New brake pads don't stop that well

[withiniswithout]

I had Ashima semi-metalic AD0102-SM-S pads installed front and rear. Brake system is Shimano Deore BR-M6000. Pads are not near as grippy as the old. In fact they feel about like the old ones did when they were worn down to the nub. I need to squeeze the brake handles pretty hard to get the bike to stop quickly and firmly. Also, on the disc there was a slight brown sheen which I wiped off with a clean cloth.

Is this "normal" for semi-metalic pads?

 

[indianajo]

I sold off a pickup because it had semi-metallic fronts & asbestos rear shoes. Would spin without hesitation when braking in the rain. The new owner told me about the solution years later.
It is hard to buy non semi-metallic pads. I found some on ebay for the shimano pattern, but among the hundreds of pads at pro shops like modernbike.com there is no material description. (or dimensions either, which is why I bought ebay. $8 wasted is not as bad as $10 for modern pads plus a $8 box to mail them in).
Asbestos went the way of the passenger pidgeon. I think the new grippy compound is called organic or something. Like I say the ebay specials had no description, just a big picture.

 

[TimJohn]

Is there any chance that the disc pads got contaminated with something? If you had to wipe off a brown substance did it get better? I would tempted to get some brake cleaner and using a paper wipe, spray some on the wipe and clean the disc surface. I replaced my disc pads with a non Shimano part from AHL semi metallic and they are great. Good stopping power.

 

[withiniswithout]

I've got to take the bike in for some fine-tuning. Gears are jumping and shifting by themselves. I wiped down the discs and they're ok. Part of the issue the brake handles need adjusted.

 

[TAZMANIMAN]

Loosen the caliper mounts, squeeze and hold the brake lever while you tighten the caliper back down. This should center the caliper and improve the braking.

 

[Alaskan]

New brake pads will feel mushy in less effective when first installed. Brakes need to be worn in by going down a steep hill and pulsing the brakes multiple times. Get going fast, slow down hard for two seconds, release the brake lever, repeat six or seven times.

 

[withiniswithout]

Thanks for the reply. Good suggestion.