I bought a new set of Reynolds Assault wheels about 3 years ago and they came with the blue pads. They worked fine - decent stopping power when dry. Not really ideal for wet. Since I try not to ride when it's wet, it's not a big issue. Once they needed replacement, I bought a new set of Reynolds cryo blue pads and they were not the same! I hated them! They must've changed the formula because there was almost no modulations - it's either on or off. So I got a set of Black Prince on right now and the modulation is so much better. Stopping power is very good, even better than the original blue set. And yes, they do wear pretty quickly. When I need new pads again, I will give the Yellow King a try.