I just bought a ZIPP 909 wheelset. I’d like to know–is it absolutely necessary that I get the ZIPP brake pads, or their Shimano equivalent? Obviously, I’d be an idiot if I destroyed my $1,500 wheelset because I was too cheap to shell out $40 for the right brakes. But I’m also wary of cycling companies’ marketing hype. I’m interested to hear the experiences of current ZIPP owners.
I’m not sure about the long term damage, but the braking is much better using the carbon pads, I use the shimano ones, there are quite a few different brands, doesn’t have to be Zipp pads.
you probably won’t destroy your rims but you’ll sure go through brake pads fast. any of the carbon pads will work including the cheaper kool-stop (the make the zipps) black pads. you’ll go through stock pads in ride or two with the carbon wheels
The Zipp pads are carbon/rubber. I like Kool Stop green pads on carbon rims, otherwise, I would get cork. Corl may wear through faster, but it is burn-resistant, and is probably the gentlest thing for your wheels.
I also own the 909 set - you will not be disappointed! You can use the standard brake blocks on Ultegra or Dura-Ace brake systems. They just wear a lot faster than the carbon version. I use the standard blocks - I try not to brake 
just slows you down! You will pay 3 times more for carbon blocks, IMO use the std ones and replace when needed. You will only use these wheels for racing anyway so you will limit the need for “special” blocks.
just my .02c
I’m using my standard shimano brake pads on my Zipps and find that they can grab too hard and lock up the wheels. Will the carbon blocks provide smoother (ie, non-grabbing) stopping?
don’t worry…you can use shimano pads…I have been for two seaosns. Not one once of damage.
I have used the Zipp/Koolstop on my Reynolds with good results. The problem with standard pads is they dont take a lot of heat before they start to melt which makes them grabby and also wears them down very quickly. Reynolds also advises using dedicated pads as the small pieces of aluminum from your training rims (look closely, they are there!) can cause damage to the rims. With modern cartridge pads it doesnt take that long to change the pads.
I run cork pads with my zipps, I also find that the shimano pads tend to get really grabby when you have to really get onto the brakes. After they get heated up, they are difficult to modulate. Plus after getting on the brakes hard, I can’t stand the smell of burning rubber, probably not a good sign eh?
In my experience the cork pads tend to be smoother and less grabby.
Thanks guys–just ordered the Kool Stop carbon brake pads from excelsports.com. $9.95 for a pair.
I should clarify, when I said I use the shimano pads, I meant their special ones for carbon rims.