Welcome to the ultimate showdown between the giants of the braking world: PowerStop vs Raybestos.
In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll assess their performance, quality, and pricing, dissecting their pros and cons.
Join me as we put the pedal to the metal, and determine which brand truly stops the competition in its tracks!
PowerStop vs Raybestos – Brand Comparison Table
| PowerStop | Raybestos | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1995 | 1902 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, Canada, China | mostly in China |
| Founder | Arvin Scott | Arthur H. Raymond and Arthur F. Law |
| Parent | TSG Consumer Partners | Brake Parts Inc |
| Overall Quality | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality | high-quality with good friction rating |
PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated vs Raybestos Element3 Premium Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated 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:
| PowerStop | Raybestos | |
| Series | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated | Element3 Premium Coated |
| Material | Cast Iron | High Carbon |
| Coating | Zinc coated | Grey fusion 4.0 zinc coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | OEM vane configuration and weight | Original equipment design, vane configuration, and weight |
| Performance | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced | Unmatched stopping power, corrosion and rust-resistant finish, reduced brake fade for high performance |
| Price | $60.00 – $1124.00 | $19.00 – $307.00 |
| Warranty | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles of use | 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) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
PowerStop Z16 Clean Ride 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:
| PowerStop | Raybestos | |
| Series | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic | E3 Performance |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic, Organic |
| Performance | Power Stop Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic Brake pads feature Evolution ceramic with a low dust formula, delivering superior braking power while keeping your wheels cleaner. The pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a quick break-in process. | 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 | $17.34 – $77.96 | $14.00 – $53.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for 90 days from the purchase date or 3,000 miles of use | 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
I’ve been looking into two popular brake part brands, PowerStop and Raybestos, to compare their performance and quality based on customer reviews and experiences. Here’s what I found:
PowerStop
- PowerStop brake parts have received both positive and negative reviews. They are praised for stopping well and producing zero dust.
- A customer on Reddit had a positive experience with their set of front calipers, pads, and rotors.
- However, there are reports of some PowerStop brake parts making a strange clicking noise that worsens during braking.
- One Reddit user suggested that Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brake parts might last longer and perform better.
Raybestos
- Raybestos brake parts are generally recommended by users, with products such as their coated rotors and Centric Posi Quiet ceramic pads gaining approval.
- Despite the company moving production overseas, users still hope for maintained high-quality control.
- A user noted that Raybestos Element3/EHT brake pads offer a better bite and a more even range as they warm up, performing well on various vehicles.
- Raybestos is recognized as a reliable brand for reasonably priced, well-known brake pads and rotors.
In summary, both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them might come down to personal preference or specific needs.
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:
| PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Raybestos Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 | Raybestos R-Line™ Brake Rotor goes from $14.74 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,240.35 | Raybestos Specialty Street Performance Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotor goes for $236.02 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for PowerStop and Raybestos below:
| PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Raybestos Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 | Raybestos R-Line Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $14.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Power Stop Track Day Spec Advanced Front Brake Pads go for $209.14 | 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.
PowerStop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for the price | ❌ Users are reporting annoying squeaking or grinding noises that can come from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Availability | |
| ✔ Easy installation |
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?
Considering all the feedback, I’d lean towards Raybestos.
While both PowerStop and Raybestos have had some noise complaints, users seem to report a more consistent performance and quality with Raybestos.
Additionally, Raybestos is often listed alongside other well-known brands, suggesting it’s a reliable choice.
Therefore, Raybestos seems to come out slightly ahead in this comparison.