Short answer: all four ABSOLUTE FIN.TECH disc brake pads use the same resin (organic) Dry Standard compound with the same heat-dissipating FIN.TECH design. They differ only in which brake caliper they fit. Pick by your brake system:
- SRAM / Avid → AB-D201-P
- Shimano road disc → AB-D017-P
- Shimano MTB, 2-piston → AB-D016-P
- Shimano MTB, 4-piston → AB-D015-P
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Fits (brake system) | Shimano pad type replaced | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB-D201-P | SRAM Level TL/T/Level, XX, XO; AVID Elixir 9/5/3/1/CR/R | — | $45.00 |
| AB-D017-P | Shimano road: Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, GRX, RS-series | K03S, K02S, L03A, L02A, L04C | $45.00 |
| AB-D016-P | Shimano MTB 2-piston: XTR, XT, SLX, DEORE, ALFINE; FSA | G03A, G02A, G03S, J03A, J02A, J04C | $45.00 |
| AB-D015-P | Shimano MTB 4-piston: XTR M9120, XT M8120/M8020, SLX M7120, DEORE, SAINT, ZEE | N03A, D02S, H03A, H03C | $50.00 |
What is identical across all four
Every ABSOLUTE FIN.TECH pad in this range shares the same core: a resin (organic) Dry Standard compound with a higher resin ratio for quiet, smooth braking in dry conditions, plus the FIN.TECH heat-dissipation design that lowers operating temperature and reduces brake fade on long descents. Braking feel, material and technology are the same — only the caliper fitment changes.
How to choose the right pad
Step 1 — Identify your brake brand
If you run SRAM or Avid brakes, the AB-D201-P is the only pad in this range that fits. If you run Shimano, continue to step 2.
Step 2 — Road or MTB?
For Shimano road disc calipers (Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, GRX), choose the AB-D017-P.
Step 3 — Shimano MTB: 2-piston or 4-piston?
This is the most important distinction to get right. Shimano MTB brakes come in 2-piston and 4-piston calipers, and they use different pad shapes:
- 2-piston (e.g. XT M8100, SLX M7100, XTR M9000) → AB-D016-P
- 4-piston (e.g. XT M8120, SLX M7120, XTR M9120, SAINT, ZEE) → AB-D015-P
A quick way to tell: 4-piston Shimano model numbers in this range typically end in -M8120 / M7120 / M9120, while 2-piston end in -M8100 / M7100 / M9000. Always confirm against the full FIT list on the specific product page before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which ABSOLUTE brake pad fits my bike?
Match your brake caliper to the pad: SRAM/Avid brakes use the AB-D201-P; Shimano road brakes use the AB-D017-P; Shimano MTB 2-piston brakes use the AB-D016-P; Shimano MTB 4-piston brakes use the AB-D015-P. Confirm your exact caliper model against the full FIT list on that product's page before buying.
What is the difference between the four ABSOLUTE FIN.TECH pads?
Only the caliper compatibility. All four use the same resin Dry Standard compound and the same FIN.TECH heat-dissipation design, with the same braking feel. The AB-D201-P fits SRAM/Avid, the AB-D017-P fits Shimano road, the AB-D016-P fits Shimano MTB 2-piston, and the AB-D015-P fits Shimano MTB 4-piston.
Which pad do I need for Shimano 4-piston brakes?
The AB-D015-P. It fits Shimano 4-piston calipers including XTR M9120, XT M8120 and M8020, SLX M7120, DEORE M6120/MT420, SAINT M820/M810, ZEE M640 and MT520. Do not use the AB-D016-P, which is shaped for 2-piston calipers.
Are all four pads resin or metallic?
All four are resin (organic) pads, using ABSOLUTE's Dry Standard compound. They deliver smooth, quiet braking with a gentle initial bite and are best suited to dry conditions. None of them are sintered (metallic) pads.
Shop the range
- ABSOLUTE AB-D201-P — SRAM Level & Avid — $45.00
- ABSOLUTE AB-D017-P — Shimano Dura-Ace & Ultegra (road) — $45.00
- ABSOLUTE AB-D016-P — Shimano XTR/XT/SLX (MTB 2-piston) — $45.00
- ABSOLUTE AB-D015-P — Shimano 4-piston XT/XTR (MTB) — $50.00