Looking to replace the OEM pads with something low dusting (ceramic). Any preferences between makes? Looking at Akebono, EBC, Centric, or Hawk. They all seem to be in the $70-80 range.

 

I just put the Hawk ceramics in about 1200 miles ago and so far they have been great. Much cleaner than the el-cheapo pads the dealer put on and quieter too. The grap is a little less aggressive, but just fine once they're HOT.

I can't say these are the "best", but tirerack.com has a comparison of different attributes for several brands that you may want to check out for reference...

 

You are correct in that ceramic pads do not 'grab' as an organic pad does. They work very well for auto crossing but for city driving they leave something to be desired. I have used them for years and in fact had a set on my old c70 but have since changed back to 'factory' pads with their attendant 'dust' problems. You can always go to semi metallic pads as they do bite quite soon and do not need to be heated up as the ceramic pads do although there is some rotor issues that you have to deal with.

r.