Bicycle Mechanics - Replacement Rim Break Cartridge, What's Best???

Can someone set me straight on the best replacement rim break cartridge?

My rig's a 2003 Stumpjumper with the stock set up: Avid SD3 breaks, 20 R pads, and speed dial 5 levers hitting Mavic X221 rims.

Overall, the breaks perform OK, but the pads feel WAY too hard. I'm sure there's much better performance/feel to be had. I want a pad that's nice and SOFT, has tons of grab, is easy to modulate, and will perform in wet and dry conditions. I don't care if the pads are short-lived or dirty.

My question is which replacement cartridge/pad is the best match for me... Avid's Rim Wrangler 2, Kool-Stop, or something else?

Thanks,

Michael

Kool-Stop salmon brake pads. Best there is.

RichC

Thanks. Is this the one...

Kool Stop
Dura Holder Kit
$24.95


Kool Stop "Dura" Holder Kit


This new road shoe/holder system uses the Shimano style refills, fits all caliper brakes that use a threaded post. Kool Stop's Made-in-USA pad holder is similar to the Shimano Dura-Ace, only better. It features ball-and-socket mounting for greater angle djustability than any similar unit.
These come with dual-compound refills installed, and include a spare set of salmon refills.

$24.95/pair threaded only

no. that is for road brake shoes. get the kool stop eagle 2 (salmon). good pads right there.

I thought the Eagle 2 where for Canti's?

Webcyclery carries them..
http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/551/category_name/Brakes+Shoes+and+Pads/pg/product_detail.html

And here is Eagle 2 if I am wrong
http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/550/category_name/Brakes+Shoes+and+Pads/pg/product_detail.html

Kool stops should only be about 10 bucks a set. 20 bucks for the complete bike. They are the best. I use them for my road and mountain.

Bill F.

I have Kool Stops disc brake pads on my mtb and they are fantastic. I had them on my road bike and they were an immediate improvement over the stock pads.

Thanks guys. I got the Koolstop Thinline salmon and finally had a chance to put them on. MAJOR improvement. Soft, grabby, easy to modulate and overall great performance. Best $20 I ever spent. The Avid folks shoud take note on what a break pad should be. Install is no big deal. My only suggestion to Koolstop is have the whole shoe "curve" to the circumfrence of the wheel like Avid does.

Originally posted by Kev
I thought the Eagle 2 where for Canti's?

Webcyclery carries them..
http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/551/category_name/Brakes+Shoes+and+Pads/pg/product_detail.html

And here is Eagle 2 if I am wrong
http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/550/category_name/Brakes+Shoes+and+Pads/pg/product_detail.html
my bad. I have cantis...those are the ones I got. I forgot they are canti only. rats. I hate it when I screw up.