Cobalt Flux vs. RedOctane Metal Pads?

[wanderingfido]

Hi,

So far everyone here seems to think CF metal pads are the cat's pajamas. But how would they compare to RedOctane's metal pads? Do CF pads work as-is with X-box controllers or would I need to buy an extra accessory?

--W.F.

[Pyrochaos]

As of now you would need an adaptor with the CF. They are working on an xbox control box, but no real word as to when that will be out. You can also make your own control box for pretty inexpensice. Sinistar on these boards has a how to on making your own.

[wanderingfido]

Cool. Especially since I've already ordered a CF metal mat and PS2 -> Xbox connector from Electric Quarter. This should be okay, then.

[Pyrochaos]

As soon as you put your first foot on that CF pad, you will be in DDR heaven.

But some people have problems with certain adaptors. Check out the cobalt flux message boards, cause they will help you find a good one if that one doesnt work out.

[SSC]

I wouldf have to disagree. The CF is wonderful, do not get me wrong, I have one, but it's very hard to get use to and takes a lot more stamina than regular pads do.

Tell me if the Electronic Quarter converter works.

[glow=orange,2,300]EDIT[/glow]

DO NOT BUY THE ELECTRIC QUARTER CONVERTER CABLE! I JUST REALIZED THAT'S THE ONE I HAVE, IT DOESN'T WORK.

Although it does work when I need another Halo controller.

[wanderingfido]

Oy. Too late, the EQ converter is already shipped. I'll peruse the CF forums to find another and return the EQ conv when it arrives. It's looking like the Gemini Game Elements controller might work with UM2

[xstatic]

soooooo..... is the red octane metal pad any good??? Because I found a dealer who said he can possibly order me one for only $100!!

However another question I have is this - how much stress can the metal pads handle.... aka - how long before they crap out on you? My crapo $20 pads last about 2-3 months, whereas the ignition pad lasted about 5/6 months....

currently I AM in the market for a good metal pad, right now I have a makeshift/generic madcatz beat pad fastened to a partied out ignition pad (which works better than I would have thought)

[SSC]

Yes, get the CF if at all possible. It works wonders.

They last... forever.

[abrannan]

With metal pads, you truly do get your money's worth. I jsut spent 6 hours fixing a circuitry problem on a cheap metal pad that someone else bought. I ended up having to gut the control box and build a new one because it was assembled poorly. If you're invested enough to get a metal pad, go Cobalt Flux, or RedOctane if $300 is too much to swallow. Do not go with anyone else's metal pad. If those are too expensive, get an Ignition foam mat. You'll regret it otherwise, in my experience.

[wanderingfido]

Okay. I got the EQ controller-converter a few days ago and tested it on my soft-padded Ignition dance pad that I already had that works with my xbox. The CF metal pad is only a few days away, but it's still looking like I'll need to find a different converter.

The EQ converter has a delay just like various posters in these threads have stated. I tested the delay by connecting the Ignition pad USB connector into the 'Player 1' position and the PS2 connector into 'Player 2' thru the EQ converter both at the same time using the dual PS2/USB cable provided by the Ignition Pad. Then I danced to a song and scored perfectly under 'Player 1' but only got an 'E' from multiple 'Almost's' and no 'Perfect's' under 'Player 2'. So there is a significant delay that will seriously affect your performance. Also, the 'A' and 'B' button-pads don't work through the EQ converter, only 'Select' and 'Start'.

I'm going to try ordering a game elements converter for the CF. If that doesn't work, I'll moth-ball the CF until the CF company starts selling their own converters as promised to us all. In the meantime, I'll just have to accept my plateau with the Ignition pad on 'light' mode.

[wombatattack]

xstatic said:

soooooo..... is the red octane metal pad any good??? Because I found a dealer who said he can possibly order me one for only $100!!

Did that dealer get back with you about getting the RedOctane metal for $100?

I'm interested in some kind of order to get them for a good price. Is that in the US? And did he give you shipping costs or is that the total with shipping?

Just curious. Might be wanting to put an order in once I get my tax return.

I've already worn out the down arrow on my RedOctane foam-insert pad. I bought it used, so I didn't expect much to work, but to my surprise, all the other buttons work. The down is just shady. The up is starting to get funky, too.

Please, let me know when you find out!

Thanks!!
Ben

[havix]

I am not much of an Xbox DDRer, but on the topic of CF vs RO, I would go the CF-route personally (since I have owned a RO metal pad and now own a CF one). There are only a few issues about the CF pad.

1. Very hard to slide around and move fast because of the way the pad is designed. The metal is not like the arcade, but it does provide an arcade-feel. But I personally think that going from CF to the arcade is VERY good training considering you have to do more work to score good on a CF pad because of the style difference. It just means you will have to pick up your foot more to hit the arrows in time, and after practicing like that, being "lazier" in the arcade will be sooo much simpler.

2. They are very expensive versus their cheaper alternative (Red Octane)

[havix]

speaking of CF, i was just looking around and i could not find the control box for a CF pad that will hook up to an xbox...wierd. Any help? ;D

[Pyrochaos]

Sinistar comes on here a little, but he has a way to make your own control box. Very inexpensive, and it works perfectly. I am not sure of the link right now, but you should hit him up.

[Sinistar]

All of my CF mod work can be found at www.sinistarddr.com.

[havix]

Ok, in a nutshell, I am lazy. Was hoping I could just go out and buy a separate control box for the xbox (because I will still play the PS2 version...alot).