Cobalt brake pads ...

[Daria]

Anyone have experience driving with Cobalt ‘Spec VR’ brake pads? I won a set of their front pads at NSXPO.
I normally run with the Carbotech XP9 pads and wanted to know how the Spec VR’s compare with the Carbotechs.
I appreciate any feedback.

 

[Peter Mills]

Daria:
Go to Andie's website www.cobaltfriction.com he explains the different pads and their bite etc...or call him.
Merry Christmas

 

[Batoutahell]

I've gone through 2 sets of XP9's and 3 sets of Spec VR's at the track on my integra. The Spec VR's have a noticeably stronger initial bite. Both pads had similar wear and fade characteristics, with a slight edge I think going to the Cobalts.

On an even more subjective note, I prefer the feel of the VR's. The brake modulation of the VR's feels linearly proportional to pedal pressure. In contrast, the brake modulation of the XP9's feels less attuned to pedal pressure, it almost feel "chemical" in nature. I have an analogy to help describe the difference in feel: VR's are to XP9's, as stainless steel brake lines are to regular brake lines.

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

Anyone have experience driving with Cobalt ‘Spec VR’ brake pads? I won a set of their front pads at NSXPO.
I normally run with the Carbotech XP9 pads and wanted to know how the Spec VR’s compare with the Carbotechs.
I appreciate any feedback.

The Spec VR is a fantastic track/race pad. Relative to the XP9's they offer more bite, a higher coefficient of friction, and higher operating temp range & max fade parms. However, don't use them on the street under any means. It's challenging to get them up to temp, they chew through rotors, and the squeel is rather significant.

 

[Daria]

...The Spec VR's have a noticeably stronger initial bite. Both pads had similar wear and fade characteristics, with a slight edge I think going to the Cobalts...

Thanks for all your input guys. That's just the feedback I was looking for.

I was told by one of Cobalt salesmen that Cobalt does not make a set of rear NSX pads with the Spec VR compound. That means mix and match with other manufacturers.

I also just found out that Carbotech has stopped (or will soon stop) making the XP9 compounds. They will be selling XP8's and XP10's. They agreed to make me a few sets of XP9's for Christmas.

Enjoy the holidays, Daria

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

I was told by one of Cobalt salesmen that Cobalt does not make a set of rear NSX pads with the Spec VR compound. That means mix and match with other manufacturers.

Pad proportioning, just use the spec B's for the rear.