everywhere i looked online seem to be selling brakd pads at about $20 per caliper, except amazon, which has all 3 sets for $25 from unknown brands. anyone got a recommendation ?

 

Have you looked at Lyndall's or EBC's?

 

Brake pads are somewhat like tattoos;
Good ones aren't cheap and cheap ones aren't good.

 

I baught one of those sets of Kevlar pads on the cheap from amzon. I got good mileage out of them maybe 40k but not great performance and they put out alot of dust
Then i went with EBC double H sintered. They were ok lasted a little less than the cheap ones
Next i tried TRW premium ceramic and i liked those the best

All of these i found on Amazon.

 

EBC V-Pads are about $30/pair on eBay.

 

Consider here: