SpecialKLSX Reviews the XtracPads Hybrid MousePad!

Over time companies roll out new products, new processors that we don't' really need, bigger hard drives that already store way too much, monitors that are so big that we need a bigger house so we can see form one end of it to the other without turning our head. Newer isn't always better. But sometimes it is. And you never know until you get handed a item to give it a good thrashing to find out for yourself.

Today I'll be testing the new XtracPads Hybrid.

Read More for the Full Review!

Today I'll be testing the new XtracPads Hybrid.

Out of the box this was much different than the pad I will be comparing it to, made by the same company, the Hammer.

The tube it comes packed in is reusable so if you wanna wrestle this thing back in there to take it on a LAN party across the state and don't' wanna risk something getting on it that'd damage the surface, you can. And probably should, this thing is beefy enough a rubber band might not be enough to keep it rolled up neatly.

First off a few specs about this pad that makes it different from the soft surface pads that might interest you.

Specifications - Size - 254mm x 406mm x 4mm (10" x 16" x 3/16") -

Surface - Soft top mixed with plastic for extra glide and durability -

Backing - Sure Grip open cell rubber material for superior grip -

Upon unpacking it the surface wanted to keep it's round shape slightly, rolling it the other way and making sure both ends were on the inside of the roll quickly got it wanting to lay flat. It only took a few moments now it lays as flat as it probably did when it was made. The surface of it is definitely smooth much like the texture of my old favorite surface, the course side of the fUnc Surface 1030 Archetype. I'm liking it already!

Size wise it's almost as big as the very large HAMMER hard mousing surface. It is thicker, but that's because of its' new base surface. This seems to me much like high density foam rubber, and it grabs my desk well. Not moving under spirited mousing moves, one such malady that struck my well liked Hammer until I took matters into my own hands about securing it. (Using sandpaper on my desk to scuff it so it'd stay put.) For me this is big enough, and I'm a guy who likes big pad.

The surface itself is smooth, and slick, letting the mouse I use skirt along with a lower friction feel than that of the hammer. And it's also quieter too. As for accuracy my G9 never once bobbled freaked or otherwise misbehaved while I've used this so far. And after having the Hammer here under my hand for a good long time, I doubt this surface will give me ANY trouble in that department for a good long time. Those needing the perfect pad for cross level pixel hunting head shots -need- apply.

General users should be able to appreciate the same level of accuracy day in and day out. And if you do spill something on it, XtracPads recommends using a clean damp cloth then letting it dry completely. A mixed bag there if your at a LAN. But then again, you shouldn't have your Bawls sweating on your pad while your railing your buddies pancreas to the far wall.

 Quite possibly the deal breaker on this pad though, is the backing, it's thick, standard pad thick. Some guys and gals, such as myself, prefer a very thin pad. But this is thick, thick enough to use as a wrist wrest. And it is fairly supportive. Your millage will very on it. But there's one thing for sure, it grabs your desk like a cat on the curtains. It's not going anywhere!

Now, there is one thing I did find on this pad that I can honestly say I'm not that enthused about. It was such a small imperfection because its' new I couldn't grab a picture of it period. But, this being a cloth surfaced pad there were a few strands that have frayed loose. Over the long haul a person that doest' take care of this themselves will have a pad that looks around the edge much like a poodle. The fix is simple, a little superglue and a q-tip has glued the edges down securely and I wont' have to worry about my pad looking like a pair of 5 year old jeans in a few weeks from my frantic fragging rubbing things the wrong way. Since this is a first run pad I'm sure XtracPads will get this fixed before letting any more pads out to market.

XtracPads has proven themselves ones not happy to sit on their laurels however, the hybrid has effectively made my permanently retire my worn out fUnc, the Hammer is now on backup duty but will remain. I personally will give XtracPads credit here coming out with new surfaces rather rapidly, it seems they are out for blood in the arena that is under your mouse.

This product is Gamer approved, and highly recommended.

Currently this Pad is available only at http://www.pcxmods.com/ and costs $28.95 though if you want to buy a large number of them, you could contact XtracPads directly about a custom design as well.

Comments (9)

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 18-11-2008 17:17 - Registered
	I like it! This is a great review! I read a lot of reviews and this one is very well done.     Not only was the review well done, but it was honest and it included info that gamers actually care about. Enough that I will be purchasing one of these myself. I also play on my desk, and I need one of these for Christmas! http://fearedgamers.net

	2. Written by Welder on 18-11-2008 17:22 - Registered
	Great! Awesome Review Bulk! Great job     Looks like a nice pad!

	3. Written by SpecialKLSX on 18-11-2008 22:30 - Registered
	Great! Get the custom FG edition Warface. I'm sure that one will look badass. I might have to grab at least one of those for myself as well.

	4. Written by painless187 on 19-11-2008 07:31 - Registered
	Wunderbar! Great review dude!

	5. Written by Welder on 20-11-2008 13:02 - Registered
	Custom FG edition Wait what? Custom FG edition??? I WANT ONE!

	6. Written by SpecialKLSX on 21-11-2008 11:47 - Registered
	Custom FG edition Yea, custom FG pad! Now all we need is about 20 or so more people that want one so the fee for setup is covered

	7. Written by Lethal.Ambition on 24-11-2008 08:55 - Registered
	Custom FG edition I still cannot see how it can be a wrist rest. Can you provide a photo of that? That is still what doesn't convince me to buy one. I mean, my mouse pad of 3 years has a wrist pad that I just LOVE. It is extremely comfortable.

	8. Written by SpecialKLSX on 25-11-2008 13:22 - Registered
	Custom FG edition Its' a wrist wrest in the fact you can actually put your wrist on it and have said wrist supported unlike the hammer. The hammer caused a little bit of swelling on my hand and wrist if I spent all day gaming. With the hybrid there is enough cushion to prevent that.

	9. Written by Lethal.Ambition on 25-11-2008 14:07 - Registered
	Custom FG edition Man, I don't want to be a pain, but I cannot picture this. Can you photograph it? Maybe with your wrist resting on it?

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