what pads to buy for community center

[J Dogg]

[Someone asked me to post this for him, so here it is... - J Dogg]

Hello,

I work for a Teen Center in Davis California and we are currently looking to purchase platforms/pads and the actual DDR game for the center. My problem is that I must decide(by the end of today) what exactley we should be buying. We were hoping to spend less than three hundred dollars for the whole set up(we already have the ps2). I am looking at two platforms currently(the links are below) but would love any additional comments/assistance. The only reason I am looking at these ones is that they seem as if they would be more durable(and that kids would think they look a little more "official") than the soft pads. I want to get the highest quality bang for the buck.

http://www.redoctane.com/psxdandanrev.html

http://store.yahoo.com/joyluckshop/ps2ddrmaxgam.html


Also, if anybody wants to confirm what games(discs) I should get that would also be helpfull. I was just going to start with DDR max. And I also heard that(and please don't shoot me for this) there is a britney spears rip off of the concept that would work with these pads. I would only buy it because I think that it would get a different crowd(i.e. more people who otherwise would not play) to start on that game and move over the the real thing. All helpfull thoughts are welcome.

Thanks.
Collin

p.s. we can't afford the cobalt flux....(yet!)
p.p.s incase you were wondering about the program I work for it is a city funded program that provides a FREE place for teens in the Davis California area to hang out along with low cost special events(hopefully that will soon include DDR tournaments using our stage, a wall, our video projector, p.a. system that we use for our dances, and our lighting system to achieve just the right ambiance.
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[Devil Warrior]

I dunno, but I would most definitally not want those hard plastic pads to play DDR on, I have heard NOTHING good about them at all. Perhaps others have, but I haven't.

[sommda]

If you want the best bang for the buck (and don't mind your setup looking slightly less "official"), I'd go for modded soft pads.

Two basic soft pads will run $30-$40 each, plus about $20-$30 per pad for modding materials (3x3 particle boards, hardwood floor covering, something to attach to the bottom of the pads to prevent slipping [depending on the surface you're on])

Modded soft pads are reasonably durable--I've had mine for over a year and my pads are still in top condition. I don't know how well they'll hold up to near constant use by a stream of kids who might not respect the pads very well but they'll certainly do much better than those plastic hard pads.

BTW, I started with Topway non-slip pads that I bought at Fry's for $40 each. Almost any basic (non-ignition) soft pad should do.

Look to the FAQ and the soft pad thread for all the info you need about modding the pads, and good luck!


PS. Britney's Dance Beat is a pretty lousy game. It has nice graphics, yes, but a total of 5 songs (well, 10 if you count the long versions of the same songs), and, being by Britney Spears, they all sound alike...

[eViL_bOrIs_Beethoven]

Go with the Cyphergames Ignition pads. Good, reliable pads for around $25 each. Best deal yer likely to find for such a great pad (I bought it with a metal pad, and the Ignition lasted longer).
STAY AWAY FROM THOSE PLASTIC PADS!!!
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www.gamehippo.com - Quite possibly the worlds largest source of freeware

[Blue Beefman]

tell him to buy home built pads from me
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He is the Painkiller

[Gogo]

I would not go with RedOctane. They have a tendancy to shaft tournaments that they are sponsoring. I've seen them give bad pads when claiming that they were sending the best pads they have. I've heard BNS makes thick pads. I'd go with two of those if I could find them. My friend has two BNS flat pads and those have held up REALLY well. There are probably a few other good ones out there. I'd make sure that any pads you buy have a "Dense insert", not just a flimsy floopy one.

DDR Max is defintly a good starter game. I've not played Britney's Dance Beat so I can't say if it's good game or not. What'd be really neat would be to get a Japanese PS2 and all three of the Max games (US Max, JP Max, JP Max2 :-)
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Freeze Arrow: A really long green arrow that exists merely to be melted.
Melt: To remove a foot from a freeze arrow without losing your OK.
Pie: 10 foot song... You don't have a better name, do you?

Dance Masters: JPMax Single-Light. USMax Single-Light, Single-Standard. JPMax2 Single-Light.

Onis: USMax Lesson Oni. JPMax2 MoreLight, BeForU,

[Third&B]

Thanks, I appreciate the help(I'm the one he posted it for, my account was not working right) So it seems that I am going with a none hard game pad which means I am having to re-orient my shopping strategy. I have thus come up with a couple of new questions. For those of you ready to flame me for not searching through the sticky on soft pads, I am going to do that, but just incase I don't find all of the answers I figured I'd let you guys get a head start on me.

So my questions then are these:

1. Is there a difference between an ignitian pad bought from one place rather than another? For example

konamix.com has them listed at $160 selling for $40
http://store.yahoo.com/joyluckshop/nepldaredeig.html

They say their version 2.0 with pad, these are very similar to
redoctane.com but there they are priced at $100 selling for 85
http://www.redoctane.com/ignitionpad.html

and then levelsix.com has "Deluxe DDR Ignition Dance Pad V.3.1" with foam from 2.0 selling for $46
http://www.levelsix.com/products/playstation2/deluxeDDR_v31.shtml

1.b. If there is a difference, is there a pad better than these that I should be trying to buy, and where can I buy it from?

2. How necessary is it to mod whichever one of those pads is the best? I don't know that anyone on my staff is "tool competent" enought to perform the task. Do you have any recomendation on a specific tutorial that is easy and effective

I don't know if it makes a difference but we will be using on a good hard(some sort of stone/concrete like stuff) surface.

3. Is it necessary to get pad covers like these:
http://www.redoctane.com/ddrgamecover.html
or are they a waste of cash?

4. Assuming I do end up getting pads with the 2.0 foam, how long does the foam last? Obviously it depends on how much it is used but a rough estimate would be great.

Thanks
Collin

[Larrikin]

Edit im a retard who cant read
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FREE PSP||EARN CASH FOR DOING SURVERYS

[Junpei!]

[Third&B]

Thanks for the input Junpei!

Anyone else have any words of wisdom or experience to add? I have to make the purchase before the morning comes or I miss my spending deadline.

Thanks
Collin

[.simgar]

I would recommend either making your own metal \ hard pad and follow some guides that I'm sure you can find in some of the stickys. if you decide to do that, I'm sure at least a few of the kids would be more than willing to participate in making the pad..heck, it'd probably be more fun since it was THEIR work being put in to it

then again, you could probably get some relatively inexpensive home modded pads from some of the members..

[Andreq]

Im certanly a bit....to late.. but you could build 2 metal pad for about 200$.. (for the 2) if you find "cheap" corner brace and other stuff like that it could be the best thing you want.

1.Its really durable and it look like a real arcade stage.

2.If it broke you can repair it.

3.Its a bit noisy but I think someone put shirt in the arrow... try to read in the post : "My home build metal pad Part 4" if you want the answer

4. You can add light to it if you like to.


finaly,
If its like a place were hundred of teenager go... I dont think softpad could do the job... I bought 1 and now its broken (3 month modded). And a soft pad is not really the sdame feeling of the arcade...


that was my 2cent
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My dance dance revolution metal pad pictures and stuffs : http://membres.lycos.fr/csclanbef/DDR/

[CatchyPhraseOwen]

I know this will sound stupid to you seeing as you've already stated your spending limits, etc, but I'd really suggest that you apply for a grant or ask for money and buy a machine. You've stated that you will get heavy use, and no matter what one you get, you won't be able to get the quality you will need from a soft pad, and all metal ones minus the Cobalt Flux. Buying soft pads would only end up in a dismal experience for everyone because they would break quickly, and I've had a lot of experience with metal pads and I can say without a doubt that the money you save from not buying a Flux is wasted in the time you will spend trying to get the pads working. However, seeing as you and the city probably want to make a decent investment and buy something that the kids will enjoy, I really think you should buy a machine. You can even get an Extreme machine shipped here for under $4500 if you place the order right. The maintenence would be easier because there are so many arcade specialists, and your main issue, which would be durability is really covered. I used my Flux for about an hour a day until about a month ago when I sent my PS2 in to be remodded (-_- and still have not gotten it back) and it held up great, but I doubt that even it could handle more than a couple hours of use a day for more than a few months. Basically, to break it all down, I'd say that your best bet would be applying for more money because with a machine you could easily make it back quickly even if you just charge like $0.50 for 5 songs, or just get a lot of good use out of it. After that, would be 2 Fluxes, but then would be just some high-quality soft pads. Metal pads and hard plastic ones are NEVER worth it aside from homemade ones and Fluxes, so don't bother. Just buy 2 non-slip style pads, some Gorilla Glue (worked really well for me for about a year of good use) and some wood and you'd be set. If you go with the third option which I'm pretty sure you've planned on doing anyway, you'll probably have some spare cash to spend on DDR games, and unless your PS2 is an import or modded, you will absolutly want to go with US MAX. There is a lot to keep kids busy and it is by far the best US mix. Good luck and I hope it works out for you .