Hand Brake 

A hand brake is usually a lever that puts pressure or friction on the tires allowing you to stop. These can be direct acting or cable acting. These are in no way ideal for off road conditions they get caught on things and are the least favorable type of braking system.

Petal Flap Brakes 

These brakes are not the best type available. There performance depends a lot on the conditions they will be used in. Wet conditions are unfavorable for these brakes because they tend to slip.

Disk Brakes 

Disk brakes are by far the most favorable type of brake system there is. The disk break will not slip in water or mess up in sand. They can be either fluid controlled or cable controlled. For a go cart both are pretty effective.