tr4106
Beginner Mode
Posts: 14
|
Post by tr4106 on Sept 20, 2005 6:54:06 GMT -5
It's been about a month since my Red Octane ignition stopped working reliably (Up arrow may work 1 out of 5 times). So I started looking at getting a new pad, I can afford both the CF or Red Octane Afterburner (don't know which to get out of these two, Red Octane supports both systems, but don't know about the quality) , but I want something that is going to last a number of years.
I don't like the foam pads, as it felt I was moving around on packed sand.
Anyway my questions are, how hard are the metal pads to maintain, and how often do they need to be cleaned? How long do they typically last? (I'm a big guy 5'10" 280 lbs). If they only last a year or two, would I be better off buying a flat soft pad every 3-4 months?
I'm not looking to completely "recreate" the arcade experience as DDR is a replacement cardio for me (albeit a really fun one). I'm looking more for reliability and cost over time.
I suppose I could use my current pad in workout mode, but missing constant up arrows is really annoying.
|
|
xstatic
Spam Cop
100 Hours Achieved!! ('06, '07)
Happily Hardcore
Posts: 3,973
|
Post by xstatic on Sept 20, 2005 8:33:04 GMT -5
well - I know that ssc owns a CF and I own an afterburner - so I'll let ssc or anyone else in here that might have the CF get into that. As far as my afterburner goes... As soon as I recieved it I thought I was having problems with the control box, but fortunetely it was just my ps2. Fortunetely you say? Yes... because I'm used to that piece of crap breaking on me all the time. Maintaining my afterburner - the big problems that I've heard is that the arrows can crack easily. My solution - I'm going to buy a couple of replacement arrows just in case...that way I won't throw a fit if something does break... the replacement arrows are pretty cheap. I have pets...a lot of pets...so one problem I have had is pet hair... it sort of magnatizes twards my afterburner. My solution - I keep one of those air spray cans - the ones for electronics nearby and spray down my afterburner every day....not really a hastle either because I have to use one on my ps2 EVERY time I want to play it...*grumbles @ ps2* The afterburner looks easy to repair because of the exposed screws... it actually looks like something I could repair myself....imagine that.  A downside to the afterburner - yes the arrows are recessed, but a bit too much - giving you no ability to slide. They are recessed drasticly lower than the arcade arrows...making it even harder to do extremely heavy songs...another downside...because of these recessed metal areas...if you have in the groove - I was playing a song with hands and I slapped my hand down on an arrow and hit the raised metal with the base palm of my hand - bruising it... it's still bruised and this was 4 days ago now. omg and NEVER play without shoes on....even on light - you can still hurt yourself with the exposed screws...once again learned from experience... That all being said - I'm extremely happy with my afterburner. I love it and it's shiney and pretty and heavy and impressive looking and feeling and the adaptability rocks. |
|
sakura
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved!
Leader DETERMINATION?
Posts: 409
|
Post by sakura on Oct 4, 2005 14:39:37 GMT -5
metal mats are great but a litle pricey,however you could get a foam one for 35$ at ebgames an build your own metal mat.
unfortunatly i dont have the link to make one but when i get it il modify this post.
or if you dont want to spend that much on a mat then you could just by the original konami ones at eb games for 15$.
actually microplay also has good deals to. for xbox and ps2 you can get a universal mat for 30$(works on ps2 and xbox)or just stick with the regular madcatz mat for 25$.
|
|
|
|
Post by abrannan on Oct 4, 2005 14:58:59 GMT -5
unfortunatly i dont have the link to make one but when i get it il modify this post. Do a Google search for ddrhomepad. The tutorial's a little hard to follow at times, but it's a good overview of a way to build your own hardpad. |
|
Kumi
Beginner Mode
Sweetest Taboo
Posts: 25
|
Post by Kumi on Oct 5, 2005 17:17:59 GMT -5
One of my best friends, who is a big DDR addict had a metal pad, and the thing broke and had a HUGE crack in it after almost three months. You know why? Because people kept stomping on that sucker more times than I care to count. (I hate DDR stompers. You do NOT need to pound on the pad!  ) But I'm sure if people had treated the metal pad correctly, and been sure to tread lightly, then the pad would have lasted at least a few years give or take. Metal pads are a good investment--as long as you treat them well.  |
|
DDRMom
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved! ('06 '07 '08)
Posts: 272
|
Post by DDRMom on Oct 5, 2005 19:45:25 GMT -5
Last year I got RedOctane Metal pad. After 3 months, the left arrow stopped working completely. I am a 130-lb female who had used it only at home about 12 hours/week. Never abused it or transported it. I switched arrows, looked at circuitry, could see nothing wrong. RedOctane told me basically too bad (warrantee only 30 days) and recommended I call a TV repairman! Right.
I switched arrows around, still no improvement. What a waste. Any suggestions?
Meantime, my current Ignition 2.0 has lasted 9 months. I have been through 3 Ignitions, they have lasted 7-9 months each.
|
|
sakura
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved!
Leader DETERMINATION?
Posts: 409
|
Post by sakura on Oct 6, 2005 17:10:57 GMT -5
red octane grrrr. they sold me a bad mat |
|
DDRMom
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved! ('06 '07 '08)
Posts: 272
|
Post by DDRMom on Nov 13, 2005 18:51:50 GMT -5
Anyone tried the Ignition 3.0 pad yet? How does it compare to the 2.0?
|
|
|
|
Post by muppetdance on Nov 14, 2005 5:48:00 GMT -5
I have a cobalt flux....I've had it for about..oh 6 months I guess, and it still works.
HOWEVER!!! I'm not the DDR player most are. I mostly suck, so I'm just now starting to play on standard. I am not stomping around like some of y'all are..
Overall though, I love my flux. It's expensive, but since they're supposed to be long lasting, it's prolly worth it, I guess.
|
|
|
|
Post by SSC on Nov 14, 2005 5:56:55 GMT -5
Well, just responding to muppetdance, my Cobalt Flux only worked well for about 6 months, then took a total dump on me, and I've had it since Christmas.
|
|
sakura
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved!
Leader DETERMINATION?
Posts: 409
|
Post by sakura on Nov 26, 2005 18:30:38 GMT -5
sad that my ideas are running slim. today my dad and i started to build a metal mat(only by buying the pieces). sadly we dont have placid(or whatever that glass stuff is called). so if anyone knows where to get it please tell me.
|
|
|
|
Post by abrannan on Nov 26, 2005 23:07:03 GMT -5
You should be able to find Plexiglass or Lucite (Luctie, IMO, is better for this sort of application) at any major hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc). Look in the windows and storm doors section.
I recommend Lucite because it's both more flexible than standard plexi (less likely to shatter), and harder to scratch than Plexi (keeps looking good). It is, unfortunately, about 2x as expensive per sq. ft.
|
|
DDRMom
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved! ('06 '07 '08)
Posts: 272
|
Post by DDRMom on Dec 18, 2005 19:30:42 GMT -5
Is anybody having trouble with RedOctane's Ignition 3.0 pads?
|
|
|
|
Post by The Charming Canuck on Dec 19, 2005 4:17:45 GMT -5
Actually at Lowes, plexigalss is in the hardware section at least at my local Lowes. I work there . They can even cut it down for you in your dimensions. |
|
|
|
Post by banana on Dec 23, 2005 13:41:50 GMT -5
I bought a RedOctane Ignition 3.0 last summer. I just started getting phantom up arrows in the last couple of weeks. Very annoying!! For comprehensive reviews of the pad, try here: www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=102781&start=0 . Personally, I plan to continue to buy Ignition mats, but will never buy RedOctane again. The last non-RO ignition pad I bought cost less than half of what the RedOctane one cost, and although the zipper has started to break, it's worked for three times as long, and still works fine. I figure if I keep buying pads for ~$50, then I won't be too upset when they break. I don't think I want to take the risk of buying a $300 metal pad! |
|
|
|
Post by stillakidatheart on Dec 23, 2005 16:37:06 GMT -5
I posted a post about the redoctane 3.0 pad elsewhere on here I think under ouch it hurts. I will leave how i feel about it in that post.
|
|
) 
