Which Ferodo pad compound is right for you? Click here for a detailed comparison article.

DS3.12

High mu endurance racing compound with an incredibly flat torque curve. Out of all the pad compounds we’ve ever tested, from all manufacturers, the DS3.12 shows the flattest torque curve across the broadest temperature range. This means on every turn, on every track you drive, your brake pedal is going to feel almost exactly the same, providing tremendous consistency and repeatability. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. Sports cars today have more of everything: more horsepower, more sophisticated aero, higher curb weights, and stickier tires. These attributes place serious demands on a vehicle's brake system. The Ferodo Racing DS3.12 is the modern pad compound designed from the start to explicitly to handle those demands. DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see.

DS1.11

The DS1.11 has a lower mu than the DS3.12 at all temperatures and can be characterized as a moderate mu pad vs. other endurance racing compounds. They require more pedal force than the DS3.12, and they have a slightly declining torque curve as temperatures rise. As they get hotter and you dive deeper into a turn, you may feel like you need to push a little harder on the brake pedal to elicit the same response (which is a feel many drivers actually prefer). Some drivers feel that the DS1.11 is more controllable on street tires than DS3.12 since ABS cannot be activated as easily. It will last a fairly long time vs. many other pad compounds on the market but does not last quite as long as the DS3.12. They are very gentle on discs at track temperatures when a proper pad transfer layer is maintained. The DS1.11 also has an outstanding max temp and fade resistance, just not quite as high as 3.12. We're not aware of anyone who has faded them, and most people differentiate between the DS1.11 and DS3.12 based on feel.

DS2500

Although we always recommend using a dedicated race pad for the track, the DS2500 is one of the best hybrid street/track pads on the market. It features the moderately high bite and solid fade resistance of a track pad, with the relatively low dust and noise levels of a street pad. When used as a street pad, it can produce some squeal on certain vehicle platforms. If you drive aggressively on the street, do some canyon runs, autocross, and maybe some light track duty on street tires, the DS2500 is tough to beat. However, when used on track by 3,000+ lbs. cars with high horsepower and R Compound tires, DS2500 pad wear rates tend to be considerably higher vs. Ferodo Racing's other compounds. If you're looking for extended wear rates under those conditions, Essex would recommend the Ferodo DS1.11 or DS3.12.