Up until I put them on my '08 I was a fan of Hawk's street pads, HPS in particular. But on the S197, the HPS was a disappointment especially in terms of pedal feel and braking power relative to pedal force. Something to consider, is that on Tire Rack, Hawk's Perf Ceramics are rated lower than HPS for stopping power . . .

These days I'm running either Carbotech (1521/Bobcat) or G-loc (GS-1) for the two cars in my sig that do not see any track time. Track-rated compounds of XP or R designation on the Mustang. The improved bite is absolutely worth the higher price point. I think these are some sort of ceramic formulation, but they're more stopping-power oriented than most other ceramic pads (that are primarily sold on the basis of them being 'ceramics').


Norm

 

I'm very happy with the Hawk ceramic pads that I have at the front. The stopping power is very good, the pedal feel is progressive, they're pretty fade resistant, and there's virtually no dust.
The only downside is that they don't bite so well when very cold so they're not the best choice if you get Arctic weather.

 

Should't get any squealing with Akebono as long as they are installed correctly and the rotor is addressed according to its condition. Clacking in the caliper is because the sliding rails that hold the pad on the caliper bracket are loose and need replacing or the interface between the inner pad and the caliper piston isn't a good fit (loose).

The only real trade off with ceramics as Dino Dino and I already mentioned, less initial bite. Especially in cold weather. Here in Central AZ area we only see about a weeks worth of sub-zero temps. When it gets "cold" I just come up on the stop signs on the way out of my neighborhood a little slower to get them warmed up, then drive like usual.

During the summer it can reach up to 110F in the surrounding mountains so I have experienced some brake fade with the Akebono's when I push the car going through some windy mountain roads with lots of switch backs. For DD On the freeway and surface streets, no such issues even with temps hitting 118F. I'd look at my rotors before the pads to start with though because I'm on the OEM rotors.

 

I'm running Powerslot cryotreated front rotors with the Hawk ceramic pads. The rotors should last forever. My rear brakes are bone stock.

 

I run PowerStop brake pads and rotors. They work great and don;t leave brake dust all over your wheels.