Mountain Biking - Do different rotors offer different stopping power?

Apart from the size of the rotor, are there some rotor models that have better stopping power than others for the same brake?

I'm looking to replace the stock 160mm roundagon rotors on my Avid BB7's, and I'm wondering what I should get to replace them. I'd like something that makes less noise, and if I can get something that has better stopping power that would be great. Lighter and better looking would be nice too, but obviously less important.

I see that Avid claims that their G3 rotors have improved stopping power, but I don't know how much to trust the marketing. I've also seen some hints that people had problems with these rotors with BB7 brakes.

Any guidance?

Bigger = better

Bigger = better

Yeah, I realize that, but I was wondering if there are differences between rotors of the same size.

Your biggest difference in braking power for rotors of the same size will not be rotors. It will be the pads that will work better or worse for any given setup.

Organic/resin pads have best stopping power and are quietest but they heat up and fade. They also wear out the fastest. Organic pads also suck when wet and destroy themselves at the first splash of water. Not for drippy climes.

Semi metallic pads last longer than organics and will last longer after getting wet. Downside is that they cost more and aren't compatible with all rotors (some Shimano rotors are Resin only). They are a bit noisier when dusty or gritty and can score the rotor. Braking power is good and heat tolerance is better than organic pads.

Metallic pads are noisy but can take the heat if the brake fluid can. They don't care about water or much else. Last a long time but are expensive. They will wear your rotors the fastest as well.

There are ceramic pads but I don't know where they fit in the above general information that I've gleaned in the last few days as I am on the hunt for new rotors and pads for my bike.

Titanium rotors will offer exceptional stopping power, but you may not appreciate how quickly they can wear a set of pads.

Titanium rotors will offer exceptional stopping power, but you may not appreciate how quickly they can wear a set of pads.

Yeah, when they gall and seize you get instant, over-the-bars stops. Not much controllability, but DAYUM! them puppies can sure lock up.

Yeah, when they gall and seize you get instant, over-the-bars stops. Not much controllability, but DAYUM! them puppies can sure lock up.

They worked great on our tandem. For a while.

By the way, nice to see someone from VTA on the forums. I can claim the Ventura side of Westlake as a prior home.

What kind of pads are compatable with shimano XT rotors , when my stock avid bb7s wear out ?

From what I've been able to figure out, unless you have the "resin only" rotors (they say "resin only" right on them) you can use any organic, semi-metallic, or metal pad on Steel or Stainless Steel rotors. Which pad depends on what you need out of your brakes for your riding style and the elements of Ma Nature in your neck of the woods.

So, Brian, what trails are you riding on now?