Waiting for password

[Jules]

Sorry to start a new thread for this, but I registered yesterday so that I could thank "abrannan" for the reply to my question and follow up with another. I used my home e-mail address which is valid and have not recieved a password yet, so I am unable to reply to the topic I started yesterday.
Anyway, thanks for the advice on the games and pads. I ordered the DDR Extreme game and one metal pad without the handle (for my 13 year old and his friends who will be fairly hard on it ) and one Super Deluxe foam pad for me to exercise with, figuring that it will be easier on these middle aged knees.

Abrannan, you weren't kidding when you said the metal pads were expensive! That is why I opted for the one without the handle. The customer service guy said that you don't really need the handle....that it just gives you more of the feel of the arcade version. Then I was searching around the internet and came upon some video of people in contests and they were using the handle to help with certain moves. Now, I realize that we are a good way away from those moves in this house, but does the handle help in general or not? The metal pad without the handle is expensive enough, so if we're going to want to replace it in a year with one with a handle, it probably makes sense to order the one with the handle now. Or does it? What is the lifespan of these pads? Do they tend to last a year with everyday use?

One more thing. As I was watching (with fascination I might add) these kids hopping around like mad, I noticed that for much of the songs they had their backs to the screen and were facing the handle and audience. Don't you have to watch the screen to know where to step or do these kids have the steps memorized? Either way, the performances were pretty amazing. It looks like so much fun I can't wait. And as a mom I am so proud of the kids on this forum who are supporting each other as they get fit. It really is nice to see in this world that isn't always so nice. Keep up the good work and sorry again for cluttering up the board with a new thread.

[abrannan]

The board seems to have already processed your registration, but I deleted and re-created your account (Unfortunately there's no reset password admin function that I could just kick you off another e-mail). So hopefully you've got a password from the system. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you don't have it by this evening.

Regarding the bar, I prefer to play without it. It can make a nice crutch when playing higher level songs, as you don't have to worry about losing your balance as much, but like all crutches, you can become too dependent on it. At higher levels of freestyle dancing play, you can use the bar for some neat tricks (I recommend watching some of the A-team competition videos for examples), but it's unlikely you'll ever attempt those moves at home. If you want the feel of the bar, you can use a folding chair backed up to the back of the pad for a reasonable facsimilie.

As to lifespan, there are way too may factors to consider, particularly with the metal pads, as the quality varies greatly. How often you play at what levels of difficulty is a consideration, as well as how well the pads are cared for and maintained. If you aren't afraid to take the pads apart, metal pads can always be repaired, where you reach a point of diminishing returns with softer pads. That said, I've had my off-brand, imitation, Ignition pad for over two years with no problems whatsoever. I store it flat, and play only in socks, but I also have only recently started to play Heavy mode.

And yes, they have memorized the song when they play with their backs to the screen. Yes, they have too much time on their hands.

[jules]

I'm in! Thanks so much for the help. I look forward to sharing the good the bad and the ugly as we become dancing fools!