What's the pros and cons between the two??

I believe I have Semi-Metallic pads on my SUV and I just recently installed Ceramic pads on my Titan

Before my Titan had semi-metallic pads as I got a lot of brake dust..after a week or so of driving, my front wheels were nearly black. Then last thanksgiving I put on Ceramic pads, which produce no brake dust at all. But braking power SUCKS!

On my SUV, comming back from camping a couple days ago, goind down a steep grade needing to use my brakes constantly, I pretty much lost my whole braking system. No good, especially on a highway with other traffic, and loaded with cops to catch speeders, and no way to downshift like the Titans 1-4 gear options.

So what are the pros and cons for each pad? I'm about to just go to brakes plus and have all three trucks done at the same time..but I want to make sure my options are the best. Do it right the first time, save money later.

Any Automatic can be downshifted, just slow down first, then drop down a gear with the shifter to help limit the speed. Been done for years.

Ceramic last longer, creates less dust, but may brake less and wear out rotors faster.

Semi Metallic last less, creates more dust, brakes better for most, and wears rotors less.

Above are very general statements, results will vary, but is basically true. Semi Metallic is probably best braking, and best choice for most of us. Wheels are washable, and braking is more important.

But, I bought Ceramics. And Dimpled/Slotted Rotors.

Well in my SUV, I don't have the option to down shift lol All I got is OD, D, 1 ...and doing 50mph down a hill..I really don't want to slam it into 1st gear if ya know what I mean. Throwing it in D though, keeps me coasting down between 65-70 and in OD I'll coast down between 75-80 I assume.

Oh, yeah, a bit limited in selections. But use D, that will be safer than OD on the Downhill.

Trying 1st gear would only happen once. BOOM! Don't do that! :)

Yeah lol On the Dodge and Titan I have gear selections which is nice..

but I'm wondering, what's the best option for the best braking?? Should I just have semi-metalic put on all the trucks? Or Ceramic? Are my brakes failing because the fluid is getting too hot? Is that something I can see less with, with ceramic or semi metallic? lol so many options!

I hate ceramic pads. Had them on my old S-10 and hated them. Just put them on my Titan (because I had forgetten how much I hated them) and they are terrible. Definitely do not stop nearly as well.

For Street Use, Semi is better braking.