So I want to learn doubles... (and other pad questions)

REK · Trick Member Joined: 10 Dec 2005

Right now I'm on an official Konami soft with the plywood mod. Thats the pad stapled down to a thick piece of plywood with a thick plastic covering on top. It works great.

Are the dimensions of the soft pad the same as the arcade? I assume not, because of that big circle in the middle. If I can A something at home, I usually B it at the arcade.

Now, about doubles. What's the best way to go about this? It's a good drive to the arcade and it's usually crowded, only DDR machine for a ways. So whats the best way to learn doubles at home? Is there a way to do it w/out metal pads that you can recommend? I can't pay 600 for 2 cobalt fluxes. I've been considering a metal pad for awhile, though, but no way can I afford two, at least not for a few YEARS.

NVWC2006 · Basic Member Joined: 23 Dec 2005

the difference between soft pads and arcade pads is not the size, but the circuitry inside them. arcade pads have switches that are activated when u depress any part of the square arrow. soft pads have rectangular like switches that do not completely fill the entire arrow area.
(let's say you took the left arrow, at least for my soft pads, the switch shares the same verticle length as the arrow but is about 2/3rd the size in the horizontal, and is centered off)
so really, you don't get the same score because you aren't used to the metal pad, and because of the different in sensativity. also, arcade pads have raised center and diagnol squares.

to go on the doubles question, arcade squares are approx 11x11 inches. my softpad is a little less than 33 inches across, which would say it's about the same size as an arcade pad. most softpads are the same basic size if not all. really, the only thing you have to do is find out the distance between the Player1 right arrow and the Player2 left arrow, and then find a way to keep two mounted pads together at that distance.

what my friends and i normally do is get 2 pads w/foam inserts next to each other, and have 2 people hold each pad down. this way, both versus and double play is easy to do; the weight of the pads as well as the people holding them keeps them alligned well.

also, i have a question for you: is your pad comfertable? i'm thinking of trying out a mod w/plywood myself but i wasn't sure if the pressure of the wood would like hurt my feet after using a pad w/a foam insert for so long.

REK · Trick Member Joined: 10 Dec 2005

Thanks for the response, clears alot of things up.

My pad doesn't hurt me at all. The pad and the plastic covering (what I've got is the stuff you would usually use to roll your computer chair on, without those things that grip it into the carpet. Got it at Staples) are a big factor in cushioning it. I don't ever remember my feet hurting after using it, even at first. But it may vary from person to person, so I can't guarantee it, but it's been great for me, beats the hell out of paying $300 for a metal pad.

Itll probably feel way different than your foam pad, though. I've never used one myself. You'll clearly hear every step, which is something I like.

My problem is definately the brackets at the arcade. And wearing shoes. Something I'll just have to work on, or just go to the arcade more...

NVWC2006 · Basic Member Joined: 23 Dec 2005

alot of the foam pads like mine say if you get a protective covering for it (probably like the one you are using) that you can play on 'em w/shoes. i wouldn't be that surprised, seeing as i'm tearing up the vinyl on it from playing w/SOCKS

hey, if it doesn't slip and doesn't wear out, i'll take it.

for brackets... you COULD build them from designs of metal pads.. but really, what's the point of making the bracket if you don't go all out and make a full metal pad? i say just hang out at the arcade more often.