MyMyBox Blueshark GXG Pads

[davidyko]

True enough. It does make it a lot easier if you're the one paying. I've been saving up...I don't think I've bought anything (using my money) in the past two years except for SuperNOVA and ITG.
_________________

Mariogirl wrote:

Edit = lol I <3 davidyko

Groovestats
David needs more challenges.

[DarkCore]

Haha, I on the other hand am the complete opposite as you. I could never save my money for that long without buying anything. That's why it'd be so hard for me to save up for a Solo cabinet. Look how much I've spent on DDR in the past 4 months. (Well mostly my mom spent all of it so she doesn't really want to spend a whole lot more.)

[davidyko]

$1491.27??
Well, I suppose my total would be close to that, if you count the Bluesharks I just ordered. But I spent that much over four years, while you spent that much over four months...
_________________

Mariogirl wrote:

Edit = lol I <3 davidyko

Groovestats
David needs more challenges.

[DarkCore]

Yeah when I start liking a new activity I get obsessed with it and spend too much.

[Mariogirl]

DAMNIT you've been playing for four months and you're almost as good as me. You're going to be better than me in like.......2 days.
_________________

MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

483-48-3892

PM me for my bank information and credit card number, or call me at my home phone (1-[secret mexican area code]-384-4838, or press down all three buttons on your jitterbug phone at the same time) for any other information you would like to know.

[DarkCore]

[TPF.Catch22]

God, this bar version is so fvcking expensive. I honestly don't think I'm going to be getting this for Christmas. I've let my parents know that getting a new pad has basically become a necessity (Ignition is getting pretty beat), but I can't see them dropping over $400 on one present.

I'm starting to think about the Nexen, seeing as it is on discount right now and fits my parents' price range quite nicely.
_________________

GrooveStats - Gib Challenges

[DarkCore]

[TPF.Catch22]

For me, it is expensive. I don't want to get into a whole "less/more fortunate" explanation, but that is basically what it is.

Money can be tight afterall.
_________________

GrooveStats - Gib Challenges

[DarkCore]

Yeah, I can relate. Is the barless Blueshark in your price range? You could always just use a chair or whatever works.

[trob xD]

Awesome, my mom just ordered me a new Blueshark with the Bar
Its gonna take a long time before it gets here since its gotta go from California to Ohio!!!

But hey, im not complaining
early christmas gift hoorah!

[EnigmaFX]

[DarkCore]

[davidyko]

[Mariogirl]

[DarkCore]

[EnigmaFX]

[Mariogirl]

[Wakka Lakka]

So I have played on one of these pads for a year now and I am doing a more in-depth review. I purchased a GXG with bar for $465 shipped. I am a 200 lb, 9 foot player (I play 9-footers, I'm not 9 feet tall ).

Arrow Gap - Some arrows have a gap between the arrow piece and the center square of the pad. The largest point on mine is 1/4 inch. It does not affect the gameplay and makes cleaning the inside easier (see Surface Durability below)

Bar Quality - The bar is an acceptable substitute for the arcade bar. It is better than a chair, not as good as the arcade. The thickness of the bar's metal tubing, combined with the witght of the pad allow one to lean back on it without fear of damaging the bar or pad. Of course I seldom play with a bar unless stamina is low as passing is paramount.

Doubles - I was able to connect this pad to an Afterburner using the supplied metal piece. Each pad has a screw in the front corners which is removed, and then the metal piece in placed to connect them. When playing with two pads, there was not even a hint of pad motion. I admit that I find doubles tedious and seldom play it.

Mods - I have had to mod the pad extensively. I posted some details of some mods earlier in the thread (page 10 or so). The first mod was to increase the rigidity of the center piece which would 'flex' slightly when I put my weight on it. I opened the pad's bottom cover and placed wooden blocks which were the same thickness as the metal frame. It is possible that design modifications have fixed this issue in newer models. The second mod was to replace the control box with a better one. I manufacted a cable which hooks the pad to a RedOctane style 9-pin dsub. I then used such a control box, discarding the mymybox supplied unit. It is possible that a higher quality box is now included. The third and final mod is that the center piece broke free of it flimsy mounts and had to be secured properly. The screws on the corners of the center piece were removed and new screws where installed by drilling down into the metal frame. This makes the pad rock-solid, even for knee-drops, and flying leaps onto it at the beginning of A Stupid Barber. I can post pictures of the mod if someone wants to do it. It only takes about 30 mins and the screws and drill bits are from Lowes for like $10. Again, it is entirely possible that this is now a non-issue due to design changes.

MyMyBox Experience - I ordered the pad online from www.mymybox.com and paid with CC. Pad arrived in days and worked out of the box (double-box; it was a bear to open and unpack however )

Responsiveness - This is the most responsive pad I have ever played, home or arcade. There was a slight issues with the down arrow being too sensitive but this was easily fixed by adjusting the corner bracket with the supplied screwdriver. Like the arcade pad, and unlike any other home pad, including the CF, the GXG does not bring the arrow to a stop using the elastic deformation of the sensing element. In English, the arrow comes to a nice firm stop with good tactile feedback. There is no 'mush' to pushing it- just like the arcade. Your PA will likely increase the first time you play your songs on this pad.

Scores - My scores improved the first song I played. I had not set a new high score in weeks and suddenly, new high score. The biggest gain is that the pad never misses so I can get high chains in ITG and always get FC in DDR. Another advantage is that the socres tend to be more consistent than other pad designs. I typically LDG,SDG the same songs and have some that are always 10-20, etc.

Surface Durability - If used for home use, the arrows will last longer than the home. The fine dust that covers the pad is the dust from your shoes which wears off while playing. An occasional wisk with the shop-vac will keep it nice and clean. This even cleans the inside given the gap between the edges of the arrows.

Weight - this is by far the heaviest pad available. It weighs in at 85 lbs and hardly moves, especially if connected to another metal pad. I play exclusively on a concrete floor in the basement.


Overall I gives this pad a 10. Only thing better would be an all metal design with cold-cathode lights, but who has a spare $1200 these days.

[Mariogirl]

Hey Wakka Lakka, could you give me some score examples (like one before the Blueshark and one after)? I'd just like to see how big the difference actually is. ;O
_________________

MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

483-48-3892

PM me for my bank information and credit card number, or call me at my home phone (1-[secret mexican area code]-384-4838, or press down all three buttons on your jitterbug phone at the same time) for any other information you would like to know.