Welcome to the ultimate brake battle: Duralast vs Dynamic Friction!
Join me as I dive deep into these two auto giants, comparing their performance, quality, and value for money.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of each, sifting through the details to find out who truly rules the road when it comes to reliable, efficient braking.
Duralast vs Dynamic Friction – Brand Comparison Table
| Duralast | Dynamic Friction | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1979 | 2015 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China, Mexico | mostly in United States |
| Founder | Pitt Hyde | Dino Crescentini |
| Parent | AutoZone, Inc. | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series | one of the best quality pads on the market – their 5000 Series |
Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG vs Dynamic Friction Zinc Coated Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Gold Brake 55097DG 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:
| Duralast | Dynamic Friction | |
| Series | Gold Brake 55097DG | Zinc Coated Drilled and Slotted |
| Material | Iron Alloy | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Fully coated | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability | Superior durability thanks to the premium G3000/G11H18 iron castings |
| Performance | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat | Improved brake grip and increased stopping power |
| Price | $106.99 | $36.00 – $1292.00 |
| Warranty | 3-year, full-replacement warranty | 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Duralast Elite Copper Free 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:
| Duralast | Dynamic Friction | |
| Series | Elite Copper Free Ceramic | 3000 Semi-Metallic |
| Material | Ceramic | Semi-Metallic |
| Performance | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. | 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 | $38.99 – $81.49 | $18.00 – $94.00 |
| Warranty | Limited-Lifetime | 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
Here’s a comparison between the overall performance of Duralast and Dynamic Friction based on customer reviews:
Duralast:
- Performance of Duralast brake parts has mixed reviews. Some users find them good for daily use, while others suggest brands like Centric or Powerstop are better.
- A user reported Duralast gold ceramic brake pads work well, providing smooth and fast braking. They also highlighted the affordable pricing.
- On Reddit, some users find Duralast brakes and rotors satisfactory.
- Conversely, a user reported that their Duralast Gold rotors and pads made a squealing noise when stopping.
Dynamic Friction:
- A user praised Dynamic Friction front brake pads for their noiseless operation, similar braking quality to stock pads, and minimal brake dust. They found them as good or better than other brands like Akebono, Hawk, Centric, and Raybestos Element3.
- The DFC Geospec rotors received positive feedback for their long-term performance, with a user recommending them for their competitive price.
- Another user noted that Dynamic Friction rotors and pads outperformed other brands, leading them to switch back to Dynamic Friction.
- DFC 1000 brake pads were described as high-performing and suitable for daily driving and track days. However, a user noted they 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:
| Duralast Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Dynamic Friction Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 | DFC Premium Plain Disc Brake Rotor goes from $12.08 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 | 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 Duralast and Dynamic Friction below:
| Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Dynamic Friction Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 | DFC 3000 Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $11.85 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 | 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.
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
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?
Considering the feedback and pros and cons of both brands, I’d pick Dynamic Friction as the better overall choice.
Despite some users reporting excessive brake dust, the brand receives consistent praise for its quality, variety and suitability for different uses, including track use, which suggests a higher level of performance compared to Duralast.