Can’t decide whether to use CL (Carbone Lorraine) brake pads or EBC brake pads? Read our quick guide which will help you in making the correct choice for your needs. 

When comparing CL Brake pads and EBC Brake pads, both have their strengths depending on what you plan on using them for. Are you running a car in a competitive motorsport class such as the SEAT Supercup Ireland series, or do you simply need a stronger, better performing brake pad for your street car? Read on to see which of the two pads may suit your application. 

CL (Carbone Lorraine) Brake Pads: 

Known for their amazing performance capabilities, these pads are best used for track cars or high-end competitive race cars. 

• Performance: Known for high-performance applications, particularly in motorsports. 

• Compounds: Available in RC5, RC6, and RC8 compounds. These are a premium compound and help with better heat management and durability. 

• Feel: CL pads provide excellent pedal feel and consistent stopping power. 

• Application: Great for racing use, and they can even be ran from cold temperatures. No bedding in needed. 

Ok, but how do I know what compound to use? 

RC5 can be used as a track day pad, or even a fast road pad. RC6 will be a step up, offering a stronger friction coefficient. RC6 would be our most popular of the 3 compounds and can be used in many competitive racing series in Ireland and abroad. RC8 offers the highest friction coefficient of the three and is used in top tier professional racing series such as the World Rally Championship. 

EBC Brake Pads: 

Popular for a track day pad, or a fast road pad, EBC are a versatile choice for a wide range of driving conditions. When trying to determine which compound to use, consider your driving style, vehicle needs, and whether you prioritize daily comfort or high-performance capability. Read on below to get yourself familiar with EBC’s key features and their uses. 

• Variety: EBC Offer a wide range of options for different vehicles and driving styles, including street, off-road, and performance. 

• Durability: Generally good wear characteristics and longevity, especially for street use. 

• Noise and Dust: Some options are designed to reduce brake dust and noise, making them more suitable for daily drivers. 

• Value: Typically priced competitively and cheaper than their CL counterpart, providing good performance for everyday use. 

Ok sounds good, but how do I know what compound to use? 

• EBC will offer several different compounds to suit various applications, from daily driving to performance racing. Common compounds that we sell include Greenstuff, Yellowstuff and Redstuff. Greenstuff pads are great for everyday driving, offering low dust and noise. Yellowstuff pads are designed for performance and track use, providing excellent bite and high-temperature performance. Redstuff are a good balance for high-performance street applications, focusing on reduced dust and improved longevity. 

So, to summarize! 

• Choose CL if you're focused on high-performance or track applications. 
• Choose EBC for a broader range of options and a budget friendly option, can be used especially for street use or if you're looking for a balance between performance and longevity. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific driving style and vehicle requirements! Give us a call anytime or call into our shop to find the right pads for your vehicle. 

Written by Tiernan Fahy