Stinkycheezmonky

UPDATE ON PAGE 2

Everyone has been waiting with baited breath for the new Cobalt XR pads to come out, and they finally have! I ordered some XR3s from Andie and Glenn, and got to break them in at VIR this past weekend. First, some of the reasons these were supposed to be better than their previous pads as well as the competition's offerings:

-No break-in
-Working temp from 50-1500*F (so essentially no warm-up)
-Much improved rotor wear
-Less dust
-Some other things I can't remember, but that take a lower priority than those listed above anyway

I can't say much about the rotor wear, as I only used them for really two days on track, but everything else... yep, they sure are better! Ideally you'd want new rotors or newly resurfaced rotors, which I was unable to squeeze in before the event. Keeping that in mind, the pads were still absolutely fantastic. I had NO break-in period whatsoever. I threw them on, went out on track, and they worked right away. This is despite the previous bedding of the old pad (stock ITR on top of, I think, Carbotech XP10). In addition, there was NO warm-up. Whatsoever. They worked right away, on the first stop.

Both of these were a big improvement over the XP10s, as they had a long break-in period, and definitely required a lap or two (or three) to get up to operating temp. Grip was fantastic, again despite the improper rotor/pad relation. Bite was very predictable and strong, and stayed consistent throughout the weekend. Fade was nonexistant. VIR is easy on the brakes as far as fade is concerned though, so a real test of that will be taking place later (Shenandoah, Summit Main, maybe BeaveRun). Dusting isn't a big deal to me, but they wound up being pretty decent. Much better than the old Spec VRs or XP10s.

I am not affiliated with Cobalt in any way (as much as I'd like to be), and paid the normal price - NASA discount for these. I've been continually impressed with Cobalt's customer service and products, I feel that they deserve as much free advertising as they can get. Only warning I'll give is that if you want to order, order well in advance, as they are over-ordered already (or were when I last talked to them).

Check out http://www.cobaltfriction.com for the goodies or more information. Andie and Glenn are great guys and can point you in the right direction. User My95SlvrBlt on here is selling them as well.


Modified by Stinkycheezmonky at 3:29 AM 5/28/2007

SoloSol

I might just have to give them a try. I love my xp8's but I wont buy any more. Plus these sound like they take care of the issues I have with the xp's

My95SlvrBlt

I cant add feedback, as my pads are en route, but I will be testing the new GT Sport, XR4, XR3, and XR2.

They are slowly becoming available, and this week I should be receiving the GT Sport, XR3, and I think XR2's.

I anxiously await my first shipment, and will update with some reviews.

577HondaPrelude

I will be using a set of the new XTR's at Mid-Ohio in April. It's been a long wait, and I have high expectations for these pads.

My95SlvrBlt

What brake application are these XTR's for?

I was told that the XTR are NOT going to be made in any OEM fitment application, and pricing would be unimaginable.

George Knighton

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Everyone has been waiting with baited breath for the new Cobalt XR pads to come out, and they finally have!</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was using these last summer, and I think most people will be as impressed as you are.

That was the first season in a long time that my rotors have survived a full season of Grandpa driving.

slammed_93_hatch

I think that the Chinese 12 year calender will be modified and have a cobalt added to it this year.

Big things for Cobalt Friction!

Lo-Buck EF

to Cobalt. i loved all the old pads (gtsports, spec b and VRs.) the new stuff looks like it will change the brake pad world yet again.

chris2000

Hi

Can you give more info about your tire size and type. Are they 205/50/15? And are they full racing slicks or road tyres?

And which XR series for front and rear?

Need more info to decide to test them.

Cheers.

Stinkycheezmonky

I used the XR3s on the front with ITR calipers and Prelude VTEC rotors on a '92 Civic hatch, weighing 2082 without driver. The rears are Axxis Ultimates on GSR/LS calipers/rotors (I don't need anything more than that in the rear, so no reason to spend the $$$ on Cobalt goodness there [though interestingly enough, there is a rear-specific GT-Sport available now]). Tires were first 205/50-15 Hankook Z211 C30s, then later 225/50-15 Kumho V710s. Neither are slicks, but neither are really street tires either. I can't verify this, but they MIGHT be too much for a street tire. The old Spec VRs were, and I had problems with locking up Falken Azenis very easily.

Vitt1

If the XR have a temp range of 50-1500* F, does anyone know the temp range of the new GT sport?

jetydosa

Good to hear. I have new version GTSports enroute to me also. Will be trying them at autox and track day mid of March.

civicrr

We ran the XR2 up front for the 2006 25 Hours of Thunderhill. They were incredible! In addition, we (slammed_93_hatch & I) crewed for the i-Moto GA team. During the year, we watched the compounds and mfg get perfected. Andie is such a perfectionist - you wouldn't believe it. Great for us!

The ability of the driver to modulate the pads as well as the stable torque leads me to believe that the XR3 will be fine with 'good' street tires (& a decent driver).

BTW, I have been selling Cobalts for a few years too. PDQ Motorsports

civicrr

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Vitt1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If the XR have a temp range of 50-1500* F, does anyone know the temp range of the new GT sport? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Honestly, not sure @ this point. There are two versions of GT Sport. The original new compound is a bit too aggressive for fwd rear apps. As mentioned above, there is a 2nd new GT Sport with a bit less cf.

For the original new GT Sport think somewhere around Spec C +.

Chris F

Good news.

I'll have to get some when my Ferrodo's wear out!

essex

How do these compare to Hawk blues?

Thanks

slammed_93_hatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">. During the year, we watched the compounds and mfg get perfected. Andie is such a perfectionist - you wouldn't believe it. Great for us!</TD></TR></TABLE>


Thats not really true, you and roger are perfectionist. Andie, well, the leaps and bounds beyond a perfectionist.

Once you guys try/and or see the new pads you will get a glimpse of the R&D that went into the pads.

smokin rubber

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We ran the XR2 up front for the 2006 25 Hours of Thunderhill. They were incredible! In addition, we (slammed_93_hatch & I) crewed for the i-Moto GA team. During the year, we watched the compounds and mfg get perfected. Andie is such a perfectionist - you wouldn't believe it. Great for us!

The ability of the driver to modulate the pads as well as the stable torque leads me to believe that the XR3 will be fine with 'good' street tires (& a decent driver).

BTW, I have been selling Cobalts for a few years too. PDQ Motorsports</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have a gc for a free set of cobalt pads, would you recomend the xr2 or something different for a sprint race.

chris2000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We ran the XR2 up front for the 2006 25 Hours of Thunderhill. They were incredible! In addition, we (slammed_93_hatch & I) crewed for the i-Moto GA team. During the year, we watched the compounds and mfg get perfected. </TD></TR></TABLE>

What car type was it fitted too and are they on stock caliper or 4 potters?

Are these car using full racing slicks?

Did the XR2 pads last the 25hr Thunderhill race without pad and discs changed?

Sorry for so much questions but just want to know more before making decision to test them.

chris2000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used the XR3s on the front with ITR calipers and Prelude VTEC rotors on a '92 Civic hatch, weighing 2082 without driver. The rears are Axxis Ultimates on GSR/LS calipers/rotors (I don't need anything more than that in the rear, so no reason to spend the $$$ on Cobalt goodness there [though interestingly enough, there is a rear-specific GT-Sport available now]). Tires were first 205/50-15 Hankook Z211 C30s, then later 225/50-15 Kumho V710s. Neither are slicks, but neither are really street tires either. I can't verify this, but they MIGHT be too much for a street tire. The old Spec VRs were, and I had problems with locking up Falken Azenis very easily.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks so much bro.

My DC2 is about 50kg / 110lbs heavier than your car and running same frt caliper setup but rear also ITR 5 lugs. Tyres we used are slicks though but same 15" diameter.

Hmm.. maybe my setup may need one step higher??

slammed_93_hatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chris2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

What car type was it fitted too and are they on stock caliper or 4 potters?

Are these car using full racing slicks?

Did the XR2 pads last the 25hr Thunderhill race without pad and discs changed?

Sorry for so much questions but just want to know more before making decision to test them.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It was on a 2006 Civic Ex, with the stock brakes. The car weighed in around 2450-2500. And the car was one Toyo RA-1's, a DOT approved race tire, not what we consider a full slick.

We made one pad change at around 3:30 or 4:30 am. I don't remember exactly.

The pad wear was much improved from previous years. And with the TSX's that civicrr mentioned brake life was improved greatly also.

I can't remember the specifics, maybe mike can.

The pads will speak for themselves though, watch a few of the GA rolex, and SWC races and you will see them being used.

IIRC chris2000 you had been using EBC pads? well these will blow them out of the water, IMO. take that for what its worth.

1GreyTeg

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by essex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How do these compare to Hawk blues?

Thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Old GT VR's were better than Hawk Blue's all around imo. So it sounds like the new Cobalt X series will leave the blues in their caustic dust. Pun intended

Good to hear about the new compounds I was just looking at their site last night and am in need of ordering some new pads for the R.

I was already set to swap out my EVO's stock pads for something like the GT sports for a few reasons. If the new compounds are indeed as advertised above I will definitely be changing them this spring. The only negative I have with the EVO's brakes is that their friendly dusty OEM pads just aren't as aggressive as I'd like. While my R was stop on or before a dime, fade free bliss on the old Cobalt compounds.

splitime

Hooray for the new compound! I loved running the VRs. I wonder if he'll be making this up for Miata usage.

slammed_93_hatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by splitime &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hooray for the new compound! I loved running the VRs. I wonder if he'll be making this up for Miata usage.</TD></TR></TABLE>

last time i talked to civicrr he has some on the way.

splitime

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

last time i talked to civicrr he has some on the way.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wonderful.