So my cousin just bought a PS2 and wants one of these games. Which one should I get him? Is there really a big difference between the versions? Furthermore, which dance pad is a good one. I know there are a wide range of them from a couple hundred to $20. Is there really a difference between a fifty dollar pad and a twenty dollar one? I know nothing about this genre. The last pad I bought was this one...

RedOctane makes the best pads. The Ignition 2.0 Dual Platform can be found at EBG, GS, Toys R Us, and online,

And there really is a big difference. It's not that big of a deal when you're first beginning I'd say but once you get into average difficulty, you'll really know quickly why you need a good pad. I honestly think you can get hurt on a $20 pad.

You can buy cheap pads, but eventually you'll be buying the premium pads anyway, so it may just be easier to buy the premium pad offs the bat. Each new version has more features, but many share the same songs.

The newest PS version (Extreme) comes out today: http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/242522.asp

I would suggest getting the Mad Catz pad from Electronics Boutique. You will pay alittle more but you can get a warranty there, for an extra $3, where you just return it when it eventually breaks (which it will). The warranty that comes with the pad is all for show. From what I've heard it doesn't cover failings that come from regular use also you are responsible for shipping which equals out the extra cost for the warranty at EB and you don't have to wait the time to have it shipped and returned. Also I would recommend going up to Lowes. They should have an 8' x 4' particle board for about $15. Just get it cut into the size of the pad (can't remember the exact dimensions) and then just tape them down with packing tape. This will increase the life of the pad and prevent sliding and bunching of the pad when you move up to Standard and Heavy modes.

The flimsy pads are alright if you're a beginner, but once you start getting into in the game and start playing the tougher songs they can be a pain because they'll either bunch up or slide around too much.

Thanks for all the good info so far.

I know Red Octane makes a pad for $50, is this much better than one for $30?

So which version would be a good starting off point? Or does it even matter.

You;d be all right with any version. I forgot if the PS2 versions have a decent turtorial, but they all have easy beginner steps to help you get the hang of things when your first start.

The RedOctane $50 pad is pretty good, but not perfect (I guess that's what the Ignition is for). It has a decent non-slip surface and a foam bottom. I'd say it's a good start pad, but honestly, if you can make the investment, going with the Ingition the first time will end up saving you money,

Is the ignition really as good as a metal pad? Because the ignition 2.0 costs $99. In which case, you may as well pony up $50 and get a metal pad. Though it's not as portable, I hear if you're serious about ddr, you MUST have a metal pad.

BTW, anyone wanna give a review of DDRExtreme? Worth it? Not?

My wife recently saw a letter in EGM where a guy said he lost weight playing DDR. so now shes asking about getting a DDR home set up so i'll loose weight.
Whats out there for Xbox? how many games are there and what are the good beginner pads (should be cheap incase we get bored of it fast)? i looked at amazon and didnt see any DDR xbox stuff.

Just get the DDR with the pad for Xbox (about $60), that soft pad is pretty good, if you are not playing on carpet.

IMO, not even the Cobalt pad is as good as the Ignition pad. It just doesn't quite have the feel of the arcade. Since no pads quite have the feel of the arcade, I'd rather stick to the Ignition because I feel like I can play faster (and better) on it.

I have carpet in the living room but i could mount the pad onto a board, i guess.

Are there wireless pads for xbox? do they work ok?

The wireless features work ok, but the pad themselves sucks. I know Intec makes a wireless pad and either Pelican or Madcatz makes one too I believe.

I went by my local EB and they didnt have any of the game packs, only had a MadCatz pad.
Anyone know anything about these green and orange pads:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...134394890&rd=1
There seem to be a million of them on ebay. Are they super crappy?

My wife caught the DDR bug this summer (her first video game request). I bought 2 pads on eBay from 'Vortz'. Based on the research I did, it's the same pad as the Red Octane only it was a lot cheaper. No problems so far although my wife isn't likely to wear the pads out (she only plays occasionally and she weighs 100 pounds).

I have this one (http://www.redoctane.com/redoctanemetalpad.html) and love it, because I was so sick of sliding around. Non-carpet play wasn't an option for me. But it's a helluva investment unless you plan on playing alot.

Gromit, yeah there are exact copies of the RO pad out there.

Get the Ignition pads from www.ddrnation.com, www.levelsix.com, or www.buynshop.com

These pads are the same as (some people say they're even better then) the Red Octane pads and they cost about half the price. I bought mine from buynshop and they're great. much better than the cheap mad catz or no name light pads you see at EB and other stores. They make a big difference.

They can't be better. I know this for a fact. : P

Well, I've never tried the Red Octane pads myself so I'm just relaying the opinions I've heard on several forums. Regardless, the levelsix, buynshop, and ddrnation pads are significantly cheaper. I bought my two buynshop pads for the same price that ebgames.com is charging for one Red Octane pad.

I agree. When I was researching the pads I read that the Red Octane pads and the cheaper pads that we've been discussing are the exact same thing. Same manufacturer, different branding.

So i bought some pads from 'Vortz' on ebay. How long are the cords on these? I'm just wondering if i should go pick up another controller extension cord today if the cord on the pad is only like 5 feet.

IIRC, they are about the same as the cords on regular controllers. I can check later tonight.