By the end of this article, you will know which type of disc best suits your needs. We will let you know right away that, compared to a standard disc, both ensure better grip, better dispersion of the gases and more effective performance in the wet.
However, be aware of the quality: not all drilled discs are the same and neither are all slotted discs. Brembo's 60 years of experience manufacturing discs and braking systems for racing represent an unrivaled guarantee. In fact, Brembo not only manufactures both types of discs, but also provides quality standards that no other manufacturer can match.
Why do drilled or slotted discs improve braking
The presence of holes or slots on a brake disc is a guarantee of better grip and certainly a more responsive and effective braking system. This effect is due to the surface of the holes or slots which ensure, especially in the initial braking phases, better performance thanks to a higher friction coefficient than that of standard discs.
Another important advantage to using drilled and slotted discs is the constant renewal of the pad friction material. The holes also interrupts the sheet of water that can deposit on the braking surface in the rain. For this reason, even in the case of wet roads, the system responds efficiently from the very first braking operation. In the same way, the slots, which face outward, ensure more effective dispersion of any water that may be on the disc surface: the result is more uniform behavior in any weather conditions.
In the same way that they disperse water, holes and slots also provide better capacity for dissipation of the gases that form due to the high temperatures between the pad and disc surfaces.
When they reach high temperatures, these gases created by the combustion of the resins that make up the friction material, can cause the phenomenon of fading, which reduces the friction coefficient between disc and pad, with a consequent loss of braking efficiency. The presence of holes or slots on the braking surface allows for rapid expulsion of these gases, quickly restoring optimum braking conditions.
Ultimately, both types of discs, Brembo Xtra and Brembo Max, are two outstanding solutions for anyone who wants sporty driving, without compromising comfort and the life of discs and pads. The differences compared to standard discs are both aesthetic and of a practical nature. On the other hand, let's talk about the differences and circumstances that tip the scales toward one type as opposed to the other.
Who is the drilled disc for
For those who do not expect to subject their brake discs to extreme operating conditions, the “drilled disc” option is preferable because one of the benefits of this version is that it provides greater cooling capacity.
Nevertheless, the presence of holes implies greater heat dissipation capacity during braking than that guaranteed by the slots that characterize the slotted discs.
Both the drilling and the slotting are designed specifically to guarantee superior heat dissipation compared to standard discs.
The Brembo Xtra discs could also be better suited for those who are more attentive to the aesthetic side since for most enthusiasts, the drilled disc is synonymous with sportiness.
Who is the slotted disc for
The slotted disc, on the other hand, is generally recommended for those use favor a more “extreme” use of the disc. For all types of brake discs, particularly for those with machining on the braking band as in the case of drilled and slotted discs, Brembo conducts numerous bench and road tests in order to meet the performance and thermal-mechanical needs of the braking system in the widest possible range of operating conditions.
This prevents the risk of cracks forming both for the drilled and slotted discs. Nevertheless, limited use in extreme conditions, as racing conditions can be, or even simply for track sessions, the slotted disc boasts greater mechanical resistance compared to the drilled disc, so it should be preferred.
Therefore, the Brembo Max discs could be more suitable for those who favor substance, since the slots, in addition to providing greater resistance to cracks – although only in extreme conditions like racing – also provide a valid tool for recognizing when it's time to change the disc.
The differences in terms of performance are basically non-existence, especially if we consider sporty use, albeit still on the road. We need to point out, in order to avoid inappropriate use and therefore to avoid a pointless expense, that use on the track requires another type of product, designed specifically for racing.
Don't forget the right pads!
The disc and pads must work in sync: a disc requires suitable pads for optimal performance.
Brembo Xtra pads enhance the characteristics of Brembo Max and Xtra discs, delivering excellent performance, total control, and comfort on the road.
The special BRM X L01 compound, with more than 30 different components, ensures stable and decisive braking at all temperatures, without compromising comfort, modulation, or durability.
For the most demanding
For those, on the other hand, who alternate a city driving style with a more aggressive one, the ideal solution is represented by the Brembo Sport discs. These discs, slotted, are designed to contain the temperature increase and any risk of disc deformation.
Coupling Brembo Sport discs with the pads in the same range, the advantages of the best discs for road use can be achieved, namely long life, comfort and consistently top notch performance. Brembo Sport discs are subjected to a gold galvanization process in order to give your car a modern and attractive look.