Anyone try these hard DDR mats?

[Lilwolf]

I'm considering getting one for my daughter... shes just getting into music and I thought it my justify all the time / money I spend on arcade equipment / junk (depending on if you ask me or my wife)..

These seem like they could be just perfect for it.  1/2 the price of the metal ones.  2 players for the price of 1 metal one.  They look sturdy.  And my daughter can challenge her friends.

Any comments?

[SirPoonga]

Check out the ddrmaniax.net forums.  Lots of discussion on this there.


BTW, you can build your own fairly easily.

[pointdablame]

If you mean the hard plastic pads, if people over 150lbs will be using them, they stand a good chance of cracking over time.  They are pretty sturdy overall however.  They are fairly responsive also, right in between a good soft mat and a metal pad.

[bionicbadger]

Build your own metal pad.  Its not that expensive, and they work great.  Take a look at: http://www.geocities.com/ddrhomepad/ (beware of popups)

[hooded_paladin]

I'm with BionicBadger.  The metal ones that you can buy (for less than $300) are plagued with the same problems, like plexiglass cracking and the cheap metallic foil for contacts wearing away.
Home-built ones are very durable because they're made with full-width sheet metal and plexi/lexan that isn't as breakable.  The one I built is nice and sturdy, although I need to adjust the foamy stuff to keep good sensitivity.  But that's just cuz I built mine somewhat badly.

Plus you can get away with it for about $100 provided you have enough stuff in your garage to not buy EVERY single part.