I use and quite like the Sonus and the Meguiars pads although alot is trial and error as what works for me might not work for you and visa versa, here are the links for the pads i use

Sonus
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polish...ds/cat_13.html

Megs
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polish...ds/cat_23.html
Looking on the above looks like they have some new ones out.

I like the Menzerna Polishes as i normally detail VW's which have rock hard paintespecially my own car as i found out yesterday after having to wet sand with 2000grit to get some minor scratches out

Tim on CYC does a nice sampler pack of the Menzerna's
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polish.../prod_220.html

Power Gloss being the most aggressive (compound)
Then you have Intensive polish PO85RD 3.02
You will notice two Final finishes in that pack 106FF and 85RD
106FF is more aggressive than the 85RD, you would use the 85RD if you have already had to use the 3.02 beforehand.

If you go onto Polished Bliss they give alot more info on the polishes, this is for the 3.02 http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...02-polish.html

Obviously there are many polishes out there, i have used and quite like the Megs polishes also but prefer to use these with a dual action polisher as i find they dry out quite fast if used with the rotary.
Im looking into buying some 3M stuff next to try out.
Again like with pad choice it is all down to personal preference and trying new things

Here is a Chart of polishes listing abrasiveness, its quite old so not all are on there but it is useful still
http://www.dano.pocketrubbish.com/de...oductchart.htm

Hope this helps, lol