Do I really NEED a Metal Pad???

[supersportsguy]

I have thought of buying a metal pad for quite some time now to get the arcade feel after my Mad Catz pad died on me. After readin some reviews on the forums I heard of pads dying, screws loose, and soft foam pads "warping". This turned me off of ordering one. But am I just overreacting? I read that some ppl go like 9-10 footers on this thing. Is this the average use? If thats the case mine should last for years then.

I've been playing DDR for about 6 months and have stopped because of my crappy pad. I have a PS2 and play about light to medium, usually no more then 7 footers. So will my pad die on my or "break" for how much I use it? Will I have the same problems as u guys? I only would use it for 1 hour a day. Would a soft pad be a better way to go finacially for how much i use it? All input welcome, THANX!

[tepp]

Soft pads die.

Metal pads die.

Metal pads, in general, outlast soft pads.

The Cobalt Flux is the best in reliablity for a metal pad. But it costs the most (300$). The Afterburner is brand new, but mine had an up arrow die within 6 weeks. Nobody else seems to be having afterburner arrow issues, so mine could be a fluke.

The RedOctane Ignition 3.0 is the best for a soft pad. But some die quickly. Soft pads, in general, are more vulnerable to being destroyed. It's because the soft meshes inside the pads can be torn easily by a shoe, or by bending the pad, placing something sharp on it, or just wearing it through by dancing lots on it. I've gone through 3 soft pads myself, #4 is acting flakey.

If you really want a pad which will last, get a flux. The Flux owners seem to complain the least about hardware issues.... but the Flux does not (yet) natively support XBOX, and does not (yet) have recessed arrows. But, it seems to last for ages and ages with hard abuse.

Never assume you will be "the lucky one" who gets a pad and it works forever. I mean, it's great if you are. But just assume you won't. Which is another reason I'd recommend getting a pad with a long warranty on it. The flux has a 6 month warranty. The afterburner has a 3 month warranty. Soft pads from RO have a 2 month warranty if you buy directly from RO. If you buy it from bestbuy, they have a 14 day warranty. Not good.

[Sinistar]

[supersportsguy]

yes, colblt fluxes sound nice but I'm not that hardcore to need a pad like that. Let me remind you that I am just begining to concer standard and will be usin socks on soft pads. Will other pads work for how little use and steps I will be preforming?

[Natural Killer]

I bought an Ignition 2.0 a while back when I only played on Standard and it worked perfectly. It's still lasting and now I play 10 footers so as long as you take good care of it, I don't see how you can go wrong. Also, some people think that shoes are ok on softpads... but if you want it to last then I recommend just socks.

[fenwick]

[Super_Trooper]

On the topic of warranties: EBGames gave me a 1 year warranty on my MadCatz Beat Pad, so if any of the arrows stop working, and/or the pad rips, you can take it back and get a new one. Sweet.

[Kvalhion]

[phonyreal]