sets. Full bed-in within 200 km.

NetzschRacing Race Series

The Race Series is NetzschRacing's competition-grade compound for track use and motorsport.

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: 200-800 degrees C
• Cold bite: Low. Requires operating temperature to function effectively
• Noise level: Moderate to high. Noise reduction is secondary to friction performance
• Friction stability: Exceptional consistency across extended high-temperature sessions
• Wear rate: Moderate at operating temperature

Best for: Track day enthusiasts and racing drivers. Pairs well with high-performance platforms like the McLaren 720S/765LT, Ferrari 488 Pista, and Porsche 992 GT3.

NetzschRacing Carbon Ceramic Series

This is NetzschRacing's most distinctive offering — a pad compound purpose-formulated specifically for C/SiC (carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide) rotor surfaces, as opposed to adapted from iron rotor pad technology.

Key characteristics:

• Surface interaction: Developed from the ground up to form an optimal transfer layer on C/SiC surfaces
• Operating temperature range: Broad band from low ambient through to 650 degrees C
• Rotor preservation: Minimises rotor wear through optimised friction material composition
• Versatility: Covers a wider operating window than most single compounds, making it suitable for mixed street and track use

Best for: Owners who want a single pad compound that is genuinely optimised for carbon ceramic rather than adapted from an iron-rotor formulation. Excellent for drivers who do moderate track use and want maximum rotor preservation.

Schaffen ZZ Racing

Schaffen ZZ Racing brings a distinct perspective to the carbon ceramic pad market, with compound development heavily influenced by Asian touring car championship racing — one of the most demanding environments for brake performance.

Schaffen ZZ Racing Compound

Key characteristics:

• Operating temperature range: Broad effective range suitable for both street and track applications
• Hot climate performance: Specifically validated in the hot, humid conditions typical of Southeast Asian racing circuits — where ambient temperatures of 35-40 degrees C combined with 80-100% humidity create uniquely challenging brake cooling conditions
• Humidity resilience: Formulated to maintain consistent friction characteristics in high-humidity environments where moisture interaction with the rotor surface is constant
• Cold bite: Good. Effective from normal ambient temperatures
• Noise level: Moderate. Balanced between performance and refinement
• Motorsport pedigree: Proven in competitive racing series with documented race results

Best for: Drivers in hot, humid climates (Southeast Asia, coastal regions, tropical areas) where conventional European-developed compounds may not perform at their best. Also suitable for drivers who prioritise real-world motorsport validation over laboratory testing. An excellent choice for vehicles like the Audi RS3, Audi RS4/RS5, and BMW M3/M4 F8x. Bedding procedure: Follow the manufacturer's specific bedding sequence, which accounts for the compound's unique formulation characteristics.

Compound Selection Matrix: Choose by Use Case

Use this matrix to identify the optimal pad compound for your specific driving profile:

Daily Street Driving (Priority: Low Noise, Low Dust, Cold Bite)

Street + Occasional Track (Priority: Versatility, Moderate Performance)

Dedicated Track Days (Priority: Consistent High-Temperature Performance)

Sprint Racing (Priority: Maximum Friction, Short Sessions)

Electric Vehicles (Priority: Low Dust, Corrosion-Compatible, Minimal Noise)

For EV-specific considerations: Carbon Ceramic Brakes for Electric Vehicles

Installation Tips for Carbon Ceramic Brake Pads

Proper pad installation is essential for both performance and safety. Here are critical guidelines:

Pre-Installation

• Verify compatibility: Confirm the pad is specifically rated for carbon ceramic rotors. Never assume an iron-rotor pad will work on carbon ceramic
• Inspect rotor surface: Before installing new pads, visually inspect the rotor for damage, contamination, or uneven pad deposit from previous pads
• Clean the rotor: If switching pad brands, clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner to remove the previous pad's transfer layer. This allows the new compound to establish its own transfer layer cleanly
• Inspect caliper hardware: Check pad retaining clips, anti-rattle springs, and caliper slide pins (where applicable). Replace any worn hardware

During Installation

• Apply anti-squeal compound: A thin layer on the back of the pad backing plate (never the friction surface) reduces noise potential. Use a product rated for 500+ degrees C
• Verify pad fit: The pad should move freely within the caliper bracket without excessive play. Pads that are too tight or too loose will cause issues
• Check pad orientation: Ensure chamfered edges are correctly oriented — typically, the chamfer faces the leading edge in the direction of rotor rotation
• Verify clearance: After installation, ensure the pad does not contact the rotor when brakes are released. Spin the wheel by hand to confirm

Post-Installation Bedding

• Follow the bedding procedure: Every pad compound requires a specific bedding sequence. This is not optional. Skipping or shortcutting bedding will result in poor performance, excessive noise, and potential rotor damage
• Allow cooling: After bedding, allow the system to cool completely before parking. Do not hold the brake pedal while stationary after a bedding session — this creates localised pad deposits (hot spots) on the rotor

For complete bedding procedures: Carbon Ceramic Brake Bedding Procedure

For full installation guidance: Carbon Ceramic Brake Installation & Maintenance

How to Know When Pads Need Replacing

Carbon ceramic brake pads have finite service lives. Knowing when to replace them prevents unsafe conditions and protects your rotors.

Visual Inspection

Most carbon ceramic brake pads have a minimum thickness marking or specification:

• New pad typical thickness: 12-18 mm (varies by compound and application)
• Minimum safe thickness: Typically 3-4 mm of friction material remaining (above the backing plate)
• Inspection frequency: Every 10,000 km for street use, before every track event for track pads

Performance Indicators

Beyond visual measurement, these performance changes suggest pads are nearing end of life:

• Increased stopping distance: As friction material thins, the pad's thermal mass decreases, and it heats more quickly — leading to earlier onset of reduced performance
• Changed pedal feel: A softer, longer pedal stroke can indicate thin pad material
• Increased noise: Worn pads may produce more noise as the remaining friction material vibrates differently
• Uneven wear: If one pad is wearing faster than its partner, inspect for caliper or hardware issues

Wear Indicators

Some pad compounds include built-in wear indicators:

• Audible indicators: A small metal tab that contacts the rotor at minimum thickness, producing an intentional squeal
• Visual indicators: A groove or slot in the friction surface that disappears at minimum thickness

Critical warning: Running pads past minimum thickness risks the metal backing plate contacting the rotor surface. On a carbon ceramic rotor, this metal-on-ceramic contact can cause significant surface damage. Always replace pads before reaching minimum thickness.

CCB vs CCM Pad Compatibility Notes

All four recommended pad brands (Pagid RSC, Barbaro Racing, NetzschRacing, and Schaffen ZZ Racing) are compatible with both CCB (SiC-coated) and CCM (uncoated) carbon ceramic rotors. However, there are nuances worth understanding:

On CCB (SiC-Coated) Rotors

• Transfer layer forms more quickly due to the smoother, more uniform surface
• Noise is generally lower because the coating surface dampens vibrations more effectively
• Pad wear rate may be slightly lower due to the controlled surface texture

On CCM (Uncoated) Rotors

• Transfer layer may take longer to fully establish — extend bedding by 20-30% compared to CCB
• Surface texture interacts differently with pad compounds — some compounds may produce slightly more noise
• The raw carbon ceramic matrix surface is less forgiving of improper bedding

For detailed comparison: CCB vs CCM: SiC-Coated vs Uncoated

Brake Pad Cost and Replacement Planning

Carbon ceramic brake pads represent an ongoing maintenance cost that should be planned for:

• Street pads (Barbaro C-01, NetzschRacing Street, Pagid RSC1): Typically last 20,000-40,000 km in pure street use, depending on driving style and vehicle weight
• Dual-use pads (Barbaro S-01, NetzschRacing Carbon Ceramic): 15,000-30,000 km in mixed use
• Track pads (Pagid RSC2/RSC3, Barbaro RS-620/RS-635, NetzschRacing Race): Lifespan measured in track sessions rather than road kilometres — highly variable based on circuit, driving intensity, and session length

For comprehensive cost analysis including pad replacement planning: Carbon Ceramic Brake Cost Guide

For replacement cost information: Brake Replacement Cost Guide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular brake pads on carbon ceramic rotors?

No — this is the single most important rule of carbon ceramic brake maintenance. Standard metallic and semi-metallic brake pads must never be used on carbon ceramic rotors. These pads contain hard metallic particles (iron, steel, copper) that will score and damage the carbon ceramic rotor surface, fail to form a proper transfer layer, and create dangerous braking inconsistency. Always use pads specifically formulated for carbon ceramic rotors, such as Pagid RSC, Barbaro Racing, NetzschRacing, or Schaffen ZZ Racing compounds.

Which pad is best for daily driving with minimal noise?

For drivers who prioritise quiet operation above all else, Barbaro C-01 and NetzschRacing Street Series are the top recommendations. Both are specifically engineered for minimal noise output on carbon ceramic rotors, with very low dust and excellent cold bite for safe, confident daily driving. Pagid RSC1 is also an excellent daily driver with slightly more performance capability but marginally higher noise and dust levels. All three options deliver reliable, comfortable braking for everyday use.

Do I need different pads for CCB and CCM rotors?

No, all four recommended pad brands are compatible with both CCB (SiC-coated) and CCM (uncoated) carbon ceramic rotors. However, bedding procedures may need slight adjustment — CCM rotors typically require a 20-30% longer bedding period to establish a complete transfer layer due to their more textured surface. The pad compound itself does not change, but the bedding process should be extended for optimal results on uncoated rotors.

How often should I replace carbon ceramic brake pads?

Pad lifespan depends on the compound type, driving style, vehicle weight, and usage pattern. Street compounds (Barbaro C-01, NetzschRacing Street, Pagid RSC1) typically last 20,000-40,000 km in pure road use. Dual-use compounds (Barbaro S-01, NetzschRacing Carbon Ceramic) achieve 15,000-30,000 km in mixed street and track driving. Race compounds are measured in track sessions rather than road kilometres. Inspect pad thickness every 10,000 km for street pads and before every track event for race pads. Replace when friction material reaches 3-4 mm above the backing plate.

Can I switch between different pad brands without damaging my rotors?

Yes, you can switch between any of the four recommended brands (Pagid RSC, Barbaro Racing, NetzschRacing, Schaffen ZZ Racing) without rotor damage. However, when changing pad brands, clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner to remove the previous pad's transfer layer, then perform a full bedding procedure with the new compound. This ensures the new pad establishes its own clean, even transfer layer rather than trying to build on top of a potentially incompatible existing layer. Skipping the bedding procedure when switching compounds is a common cause of noise and performance issues.