I did a little research and here is what I've come up with.
Dynamat Extreme:
Description: a viscoelastic elastomeric butyl and aluminum
constrained-layer vibrational damper.
Installation: no heat required
Odor: none
Price per sq. foot: $3.47 (based on price of $125/36ft)
Thickness: 1.14 mm (.0044 in.)
Mass: 0.45 lbs/sq.ft.
Acoustic Loss Factor (ASTM method E756@ 200 Hz):
0.240 @ +32F (+0C)
0.257 @ +50F (+10C)
0.417 @ +68F (+20C)
0.259 @ +86F (+30C)
0.194 @ +104F (+40C)
Brown Bread:
Description: a viscoelastic deadener with a supercharged
bitumen based adhesive, an aluminum constraining layer and
a unique composition with suspended mineral particles.
Installation: heat required
Odor: tar-like
Price per sq. foot: $2.14 (based on price of $150/70ft)
Thickness: 1.60 mm
Mass: 0.40 lbs/sq.ft.
Acoustic Loss Factor (ASTM method E756@ 200 Hz):
0.230 @ +32F (+0C)
0.260 @ +50F (+10C)
0.390 @ +68F (+20C)
0.320 @ +86F (+30C)
0.240 @ +104F (+40C)
B-Quiet Extreme:
Description: a thick composite mat which consists of rubberized
asphalt with an aluminum constraining layer.
Installation: ???
Odor: ???
PRice per sq.foot: $1.25 (based on price of $125/100ft)
Thickness: 1.15 mm
Mass: 0.30 lbs/sq.ft.
Acoustic Loss Factor (ASTM method E756@ 200 Hz):
0.160 @ +32F (+0C)
0.190 @ +50F (+10C)
0.290 @ +68F (+20C)
0.200 @ +86F (+30C)
0.140 @ +104F (+40C)
I searched for specs on RAAMmat, FatMat, RattleTrap, Thundermat, Cascade GatorSkin, and SecondSkin but could not find enough information about them (particularly the acoustic loss factor) for a fair comparison. Whenever possible I took data directly from the manufacturer's web site.
The data above shows that Dynamat Extreme is more expensive, heavier, and only deadens sound better than Brown Bread at its optimal temperature (~68F). It is easier to install, thinner, and leaves no odor.
Brown Bread on the other hand, is cheaper, lighter, and deadens sound well throughout a range of temperatures. It is, however, thicker, more difficult to install, and leaves a tar-like odor. I've also heard reports of the adhesive leaving a residue, and even loosening at higher temperatures.
The B-Quiet Extreme is obviously much cheaper, but also doesn't even compare to the other two in sound deadening ability.
The data would lead me to believe that the Brown Bread product is overall a better value, however, the odor and possible adhesion problems leave me a bit hesitant, so unfortunately I'm still undecided. What do you guys think about this?
What I've also come to realize is that all of these products are designed for vibration damping rather than sound damping. It seems to me that, although important, vibration damping is really only necessary in areas in the car that are subject to high vibration (such as behind speakers). Wouldn't it make more sense to cover the entire car with a sound deadening layer (like LComp,VComp, or Dynaliner) if my goal is better car audio sound and less outside noise?
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