HIGH-SPEED driving is thrilling but nothing beats the feeling of relief when the car is able to brake confidently at the shortest distance and avoid objects ahead.
During a recent defensive driving experience hosted by Kegani Racing Academy and supported by the brake makers – Bendix Brakes, members of the media were able to sample the General Ceramic Technology (GCT) and Metal King Titanium (MKT) pads.
Installed in Suzuki Swift Sport race-prepped cars for the Skilldrvn Swift One-make Series organised by Kegani Racing Academy, the pads promise improved performance.
Throwing the race-prepared cars around the course was an absolute delight, even if the driving surface was slightly gravel-like.
While these vehicles have been stripped out to their bare essentials for track use, we were able to experience the pads through a series of gruelling courses including a slalom and braking area.
This was before combining the two techniques during the Moose Test where the driver needs to conduct a lane change while at speed and apply the brakes at the fullest.
Gripped by racing seats and securely strapped in, the Swift Sport hatchbacks provided drivers with a high sense of controllability through the slalom course - allowing us to acclimatize to the car’s abilities.
Here, understeer has been dialled in with some rear-wheeled submission, allowing the car to rotate towards its intended direction and permitting the driver to modulate the throttle to keep it on track.
During the brake test, we were able to sample the Swift Sports’ full stopping potential and were subsequently tasked to identify which pads were fitted.
The Moose Test provided greater clarity on which pads were being used for the two Swift Sport units.
The GCT, while having good stopping power, was experienced to only be slightly less abrupt in its initial bite, however, its consistency in slowing down cars can be noted.
The MKT pads also worked well, but they felt a little more able to grab at the disc brakes, which would make the braking distance slightly shorter.
Although both pads might seem similar in performance, this is attested to the inclusion of a blue titanium stripe that has been included on the pads when new.
This is said to do away with the need for a bedding-in process and provides for “an instant pedal feel from the first stop”.
Additionally, the GCT pad’s compound almost provides a European-like feel for the brakes while also touted to have low brake dust, low rotor wear and longevity during its lifespan.
These pads are meant to be fitted in passenger vehicles for general usage and are said to cover most light, small, medium and large vehicles.
An excessive number of full-brake applications were conducted during the day, where the brake pedal was practically stood on until the racecar came to a complete stop from about 80kph.
In this respect, the GCT’s initial bite seemed to wane slightly towards the tail end of the session.
Compared to the MKT, these pads – while being rather similar in terms of performance, seemed to hold up to the abuse and possessed a slightly more noticeable initial bite.
With heat being the primary product of such maltreatment, a squeal or two can be experienced.
The MKT pads also possess the same Blue Titanium Stripe application as the GCT, only its compound incorporates the brand’s proprietary insulation layer (Insulayer) that enables the pads to operate at higher temperatures.
Hence, a more consistent brake feel.
The main application for the MKT pads is said to be for vehicles that carry loads, towing or are involved in frequent heavy braking.
So for those with a heavy foot and a penchant for winding roads, the MKT pads should be the choice – albeit at a minor expense of the brake discs.
But given the circumstances that it will be for daily commutes with little to no spirited interactions, then the GCTs would suffice rather nicely.
