In search of a new pad

[gdavge2003]

After three weeks of playing DDR at home with the basic DDR softpad that came in the SuperNova2 bundle, it seems like I need to get a better one. Sure, it moved a little after each song, which to me wasn't a problem; I'd just pull it back to its original place. However, now that I'm moving onto Difficulty/Expert levels, it seems that it gets crumpled very often, and I'm missing a lot of steps that just aren't registering.

So I'm thinking of getting a new DDR pad. Should I try modding the one I have right now, or should I get a Red Octane pad (soft, $15)? From the reviews on it, even though it's a softpad, it seems that it's pretty durable, doesn't move around a lot, and pretty thick (no crumpling).
http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-Red-Octane-Licensed-Dance-2/dp/B0009KCW9I/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1219301647&sr=8-1

If I were to mod it (following the basic plywood/vinyl covering guide), how much would it cost me?

I'm not at the stage where I'm a DDR maniac yet, so getting a >$100 (or any pad over $40 for that matter) metal pad is not an option for me.

[faqread]

I remember Target had a deal on an In the Groove bundled with two of those pads for only US$20. Can't seem to find that anymore though so it must be out of stock.

You can give these a look, the official konami pads (less than half the price too)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N5ZNOK/105-5294210-7172401?ie=UTF8&tag=ddmepa-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000N5ZNOK

There is a review there that tells you how to mod it.
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[yukihime]

For a flat pad, that RO does feel nicer. Honest! My only thing with the RO is the sensors are a little too close to the center. But if you stand on the arrows, not the middle (as you should), that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

That Amazon deal was nice ... now it's up to $39.99 + s/h from some place I've never heard of. But, you do get 2 pads AND a game (ITG)

Modding is the way to go if you're going to be using a flat pad. Doesn't have to be as fancy as the standard way(s) if you can't lay hands on the vinyl to cover the pad. Just get a 1/2" thick piece of wood about the size of the pad and once you've had the pad laid out flat for a few days to get the folds and wrinkles out - just duct tape it to the wood.

Mods with step-by-step pictures:

http://www.ddrfreak.com/library/contributor-article.php?postID=7890244

http://www.angelfire.com/pro2/softpadmod/#_Toc71480697 - this one's a little more involved, but the results sure look great!
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