Dive into the world of automotive braking systems as we pit two industry leaders against each other: Akebono and Dynamic Friction.
From performance metrics to price tags, join me as I break down the pros and cons, and sift through the quality promises to finally answer the question – which brake system brand takes the pole position?
Akebono vs Dynamic Friction – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Dynamic Friction | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 2015 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in United States |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Dino Crescentini |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | one of the best quality pads on the market – their 5000 Series |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Dynamic Friction Zinc Coated Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Zinc Coated Drilled and Slotted from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Akebono | Dynamic Friction | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Zinc Coated Drilled and Slotted |
| Material | Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | High carbon | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Superior durability thanks to the premium G3000/G11H18 iron castings |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Improved brake grip and increased stopping power |
| Price | $118.09 | $36.00 – $1292.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | 12 months/12,000 Miles Limited Warranty |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic vs Dynamic Friction 3000 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Akebono | Dynamic Friction | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | 3000 Semi-Metallic |
| Material | Ceramic | Semi-Metallic |
| Performance | These brake pads, formulated with specific applications in mind, guarantee a quiet and smooth braking experience. Designed by experts to endure even the toughest braking conditions, they are the perfect replacement for noisy and dusty semi-metallic pads. | The Dynamic Friction 3000 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads are meticulously designed to offer optimal braking power and consistent friction performance across a broad temperature range. These pads serve as the perfect replacement solution for your passenger or light-duty truck. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $18.00 – $94.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months/12,000 Miles |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
After reviewing customer experiences with both Akebono and Dynamic Friction brake parts, here’s a comparison of the two:
Akebono:
- Known for their reliability and consistency, often used as OEM parts for various car manufacturers such as Mazda.
- Produce less dust compared to other brands, an important aspect for users who prioritize cleanliness.
- Recommended for street driving due to their excellent performance and long-lasting quality.
- Some users have reported that they might not bite as hard as other brands like Brembo, suggesting a slightly less aggressive braking feel.
Dynamic Friction:
- Users found the front brake pads to perform well, producing little noise and brake dust, with a braking quality comparable to stock parts.
- The DFC Geospec rotors have received positive reviews for their performance over the past year, with users continuing to recommend them if price competitive.
- Some users have attempted to replace DFC rotors and pads with other brands, but reverted due to inferior performance in comparison.
- The DFC 1000 brake pads are praised for their high performance in daily driving and track days, although they produce a considerable amount of dust.
Overall, both Akebono and Dynamic Friction have their strengths, with Akebono being praised for its consistency and low dust output, and Dynamic Friction lauded for its performance and versatility.
However, Akebono may lack the ‘bite’ some users prefer, and Dynamic Friction can produce a significant amount of dust.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| Akebono Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Dynamic Friction Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | DFC Premium Plain Disc Brake Rotor goes from $12.08 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | DFC Hi-Carbon Alloy GEOMET Drilled and Slotted Front Brake Rotor goes for $1,109.42 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Dynamic Friction below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Dynamic Friction Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | DFC 3000 Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $11.85 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | DFC Track/Street Low Metallic Front Brake Pads go for $182.23 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Akebono
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Low dust | ❌ May not bite quite as hard as OEM pads |
| ✔ Quiet | |
| ✔ Cost-effective |
Dynamic Friction
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ OE quality brake products | ❌ The usual excesive amount of brake dust from most of their pads |
| ✔ Wide range of products | |
| ✔ Great for track use |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After weighing the feedback for both brands, it seems Akebono and Dynamic Friction are very closely matched.
However, I’ll give a slight edge to Akebono for its low dust production and high reliability, despite a slightly softer bite.
Dynamic Friction also performs well and caters to track use, but the excessive brake dust may be a concern for some users.
