Good cheap pads for Reynolds carbon wheels

[Azra]

I have a pair of PowerTap AMP35 carbon wheels (made by Reynolds). They came with Reynolds Cryo-Blue pads.

My problem is that those pads wear out fast and cost a small freaking fortune. Reynolds sells them for $35 on their website and they also have Cryo-Blue Power pads which are allegedly better but cost a shocking $85. And those pads are not much cheaper from various online stores.

After some research I’ve found two alternatives:

LifeLine Performance - $5
http://www.wiggle.com/lifeline-performance-carbon-road-brake-inserts-pack-of-4/

Pro Lite Cistella - $9
http://www.wiggle.com/pro-lite-cistella-inserts-for-carbon-rims-4-pack/

So I have a few questions, the first is really newbie:

1. Does the color of those pads mean anything? Do I have to look for blue pads or can I go with some other color, like black for instance (SwissStop Black Prince) or yellow or whatever?

2. Are either the LifeLine Performance or Pro Lite Cistella good choices? I need good braking but not so good as to pay $85 to Reynolds. Also, for what it’s worth, I live in SoCal so rain is not a problem.

3. I know I will void the warranty on my wheels if I use 3rd party pads, but do I need to worry about that? I mean, how would PowerTap know if I used Reynolds or LifeLine pads?

Thanks!

[Marin]

I don't have Reynolds rims, but I used to run their pads on my 3 pairs of carbon clinchers.

I now run Lifeline blue and can't tell a difference. I just bought 4 new sets.

[Azra]

Thank you Martin! I'm gonna order a set.