Welcome to the head-to-head showdown between two giants in the automotive brake systems industry: Duralast and EBC.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into their performance, scrutinize their quality, weigh their prices, and outline their pros and cons.
Fasten your seatbelts as we determine which brand truly deserves the pole position.
Duralast vs EBC – Brand Comparison Table
| Duralast | EBC | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 1979 | 1978 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China, Mexico | United States and United Kingdom |
| Founder | Pitt Hyde | Andy Freeman |
| Parent | AutoZone, Inc. | Freeman Automotive UK Ltd. |
| Overall Quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series | high-quality pads and slotted rotors |
Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG vs EBC Slotted Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Gold Brake 55097DG 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 | EBC | |
| Series | Gold Brake 55097DG | Slotted |
| Material | Iron Alloy | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Fully coated | Anti-corrosion Coating |
| Type | Vented | Solid |
| Durability | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability | When used with high-friction brake pads, the braking system demonstrates extended longevity |
| Performance | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat | Gases are expelled through the slots, reducing brake fade and minimizing noise for improved performance |
| Price | $106.99 | $88.00 – $898.00 |
| Warranty | 3-year, full-replacement warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway use |
| 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 EBC Redstuff Ceramic 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 | EBC | |
| Series | Elite Copper Free Ceramic | Redstuff Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| 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. | EBC Redstuff Ceramic brake pads stand out with superior ceramic pad compounds that resist heat buildup, dust, and squealing. Moreover, they eliminate squealing even under extreme cold or hot temperatures, ensuring a quiet and efficient braking experience in all conditions. |
| Price | $38.99 – $81.49 | $56.00 – $310.00 |
| Warranty | Limited-Lifetime | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway use |
| 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
When comparing Duralast and EBC, both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, as evident from customer reviews. Here’s a quick rundown over their performance, durability and quality as a whole:
Duralast:
- The performance of Duralast brake parts is varied. Some users find them suitable for daily use, while others prefer brands like Centric or Powerstop.
- A customer claims Duralast gold ceramic brake pads deliver smooth and fast braking action, offering good value for money.
- Some users find Duralast brakes and rotors satisfactory for their needs.
- On the downside, a user reported that Duralast Gold rotors and pads squealed unpleasantly when stopping.
EBC:
- EBC brake parts also have mixed reviews. Some users recommend options like EBC Redstuff pads and slotted rotors.
- In one instance, a user preferred EBC Yellowstuff pads over the stock pads for a 2022 WRX.
- For a Golf GTI brake upgrade, a user recommended Stoptech slotted rotors and EBC Redstuff pads as an excellent choice.
- However, some users have experienced issues such as screeching noises and improper fit with EBC brake parts, despite compatibility checks.
In conclusion, your choice between Duralast and EBC will largely depend on your specific needs and the model of your vehicle.
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⁾ | EBC Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 | EBC RK Series Premium Plain 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors go from $58.19 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 | EBC Fully-Floating Slotted 2-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,581.80 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Duralast and EBC below:
| Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | EBC Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 | EBC Ultimax2 OEM Replacement Rear Brake Pads go from $31.67 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 | EBC RP-X Racing Front Brake Pads go for $438.72 |
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 |
EBC
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ EBC brake pads and rotors are often recommended for their solid performance | ❌ Some users have reported that EBC brake pads produce a lot of dust and noise |
| ✔ Range of options | |
| ✔ Good value |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the feedback, both Duralast and EBC have their strengths and weaknesses.
However, due to a slightly higher consistency in performance feedback and a wider range of options, EBC edges out Duralast.
Despite the occasional issue of dust and noise, EBC’s solid performance and good value make it the overall better pick in this comparison.
