Are there any high quality, easily transportable pads out there?

JasonMath · 09-07-2006, 07:35 PM

First of all, don't respond to this with "OMG get a CF n00b!". I have been playing StepMania on pad for about 5 months, and I can do most 9 footers. (I know that I'm far from being an expert, but you get the idea that I'm not new to DDR).

I am asking this because I got an Ignition 3.0 pad in April 2006. By August, there were cracks near 3 corners of the center square. (the pad works fine, but it would be good to have something a bit more reliable) (I also wouldn't mind playing doubles or competing head to head with other people, either!) I am a college student, and the pad is currently in my room. However, I bring it home during breaks, and I want something less bulky, then say...an Afterburner. In addition, I'll have to bring the pad outside of my room and into another building at least once a week if I manage to get a DDR/Music Video Game club started on my campus (which is a real possibility).

So, are there any pads better than the Ignition 3.0 that are EASILY TRANSPORTABLE? Comments would be appreciated!

eepiccolo · 09-08-2006, 09:02 AM

I got some BNS (http://www.buynshop.com/) soft pads a few years ago, the ones with the one inch foam inserts. They actually lasted for about a year. The only problem with them was the inserts used to raise the buttons would slip around under the surface of the pad. I fixed it myself by opening the pads and using contact cement to keep the inserts from slipping.

I noticed on their site though, that they have different soft pads now. I don't know how these new ones are, but I would have to say that I at least had a decent experience with them in the past.

TheFlyingSquirrel · 09-09-2006, 08:49 AM

I would recommend finding a Level Six pad.

Good luck finding one.

ceraf · 09-10-2006, 06:11 PM

compared to the Blueshark metal pads, CFs are more transportable.

the bns foam pads should suit your needs though.

**laser123454321** · 09-11-2006, 09:04 AM

well if youre willing to wait, i'm in the process of making a metal pad that breaks into 9 peices. Complete with lights and connects to a PS2. Im making the proto next week.

TheFlyingSquirrel · 09-11-2006, 12:19 PM

Ooh wow. How much is the cost?

**laser123454321** · 09-11-2006, 01:32 PM

How much it ends up costing me + shipping + %10 markup = Your cost

If this ends up going into production:
Cost + shipping + %8 + fixed costs

JasonMath · 09-11-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceraf

compared to the Blueshark metal pads, CFs are more transportable.

the bns foam pads should suit your needs though.

Actually, there was a video showing someone carrying a CF from a street and up some stairs (the same video where vehicles run over the CF to test it). It might actually be pretty light (but obviously heavier than the soft pads with foam inserts).

Also, I was thinking of getting a BNS foam pad, but decided to get a Red Octane because it was more well-known (plus I had many Best Buy gift cards that I hadn't used).

Thanks for the suggestions!

ceraf · 09-12-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonMath

Actually, there was a video showing someone carrying a CF from a street and up some stairs (the same video where vehicles run over the CF to test it). It might actually be pretty light (but obviously heavier than the soft pads with foam inserts).

Also, I was thinking of getting a BNS foam pad, but decided to get a Red Octane because it was more well-known (plus I had many Best Buy gift cards that I hadn't used).

Thanks for the suggestions!

be prepared to do frequent returns to best buy. i've heard stories of people exchanging their dead RO ignitions for new ones about 3-4 times.

Necromancyr · 09-13-2006, 09:18 PM

Is there some connection between SM and RO? Because I've heard nothing but bad reviews/comments on the v3.0 pad and it's rated as the highest recommended pad on the SM site and I can guarantee thats where a large percentage of their sales come from.

Just curious.

Anyway, I'd recommend a cheapy pad to transport...that way no stress if something happens. If your going that high quality, just have people come to you.

eepiccolo · 09-13-2006, 10:38 PM

Yeah, Red Octane publishes In The Groove, which is based on StepMania and shares much of the same development staff, if not all. So that's either two or three degrees of separation, depending on the way you count. I forget which is the proper way.