Steel pads? octane? DX? WHAT TO BUY?!?!

[Locotoxico]

I'm in a DDR rut. I have two of the cheapest pads available, not to mention they don't even match. One has a rubber cover, like the refrigerator stickers........
I've decided to upgrade, now that I am progressing, but i don't know what to buy. I have about $300 i can spend, so money isn't a problem.
I have been doing research and i see two pads that look VERY good:
the 4-inch thick steel pad with lucite arrows and a trick bar on ebay for $150

Also the 1.5 inch thick steel pad with no trick bar on ebay for $99

First off, which of these is the best pad(taking into account reliability and similarity to the arcade experience) and also where is the best place to buy it(taking into account NOT GETTING RIPPED OFF)

Also, please feel free to add any other pads that you deem are the "best pads around"

[josh loves macho gang]

since you have $300 you may wanna check this puppy out http://www.cobaltflux.com/

[FDM_]

http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=56040&start=0
Go look here to see what kind of metal mat that fits your interest.

[Spike]

http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=37

An entire forum.
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