Metal DDR Dance Pad For PS2?

Question

I think I have exhausted my research on this belated xmas gift for my nephew, and would like to know from others who already own.

Which one do you have and how durable is it? As far as construction, consitant pounding. Any problem noted?
Any soruces for buying would be appreciated as well.
Thank in advance and of course happy holidays! :)

Answer 1

I don't actually have one, but I played on a very early version of RedOctane's metal pads in 2003? 2004? at a video game convention. I found it a little rickety, but not any moreso than many of the "real" platforms I had played on in arcades. I would have bought one had it been within my price range. The newer version, released last year, is supposedly better. There's also a pad called the Cobalt Flux that I've never played on; I've heard it's a little more sturdy than RO's version (as in, people run over them with cars and they apparently still work) but it doesn't have recessed arrows and has a much heftier price tag. There are some reviews here:

Afterburner:

http://www.ddrfreak.com/library/contributor-article.php?postID=8105342
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/afterburner/
http://www.itgfreak.com/review-afterburner.php (compares it to the Cobalt Flux)

Cobalt Flux:
http://www.ddr4health.com/content.php?review.10
http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/perireview.php?perireviewid=13
http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45528

The actual pads can be found at http://www.redoctane.com/redoctanemetalpad.html
http://www.cobaltflux.com/

RedOctane are a trusted brand in the DDR community, I have one of their Ignition pads and it has lasted for quite a few years. However, they haven't been making those metal things half as long as their soft pads, so... use your best judgment. Perhaps someone here who owns one could help out a bit more. :)

Answer 2

Do you mean the one that you have to build or the one that's already made? There's a website http://www.ddrfreak.com/ you can buy the metal dancing pads and/or get the instructions on how to build your own. I have bought the metal arcade one and it's great. It's just like the one you get at the arcade. Not very high maintenance.

Answer 3

wouldnt that hurt your feet?