My data point for KS salmon performance versus black (probably standard Shimano black pads, certainly not KS black) was when my son took his first ride on a drop bar bike (with dual pivot calipers) with me. We live pretty high up in Seattle, and our typical departure route from home includes a block-long 10% grade with a stop sign at the bottom. We were going slowly, but he barely was able to come to a stop at the bottom. Yes, we had taught him how to brake from the drops and had previously practiced on the level street in front of the house.

That night I switched the pads to KS salmons. Next day, same route, and he was easily able to stop at the same location.

As far as salmon pad squeal, I don’t have any problem with it (and really dislike squealing brakes!) on multiple dual pivots or my braze-on Gran Compe centerpull, and don’t take any special measures, like tweaking toe-in, bending arms, etc. I was contrasting my experience with the statement that salmon pads “have to keep chasing after them to de-squeak them every few weeks.”

Glad you like your black ones. I like my salmons. We can agree that KS makes excellent pads.