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A basic rotor that's affordable, easier to find, and works very well, are the SRAM HS2 rotors.

If money/ weight is less of a concern, the Magura MDR-P rotors are pretty dope. I have these on order for my e-bike currently.

Weight weenie trail rotors that work well at a fair price are the Galfer Wave's V2. I'll get this next time my trail bike is due for brakes.

Notice that none of the rotors I choose, are thin rotors, as I find they just don't work.

For me, rotors are a wearable and get replaced with pads. It's not cause I'm so shreddy or anything, it's simply because I suck at bleeding brakes and usually contaminate everything.
 
Round. Square and triangle are not as good.
I've found this to be true.

A basic rotor that's affordable, easier to find, and works very well, are the SRAM HS2 rotors.

If money/ weight is less of a concern, the Magura MDR-P rotors are pretty dope. I have these on order for my e-bike currently.

Weight weenie trail rotors that work well at a fair price are the Galfer Wave's V2. I'll get this next time my trail bike is due for brakes.

Notice that none of the rotors I choose, are thin rotors, as I find they just don't work.

For me, rotors are a wearable and get replaced with pads. It's not cause I'm so shreddy or anything, it's simply because I suck at bleeding brakes and usually contaminate everything.
I have been happy with the Galfer waves I have.

The worst rotors I've tried so far were the Shimano RT66's. Started very out of true (although thats pretty common I've found), surface was crappy, brakes were noisy no matter what I did with the pads. Tossed them for the waves, and the problems immediately disappeared.
 
what is best rotors that will work with most brakes?
How do you ride? Aggressive? mellow?
what is your weight? 150lbs? 250lbs?
What style of riding do you do ? xc? dh? enduro?
do you like strong bite or more modulation?
What brakes are you currently running? trp evo = 2.3mm, Shimano = 1.8mm,shram = 2.0mm
what size rotors are you currently running and why arnt they working for you ?

With these answers we can help you with what would be a good choice of rotors for your needs.
 
If I need more heat capacity, I tend to go for thicker rotor first before up sizing rotor diameter.

bigger diameter: better heat capacity and less force needed from finger. But it is harder to keep rotor straight/not rub.

thicker rotor: better heat capacity and significantly easier to keep it straight. It can run to a higher temperature without warping. But there is no change in braking power from thick vs thin rotor. However, I don't find myself lacking the braking force anyway. I can always pull harder.


diameter and thickness, From XC to trail IMO:
160 1.8 -> 160 2.0 -> 180 2.0 -> 180 2.3 -> 203 2.3
Something like 203mm diameter with only 1.8mm thick is to be avoided IMO.
 
I guess if you are top level rider and able to distinguish between a good OEM rotor vs. a very expensive rotor AND it makes you faster then by all means. I’ve noticed quite a few Pro Cup downhill guys running standard OEM rotors on their bikes including ones Japan used to make but now outsources to china. I’m sure they run them because they are a sponsor but it doesn’t seem to hold them back As far as performance.
 
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