I have an '06 350z GT (Grand Touring) Coupe that came with Brembo pads/calipers/rotors. I noticed that Monroe and severral others have pads available. Monroe even has ceramics available. can anyone tell me the difference between all these manufacturers and materials? and which are the best to go with?

you want someone to do the research for you?
sure i'll just look up the 300+ manufacturers of brake pads and i'll go rent a track and a car and do all the testing for you. I'll swap out pads left and right just so you know which ones to buy.
does that sound realistic to you?
the best ones to go with are the ones you can afford and whatever brand you decide to put your trust in. i'm sure which ever brand you choose will stop your car. of that i'm sure of, if not you got a nice fat lawsuit on your hands and then you'd be able to afford a ferrari instead of a nissan lol.
just go with what you think is good, i'm sure you won't be too disappointed.

Just dont get ****ing duralast. They suck ******* & the fade like craaaaazy & make boatloads of dust & I cant get them to stop squeaking. Next time I get brakes, I definately getting an aftermarket pad.

Do you have the shims installed?

EBC greens , red if you autocross and do track events .

HAWK HPS