Is there much difference between them all?
Does design of pad(contoured, 3 compound etc) make much difference?
Whats the best....actually works?
Massive difference!
Switching to the Green Swissstop's on my old mtb was totally different world of braking - the brakes worked perfectly in rain and mud (without the need of squeezing the brake lever into the handlebar with all four fingers!).
But they didn't stop the bike from being stolen...
Kool Stop Salmons are amazing too.
Yes ,choice of pads makes a huge difference as long as you have set them up properly .
Kool Stop every time, compound to suit conditions.
Kool Stop Salmons are amazing too.
Well, yes! And a bit cheaper too. But I found that they make every dog in a 2 miles radius barking and yelling shortly after you've reached the brakes lever... LOL
I use these Clarks ones, better than Shimano ones in the winter and a nice deal:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/clarks-55mm-caliper-brake-shoe/rp-prod55815
All round brake really. Its a commuter that gets abused