The best pads for stopping are probably the OEM special Jurids. The next best aftermarket is the PBR metal masters. Good rotors, proper thickness is a must. Having good rears also helps a lot. Low coast organic pads are be avoided as is so called long life really hard do not wear pads. Those do make good friction. Cheap pads will glaze and warp the rotors. Rotor wear is normal and to some extent necessary to keep them deglazed and cut surface rust. 

Dennis
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Loren Busch
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 3:39 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake Pad Advice Wanted

Approaching the need to replace front brake pads. So I'm looking for
suggestions.  I'm ONLY interested in stopping power (and fade resistance).
So, what SPECIFIC brand/make/model is going to give me the best stopping
under normal conditions?  And please, I'm looking for specific make/model
and also a source if you have that.
BTW, the reason I'm emphasizing 'specific' is whan I asked a similar
question some time back I got a long string of vauge glittering generalities
without enough info to be able to order parts.
Thanks