one more thing...
Is it worth going up to Ceramic pads, they're on sale right now.
Not from personal experience, but from what I read the ceramics are hard on the rotors.
Haven't really seem them listed on this site, but Carquest Golds get a lot of good review on another forum I read.
When I replace the pads I will probably go with stock (which provide great wear) or the Carquest Golds.
I have ceramics on my outback, they don't seem to be wearing the rotor any faster than any other brakes... this might come from the fact that most cars equipped with ceramic brakes were "high performance" and driven harder than normal??
One question, or consideration... are the Ceramics stock on the Outback? i. e. are the rotors designed (harder metal?!?) for ceramic pads?
I haven't had to change yet so haven't faced the price question yet, once I get some prices when it is time to change it will go a long way towards my decision.
If you want it to stop like new use factory. They 'are'designed for the truck and do a wonderful job.
Reading the original post with all the names and brands thrown out there I was thinking the same thing. Why experiment when its obvious what works good.