Brake pad recommendations

[madlife]

for an 08 Outback XT.   Its a DD,  won't be doing AutoX, occasional spirited driving.  Fronts for the Legacy 2.5i were $120 from Advanced Auto for pads and rotors because someone didn't tell me the pedal was going to the floor.   She waited until the pad was 100% gone and the backplate was grinding the rotor. Luckily I have time to get something shipped to me.

My front brakes hang up.  I'm hoping a good KY job will help, hence why I'm not looking to spend a lot of money right now.  If the calipers are shot though,  I'll probably do an LGT upgrade.  I also might be taking on a 100mi a day commute for work.   

[deadlydave]

for an 08 Outback XT.   Its a DD,  won't be doing AutoX, occasional spirited driving.  Fronts for the Legacy 2.5i were $120 from Advanced Auto for pads and rotors because someone didn't tell me the pedal was going to the floor.   She waited until the pad was 100% gone and the backplate was grinding the rotor. Luckily I have time to get something shipped to me.

My front brakes hang up.  I'm hoping a good KY job will help, hence why I'm not looking to spend a lot of money right now.  If the calipers are shot though,  I'll probably do an LGT upgrade.  I also might be taking on a 100mi a day commute for work.

I really enjoyed the EBC greenstuffs on my commuter Legacy back in the day.  Due to the weight/power of your car, EBC's Redstuff is probably the way to go.  Better than stock and less dust.  I've used the Hawk HPS, and they're ok, but had some binding and fit issues with the last 2 or 3 sets I've installed on mine and other's cars.  They also dust a lot.

[wheelbuilder_25]

I like the Hawk HPS on my Legacy.  When I had them on the Outback I had some binding, but grinding down the 'ears' on the mount a bit fixed it.  I had to also do similar grinding on even the OEM pads.
I really like the initial bite on the HPS pads.  I also think they dust less than OEM.

[madlife]

I used HPS on my WRX as well and they never fit quite right.  I had to dremel down the ears.

Any rotor recommendations?  I've never used ones with the painted hats, but wanted to see if they don't look like shit after 6 months like most rotors end up looking.

[snow_bound26]

I'll Second the EBC products. Used both red stuff and yellow stuff in the past and had great results. Their rotors are pretty good as well. However, I just got a good deal on 4 centric rotors and stoptech street performance pads from tire rack. I know plenty of people who track/auto x with centric. Solid product that lasts well. First time trying the stoptech pads though so I can't comment on them. I'll have them later this week if you're not in a rush.

[deadlydave]

I used HPS on my WRX as well and they never fit quite right.  I had to dremel down the ears.

Any rotor recommendations?  I've never used ones with the painted hats, but wanted to see if they don't look like shit after 6 months like most rotors end up looking.

EBC and others sell anodized rotors.  That'd probably work a bit better than most painted stuff.

[madlife]

I'll Second the EBC products. Used both red stuff and yellow stuff in the past and had great results. Their rotors are pretty good as well. However, I just got a good deal on 4 centric rotors and stoptech street performance pads from tire rack. I know plenty of people who track/auto x with centric. Solid product that lasts well. First time trying the stoptech pads though so I can't comment on them. I'll have them later this week if you're not in a rush.

I actually just ordered this same setup. Free shipping!   I will have on Thursday.

[snow_bound26]

We should compare feedback on the pads in  couple weeks. I've used the rotors before and know they work well. No experience yet on the pads though. Good luck with them. Mine get in on Thursday as well.