WinmaX: The Japanese Braking Secret Trusted by Champions

When it comes to brake pads in performance and motorsport markets, the debate usually revolves around bite, fade, feel, and durability. But there’s one name consistently winning trust in everything from grassroots time attack to World Rally stages and now, even Aston Martin GTs: WinmaX.

For teams and drivers chasing reliability, performance, and pedigree — WinmaX deserves consideration.

Who is WinmaX?

WinmaX is Japan’s longest-standing dedicated motorsport brake pad brand. Launched in 1984 as a high-performance division of MK Kashiyama Corp, WinmaX was designed from the start for motorsport and performance use. Unlike many brake pad brands that bolt on a racing line as an afterthought, WinmaX was born fit for purpose.

What makes them different? They design, test, and manufacture every pad in-house at their Japanese plant — the same way they’ve done it for decades. No outsourcing. No relabelling. Just obsessively engineered friction materials proven at every level of competition.

Why WinmaX?

Motorsport isn’t just about speed — it’s about control. Your brake pads are the first and last line of defence between you and the tyre wall. Here’s why WinmaX stands out:

• ✅ Made in Japan, Built for Performance
  Full in-house R&D, compounding, and production = unmatched quality control.
• ✅ Proven in Global Motorsport
  Used in WRC, TCR, GT3, Dakar, Drift, and more.
• ✅ Massive Compound Range
  From low-noise street pads to full metallic race-only options, WinmaX gives drivers precision control over their braking setup.
• ✅ Disc-Friendly Compounds
  Engineered to minimise rotor wear while maintaining performance — especially important for endurance racers and high-end builds.
• ✅ Backed by Pros
  Champions like Dani Sordo, Hayden Paddon, and now Aston Martin GT teams rely on WinmaX under pressure.

PRODUCTS SUMMARY:

Winmax BF-1 Brake Fluid

Dot 5.1 OEM upgrade brake fluid for performance minded drivers and perfect for performance and track use.

• Dry Boiling Point: 338°C / 640°F
• Wet Boiling Point: 212°C / 413°F

1. Consistent brake pedal
2. Very high resistance to boiling
3. New manufacturing method meaning lower rate of moisture absorption.
4. Longer service life than other race fluids.
5. Fantastic all round brake fluid

WINMAX W1 Brake Pads - Performance pads, not track pads.

Compound: Non-metal, organic
Friction: 0.29 – 0.32 
Temp range: 0 – 450degC

OEM upgrade brake pads for performance minded drivers.

WinmaX W1 brake pads are an organic based material suitable for performance street use. Low dust, Low noise properties make this pad popular for those looking to upgrade standard brake pads for something with some more oomph!

WINMAX W3 Brake Pads - Performance pads, low level Motorsport.

Compound: Semi-metallic
Friction: 0.34 – 0.37µ
Temp range: 0 – 600degC

Extreme Performance Street / Trackday Pad

By far the most popular high performance cross-over brake pad on today's market, WinmaX W3 brake pads are a semi-steel-based compound suitable for regular high-performance driving and club level competition such as track day, drag, hill runs and more. Semi-metallic properties mean this pad is popular for those looking to upgrade to exceptional performance without compromising too much comfort. A high initial bite from low temperatures right through to 650? gives your car next-level performance and feel on the street and the track.

WINMAX W4 Brake Pads - Low-Mid level motorsport

Compound: Semi Metallic
Friction: 0.37 – 0.40µ 
Temp range: 50 – 700degC

Track and enthusiast racing.

Ideal for small to medium track cars

WinmaX W4 brake pads are a semi-steel based compound suitable for track use in low to mid level competition environments. Used in racing conditions by small cars and heavier cars doing limited laps. W4 is ideal for the track enthusiast wanting bang for bucks!

Note, W4 is not stocked in many shapes and mainly used in Hyundai Excel X3 Racing. Other than this application, W4 is generally special order only.

WINMAX W5 Brake Pads - Performance upgrade brake pads for trackday / sprint racing.

Compound: Semi Metallic
Friction: 0.40 – 0.43µ 
Temp range: 100 – 750degC

Competition, Performance pads, ok but not ideal on the street.

Made with high-steel ingredients but perfectly balanced for club level circuit racing and rally, W5 is the choice for seasoned track enthusiasts who race at the budget level. WinmaX W5 has become a very popular compound due to its ease of use, great cost vs performance and excellent wear rate. Recommended for drivers whose focus is lap times and not street driving.

WINMAX W6.5 Brake Pads - Motorsport pads, Tarmac and Gravel.

Compound: Semi-metallic
Friction: 0.47 – 0.50µ
Temp range: 50 – 800degC

Competition brake pads for rally, sprint and hillclimb

The WinmaX W6.5 compound was developed by taking the very best charateristics from the original W7 compound to create a pad that is long lasting, has mid-high friction and works from very low right through to extreme temperatures around 800?. This compound is extremely consistent throughout the temperature range offering the driver repeatable brake pedal performance and confidence. W6.5 is a common choice amongst prefessional race and rally teams.

WINMAX W7 Brake Pads - Competition only Brake Pads

Compound: Metallic
Friction: 0.48 - 0.53µ
Temp range: 100 - 850degC

Semi-Professional motorsport use only

Professional class brake pads that have the highest heat tolerance and effectiveness in the WinmaX range as well as break-neck coefficient of friction stopping power. These pads are designed to work with competition vehicles with the booster removed. W7 is a circuit racing brake pad that once some initial temperature is introduced, works right through to very high temperatures. A good pre-bedding procedure and correct temperature window is needed for maximum efficiency. Higher pad wear than W6.5 compound.

Who Else Trusts WinmaX?

• Dani Sordo (WRC)
• Hayden Paddon (Rally NZ/Asia-Pacific)
• Comtoyou Racing (Aston Martin GT3)
• TCR / WTCR teams in Europe & Asia
• Drift & Gymkhana champions in Japan/D1
• Hundreds of club racers, track day legends, and hillclimb heroes worldwide

Quick Tips for AASA Drivers

• Bed-In Matters – Always follow compound-specific procedures.
• Don’t Over-Spec – Race pads on the street = noise, cold fade, rotor damage.
• Pad/Rotor Matching – Always confirm compound compatibility.
• Street ≠ Track ≠ Enduro – Pick pads for your actual use case, not just what sounds cool.