DDR Energy Pads

I'm going to check out and make sure they work properly before I buy them, but just wanted to get some input.

I could buy one used DDR Ion with bar for $125 or two used DDR energy pads with no bar for $100, which would you do?

I'm leaning towards the energy pads, but have not really seen many reviews on them and are not sure how good of a metal pad they are, any input?

Energy pads.
It really doesn't matter, since both are very efficient, but the Energy pads are a bit improved.

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Whatever you do, stay away from the Energy soft pads. Even if they're cheaper, they're not worth it. I've had two Energy soft pads, and both of them started to ghost in a matter of days . I wouldn't know if their metal pads are any better or not. IMO, DDR Game is not a good brand to buy from.

But who knows? It may work for you. And the reviews of Energy metal pads on Amazon are mixed. Worked for some, but not for others.

Pretty much this ^

For that price it mightn't be too bad if they break, but just keep in mind it's a distinct possibility with /any/ of the non custom built pads at this point.

As the usual advice goes, used cobalt flux or blueshark, build one, buy your own cabinet off ebay, or get one from ddrgame heh

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I've heard bad things about DDR Game.com, but I've heard some pretty positive things about the Ion. Not too sure on the Energy pads.
If the panels are really flimsy though, you could do the lexan mod.

I've heard bad things about DDR Game.com, but I've heard some pretty positive things about the Ion. Not too sure on the Energy pads.
If the panels are really flimsy though, you could do the lexan mod.

yeah, stay away from ddrgame.com. It's essentially a parked domain with a shopping cart.

So are there any *good* pads being made anymore? I wish RedOctane would still sell the ITG soft pads. They lasted for years. Heck my old Pelican soft pad (after modding it by taping it on top of foam) lasted for over two years without screwing up, and it was *STILL* better than those DDR Game crap pads. Amazon mostly sells either DDR Game or the "Official" Dance Pad that comes bundled with games. (and those suck too).

There were a few used ITG soft mats selling on Amazon, but I don't think I should chance buying one used.

This person's selling their afterburner pad: http://www.list4all.com/edbjr/Up_for_sale_is_a_pristine_condition_redoctane_ddr_metal_dance_pad__ove_i62.php

I have 2 of them and they work very well, just make sure to mod them with lexan or the panels will crack.
You can sometimes find them for sale on craigslist or the aaronin.jp marketplace forum.
If you start a thread on AIJ about wanting to buy a metal pad, someone might respond.

I bought 2 Tough pads from DDRGame, and they work fine. If you're not American though, the shipping cost is horrendous (though blame falls more properly on UPS for that one).

I bought an Energy pad last October. If all Energy pads are like mine, then be warned that the front connector on the pad may come loose extremely easily -- the front connector on mine came loose from just having my hand resting on it. Around this past June, it stopped working because the wires severed. More than one wire eventually severed and I didn't keep track of which color went to which pin, so now I can't fix my Energy pad unless I find out which wire goes where on the front connector So, if you get Energy pads, be careful not to let anything touch the front connector. If any of the wires sever, be sure to note which wire goes to which pin (and if this should happen, I would absolutely love to know, so I might be able to solder the wires back to the proper pins on mine).

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I knew I should have bought a cobalt flux pad before they went out of business.