Which EBC Brake Pad Is Right For My Car?

Choosing the right EBC brake pad is not just about buying the most aggressive compound available. The best pad depends on how the car is used.

A daily-driven car needs a very different brake pad to a hot hatch used for fast road driving. A track day car needs something different again.

This guide explains the main EBC car brake pad compounds in plain English, using information published by EBC Brakes, the manufacturer. We are an online retailer for EBC Brakes products, so we have also linked to EBC's own pages where useful.

Quick answer

EBC brake pads at a glance

EBC Ultimax2: for normal road driving

Ultimax2 is the starting point for many drivers. EBC positions Ultimax2 as a quality replacement brake pad for daily driving, urban use and general road use.

It is not trying to be a track pad. It is designed for people who want safe, quiet, consistent braking without necessarily needing a more aggressive performance compound.

Choose Ultimax2 if

• Your car is mainly used for normal road driving
• You want a quality replacement for standard brake pads
• You value quiet operation and everyday comfort
• You do not need a fast road or track-focused compound

EBC describes Ultimax2 as a daily driver R90 type-approved pad and states that it is not suitable for track use.

Manufacturer source: EBC Ultimax2 Brake Pads

EBC Greenstuff: for lighter cars and spirited street use

Greenstuff is a step up for drivers who want a sportier road pad, particularly on lighter sports saloons and hot hatches.

EBC describes Greenstuff 2000 Series as a good choice for spirited street use on lighter sports sedans and hot hatches. It is designed to improve brake response and reduce stopping distances compared with stock pads.

Greenstuff is still a road-focused pad. EBC states that it is not ideal for track use and points faster street drivers towards Yellowstuff, and race users towards Bluestuff, RP or SR compounds.

Choose Greenstuff if

• You drive a lighter car or hot hatch
• You want a sportier road pad
• You do not regularly use the car on track
• You want improved response over standard pads

Manufacturer source: EBC Greenstuff Brake Pads

EBC Redstuff: for fast road use with low dust priority

Redstuff is EBC's premium low-dust fast street pad. It is aimed at drivers who want a performance road pad but also care about keeping wheels cleaner.

EBC describes Redstuff as a copper-free ceramic granule-enhanced organic brake pad for modern cars, including hatchbacks, hot hatches, sedans and muscle cars. EBC also states that Redstuff is a low-dust material and is ECE R90 tested and approved for most cars.

Redstuff is a useful option for drivers who want an upgrade for road use but do not want the extra dust associated with some more aggressive compounds.

Choose Redstuff if

• You want a fast street pad
• You want lower dust than a typical performance pad
• Your car is used mainly on the road
• You drive a modern saloon, hatchback, hot hatch or performance road car

Manufacturer source: EBC Redstuff Ceramic Brake Pads

EBC Yellowstuff: for fast road driving

Yellowstuff is one of EBC's best-known performance road compounds. EBC describes it as a fast street brake pad for drivers who want strong stopping power on modern sedans and hot hatches.

For many enthusiasts, Yellowstuff is the natural choice when the car is mainly road-driven but used harder than average. It suits fast road driving, performance hot hatches and sports saloons where stronger braking is wanted without moving into a more track-focused compound.

The important point is that EBC no longer recommends Yellowstuff for dedicated track use. EBC's current guidance is that Bluestuff, RP or SR compounds are better suited when track temperatures become the main concern.

Choose Yellowstuff if

• Your car is mainly road driven
• You enjoy fast road driving
• You want stronger braking than standard pads
• You drive a performance hatchback, saloon or sports car
• You do not regularly attend track days

Manufacturer source: EBC Yellowstuff Fast Street Pads

Related guide: EBC Yellowstuff vs Bluestuff Brake Pads

EBC Bluestuff: for road cars used on track

Bluestuff is the pad to consider when regular track days become part of the car's life.

EBC describes Bluestuff NDX as a Super-Street, Trackday & More brake pad. EBC also states that Bluestuff is its track-day recommended pad for a drive-to, enjoy and return-home event.

That makes Bluestuff especially useful for drivers who do not want to trailer a car to the circuit or swap pads before and after every track day. It gives more track day capability than Yellowstuff while still being suitable for road-driven vehicles in many applications.

Choose Bluestuff if

• You regularly attend track days
• You drive the car to and from track events
• You want more heat resistance than a fast road pad
• You need a pad that still works for road use
• You are not ready to move to a dedicated race compound

Manufacturer source: EBC Bluestuff NDX Super-Street & Trackday Brake Pads

EBC Racing compounds: for serious track and race use

If the car is built mainly for circuit use, it is worth looking beyond the road-focused EBC compounds.

EBC Racing compounds such as RP-1, RP-X and SR are aimed at motorsport and sustained track use. EBC describes RP-X as an ultra-high-performance track and race material designed for vehicles driven hard on track.

These compounds are not simply 'better' than the road compounds. They are designed for a different job. A dedicated race pad may be excellent on circuit but less suitable for a daily-driven road car.

Choose an EBC Racing compound if

• The car is mainly used on track
• You compete in motorsport
• You need sustained high-temperature braking
• Road comfort, noise and dust are secondary concerns

Manufacturer source: EBC RP-X Racing Brake Pads

Do not choose by colour alone

The colours make the range easy to remember, but the right pad still depends on the vehicle and how it is driven.

A heavier, more powerful car used hard on the road may need a different pad to a small hatchback used for occasional spirited driving. A car doing repeated hard laps on track will need a different compound again.

The safest way to choose is to start with how the car is used most of the time, then move up the range only when the driving demands justify it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best EBC pad for daily driving?

For normal daily driving, Ultimax2 is usually the most sensible starting point. It is designed as a quality replacement pad for road use.

What is the best EBC pad for fast road driving?

For fast road use, Yellowstuff is one of the main compounds to consider. Greenstuff may also suit lighter cars used for spirited road driving, while Redstuff is worth considering if low dust is a priority.

What is the best EBC pad for track days?

For regular track days in a road-driven car, Bluestuff is the better option based on EBC's current product positioning.

Is Yellowstuff a track pad?

Yellowstuff is best viewed as a fast street pad. EBC no longer recommends Yellowstuff for dedicated track use and points track users towards Bluestuff, RP or SR compounds.

Are EBC Racing pads suitable for road use?

EBC Racing compounds are aimed at motorsport and track use. For a road car, Yellowstuff or Bluestuff may be more appropriate depending on how the vehicle is used.

Final recommendation

For most customers, the decision is simpler than it first appears.

Choose Ultimax2 for normal road use. Choose Greenstuff or Redstuff if you want a more performance-focused road pad. Choose Yellowstuff for stronger fast road braking. Choose Bluestuff if your road car regularly sees track days. Choose EBC Racing compounds if the car is mainly used on circuit.

If you are unsure, start with how the car is used most of the time. That usually points you towards the right compound.

Need help choosing?

We are an online retailer for EBC Brakes products and can help you choose the right pad compound for your vehicle, driving style and intended use.

If you are unsure whether Ultimax2, Greenstuff, Redstuff, Yellowstuff, Bluestuff or an EBC Racing compound is right for your car, get in touch and we will be happy to help.