Kool-Stop's black and salmon pads are, indeed, different compounds. This is true for the entire line of KS pads, as they are offered in both compounds/colors in a wide variety of sets across their product line. The salmon compound is for "extreme" or "wetter" conditions, and that info is on most of KS's packaging for their conventional products. Since the Mafac and Campag pads don't come in printed blister packaging (production is to small) I called KS, just to verify, and they confirmed. They even got the guy on the phone that developed the compounds like 15 years ago to provide more technical info, but I didn't want get that deep right now.
As most of you now know, I did receive the preliminary samples, and they are even better than I anticipated. The only place the Kool-Stop logo appears in on the back of the pad, where it's buried in the holder. When they are installed they will look completely original. In comparison, the Campag replacement pads have "PREMIUM QUALITY" and "KOOL-STOP" on the top and bottom where Campag pads have "CAMPAGNOLO" and BREV. INTER." on them. Still great replacement pads for that app BTW.
The first shipment (to MPI) is in route, so I should have them soon. MSRP is $24.95. Please don't send any more "I want some" email for the moment, I couldn't keep track of what I've gotten already. I'll make an announcement when everything is in place about how to purchase. Please understand that pads will go to dealers first, and if you have a dealer you patronize, please ask them to contact MPI about these and support them! Still, I understand that's not applicable to all, so Velo Classique will mail-order retail them too. Be patient, they are almost here.
Wayne
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Wayne Bingham
Velo Classique
PO Box 2069
Purcellville, VA 20134 USA
540-338-8376
http://www.veloclassique.com
>>Todd Grantham wrote: Got my hands on one of the first sets out of the new
Mafac Replacement pads from Kool Stop. They come in Black and Salmon, I
chose the salmon, less original looking but great stopping compound.
>>>>My understanding is that the black and salmon are the same compound.
Phil Brown