I've run about every tire that comes in a 225/50/15, and haven't found enough difference to necessitate a pad change. This last season, I've moved to a DTC-60 front, and Blue rear. It requires significantly less pedal pressure than my old Blue front/HP+ rear, though both worked well. I've used the DTC70/60 combo, and that works well when hot, but it's more pad than we need for our lightweight cars, and can be a bit slow to warm up, especially when it's cool. The RA-1 has pretty good braking grip, and is not that much different from the RR in that regard. The big difference is in turn in, and cornering grip.