Welcome to the ultimate grudge match: Akebono vs Raybestos – the titans of automotive brake systems.
I’ll delve deep into their performance, quality, and prices.
Buckle up as we explore the pros and cons to determine who truly reigns supreme in the world of stopping power.
Let’s hit the brakes on the suspense and start this exciting comparative journey!
Akebono vs Raybestos – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Raybestos | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1902 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Arthur H. Raymond and Arthur F. Law |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Brake Parts Inc |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | high-quality with good friction rating |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Raybestos Element3 Premium Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Element3 Premium Coated 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 | Raybestos | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Element3 Premium Coated |
| Material | Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | High carbon | Grey fusion 4.0 zinc coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Original equipment design, vane configuration, and weight |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Unmatched stopping power, corrosion and rust-resistant finish, reduced brake fade for high performance |
| Price | $118.09 | $19.00 – $307.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | Raybestos Brake Products will be free from non-conformities in materials and workmanship |
| 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 Raybestos E3 Performance 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 | Raybestos | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | E3 Performance |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic, Organic |
| 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. | Engineered for smooth and quiet operation, these brake pads are designed to outperform stock options. They incorporate EHT Enhanced Hybrid Technology and professional-grade formulations, ensuring optimum performance and reliability for an enhanced braking experience. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $14.00 – $53.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | Raybestos Brake Products will be free from non-conformities in materials and workmanship |
| 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
Akebono
- Akebono brake parts are recognized for their reliability and consistency. Users appreciate that these brakes produce less dust compared to other brands, making them an excellent choice for street driving.
- Many users have reported positive experiences using Akebono brake pads, with some even making them their go-to choice for multiple years without any complaints.
- However, some users note that Akebono brakes may not provide as much ‘bite’ as other brands, meaning they may not grip as hard, although they’re reportedly close to the performance of OEM pads.
Raybestos
- Raybestos brake parts come highly recommended by some users, particularly their coated rotors and Centric Posi Quiet ceramic pads. The brand is frequently mentioned alongside other reputable brands such as Centric, Wagner, Acdelco, and Power Stop.
- Users have reported that Raybestos Element3/EHT brake pads offer a good bite and an even range as they warm up, providing satisfactory results across various vehicles, from trucks to small cars.
- Despite some concerns about quality control after moving overseas, Raybestos remains a well-known and reliable brand for reasonably priced brake pads and rotors.
In summary, both Akebono and Raybestos offer reliable and well-performing brake parts. Akebono stands out for its dust reduction and consistency, while Raybestos is praised for its good bite and even performance range.
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⁾ | Raybestos Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Raybestos R-Line™ Brake Rotor goes from $14.74 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Raybestos Specialty Street Performance Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotor goes for $236.02 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Raybestos below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Raybestos Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Raybestos R-Line Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $14.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Raybestos Street Performance Specialty Metallic Rear Brake Pads go for $146.86 |
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 |
Raybestos
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High-quality brake rotors | ❌ Some customers are experiencing noise issues with their pads |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system market | |
| ✔ Durability |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully reviewing customer feedback for both Akebono and Raybestos brakes, I conclude a tie.
Akebono shines for its reliability, producing less dust, and cost-effectiveness, while Raybestos stands out with high-quality brake rotors, reputation, and durability.
Minor drawbacks exist for both, such as Akebono’s slightly less ‘bite’ and some noise issues with Raybestos.
Both brands provide noteworthy performance and quality.