Choosing the best brake pads for cross-country (XC) mountain biking is essential for balancing stopping power, modulation, durability, and the ability to handle varying conditions. Brake pads come in different compounds that affect performance in dry, wet, and muddy conditions, as well as the overall feel and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the best pads for XC riding, focusing on the two main types: **organic** and **metallic**.

#### Features of Organic Pads:
- Made from materials like rubber, Kevlar, and carbon.
- Tend to wear faster than metallic pads but provide more consistent performance in dry conditions.
- Offer smooth modulation, meaning the braking power is easier to control gradually.
- Quieter than metallic pads.
  
#### Pros:
- **Better Modulation**: More predictable and smoother braking performance, ideal for technical XC trails.
- **Quieter**: Organic pads make less noise than metallic pads, especially in dry conditions.
- **Gentler on Rotors**: These pads cause less rotor wear, extending the life of your braking components.

#### Cons:
- **Faster Wear**: They wear out quicker, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
- **Not Ideal for Wet Conditions**: Their performance can suffer in wet, muddy, or aggressive conditions as they tend to lose stopping power when wet.
  
#### Best Organic Pads for XC:
- **Shimano J02A Resin**: Great stopping power with cooling fins to reduce heat buildup, improving performance over long descents.
- **SRAM Guide/Level Organic Pads**: Known for good modulation and lightweight construction, perfect for XC riding.
- **Jagwire Sport Organic Pads**: An affordable option that offers reliable braking and smooth performance, great for dry conditions.

### 2. **Metallic (Sintered) Brake Pads**
  
**Best For**: Wet, muddy conditions, and riders needing more powerful braking and durability.

#### Features of Metallic Pads:
- Made from hardened metallic compounds fused together under high pressure.
- Known for their durability and consistent performance in harsh conditions like rain, mud, and heat.
- Offer more raw stopping power but can feel more abrupt compared to organic pads.

#### Pros:
- **Durability**: Last much longer than organic pads, even in challenging conditions.
- **Better for Wet or Muddy Conditions**: Metallic pads maintain performance in wet and muddy conditions, making them ideal for all-weather XC rides.
- **Heat Resistance**: Better at dissipating heat, so they perform well during long descents without fading.

#### Cons:
- **Harsher Modulation**: Metallic pads tend to offer less smooth modulation, which can feel more abrupt, especially on technical trails.
- **Noisier**: They can be noisier, particularly when wet.
- **Rotor Wear**: Tend to wear down rotors faster than organic pads.

#### Best Metallic Pads for XC:
- **Shimano J04C Metallic**: Features Ice-Tech cooling fins for improved heat management and outstanding performance in wet conditions.
- **SRAM Guide/Level Sintered Pads**: A high-performance pad offering excellent stopping power and durability in tough conditions.
- **SwissStop Disc 33 RS Sintered**: Renowned for consistent performance across all conditions, with great heat management.

### 3. **Semi-Metallic Brake Pads**
  
**Best For**: A middle-ground option for those wanting a balance of the benefits of both organic and metallic pads.

#### Features of Semi-Metallic Pads:
- Blend of organic and metallic materials.
- Offer better durability than organic pads while providing smoother modulation than full metallic pads.
- A good compromise for riders who want versatile performance.

#### Pros:
- **Balanced Modulation and Power**: Smoother than full metallic pads, but more powerful than organic pads.
- **Good Durability**: More durable than organic pads without being as aggressive as full metallic ones.
- **Versatile for Mixed Conditions**: Performs well across a variety of conditions, from dry to wet.

#### Cons:
- **Not the Best in Extreme Conditions**: Semi-metallic pads are a good middle-ground but won’t outperform organic pads in dry conditions or metallic pads in wet ones.
  
#### Best Semi-Metallic Pads for XC:
- **Jagwire Pro Semi-Metallic**: Offers a good blend of stopping power, durability, and modulation, suitable for all-around XC use.
- **TRP Semi-Metallic Pads**: Known for smooth performance with a balance between power and control.
  
### Conclusion: Which Pads Should You Choose for XC?

- **Dry and Mild Conditions**: Organic pads are generally the best choice. They provide excellent modulation, are quieter, and are gentler on rotors. Shimano J02A Resin or SRAM Guide Organic are top picks.
- **Wet, Muddy, or Aggressive Riding**: Metallic pads perform better in adverse conditions and are more durable, though they may be noisier and wear rotors faster. Shimano J04C Metallic and SRAM Guide Sintered are excellent options.
- **Balanced Performance**: If you want the best of both worlds, semi-metallic pads like Jagwire Pro Semi-Metallic are a solid choice for a wide range of XC riding conditions.

Choose based on the conditions you ride in most often, and consider carrying an extra set of pads for changes in weather or terrain!