OK, I'm intrigued...DDR fans please look

[scooterb23]

After spending two very fun hours at Gameworks with Jdllama and his merry band of misfits...I've decided I'm interested in looking into a Dance Dance Revolution setup for my house (I'm far to embarrassed to try it in an arcade right now)...

What I'd like to know is what all of you that have been caught by this bug recommend...

1. I'm looking for the best floor pad (please remember, I'm a BIG guy).
2. What are the best discs (top 3, are there 3 out??) to start off with?
3. Is there anything else you would recommend me getting if I were to dive into this addiction?
4. How much should I expect to pay for each of these?

Thanks in advance...

[kevincure]

The Best:

Metal pad: 120 at cyphergames.com (you may want 2 to play with another person)
3 games (normal, Konamix, Disney, in that order of goodness - if you have an import system, you can play all through DDRMAx -6th, it's coming out for US PS2 soon)

For starters:
2 normal pads (20 bucks each anywhere)
DDR normal (20 bucks)

So 60 gets you started - I reccomend you try and wait to see if you want all the extras

[Sylentwulf]

I started with the 2 basic pads (Nailed one onto a THICK piece of plywood, works GREAT) and DDR Konamix. As Kevin said, about $60 to get you started. (I got all my stuff from ebay)

I upgraded to the hard plastic pad which supposedly supports anyone up to 250 pounds, feels really sturdy, nice flashing lights, I'm fairly impressed, no I can't WAIT for DDR Max!!!

[autobotracing]

I started with the 2 basic pads (Nailed one onto a THICK piece of plywood, works GREAT) and DDR Konamix. As Kevin said, about $60 to get you started. (I got all my stuff from ebay)

I upgraded to the hard plastic pad which supposedly supports anyone up to 250 pounds, feels really sturdy, nice flashing lights, I'm fairly impressed, no I can't WAIT for DDR Max!!!


youre right on the money there .start off with konamix then go and get a import max for ps2 or wait a month for it here

[oesiii]

I second the recommendation to spend about $50-60 bucks to get a starter set. A year ago I got two soft pads and a USA mix PS1 on ebay for $50, I found out I loved playing the game so I bought some hard plastic covers from Red Octane which really upgraded my cheap pads.

Without a mod chip there are 3 PS1 games out: USA mix, Konamix, and Disney Mix. The Disney mix has gotten some good reviews although it's a little easier and aimed at kids. If you have a modded ps1 then there are a few japn. imports that you can also get which have a better selection of tunes.

I think the best websites to check out are http://www.redoctane.com/ for the best quality products and you can see all the pad options available. And check out http://www.ddrei.com/ for some good beginner faqs and how to upgrade you pads with plywood, etc.

[scooterb23]

Thanks for the help so far...$60 is actually a lot less than I expected to pay...

[WiseSalesman]

I spent about 130 to start, but about $50 of that was supplies from home depot. I then spent 11 hours tricking out my pads. They're really nice now. I'd get konamix over DDR normal.

[Kroogah]

Konamix is the best version for beginners...the first U.S. DDR is mostly for fans of 2nd & 3rd Mix (Afronova! Keep On Movin'! Paranoia MAX Dirty Mix!)

Pads? I bought a Mad Catz pad, and simply velcroed it to a hardwood floor. Works quite well (and I'm a big guy too ^_^)

[Kess]

1. I'm looking for the best floor pad (please remember, I'm a BIG guy).

Definately the metal pad. Will run you 100+ bucks though, sadly. I'd rather MOD my pad, which I did.

2. What are the best discs (top 3, are there 3 out??) to start off with?

There are a ton out. Let me name them. DDR USA, DDR Konamix, DDR Disney Mix, DDR 2nd Mix, DDR 3rd Mix, DDR 3rd Mix Korean, DDR 4th Mix, DDR 5th Mix, DDR 6th Mix Max, DDR Extra Mix, DDR Best Hits. [Note, every one after DDR Disney Mix is japanese/korean]

If you don't have a moded PSX, and are not willing to get one, I'd say go with:

1. DDR Konamix
2. DDR USA
3. DDR Disney Mix (In that order)

If you are willing to mod, here's what I say.

1. DDR 5th Mix
2. DDR 4th Mix
3. DDR 3rd Mix/Korean

If you have a PS2, you can mod it and get DDR 6th Mix MAX! If not, you can wait a few months, right?

3. Is there anything else you would recommend me getting if I were to dive into this addiction?

The mixes and the pad should be good enough to start with.

4. How much should I expect to pay for each of these?

Each american mix will run you about 30 bucks. The japanese imports could be up to 60 dollars in some places, but if you get burned ones you can get them for 2-5 dollars if you shop hard enough.

Thanks in advance...

mmmhm

DOINK!
[/b]