By addressing three important aspects of practice pad design, we created a model that enhances the overall versatility of the basic practice pad. These three aspects are:

 Important Playing Characteristics

 Portability, and

 Versatility in mounting or placement methods.

      With the goal of enhancing conventional design, and at the same time, being careful to maintain the highest level of quality, MadPadz Percussion Products created the "MadPad" — A truly versatile practice pad!

 

Strong Playing Characteristics

     The MadPad is a rubber surface type pad, as opposed to the drum head type pads. The use of the rubber surface is for reduction in volume, providing much quieter practicing than the drum head type surface. Understanding that, two important playing characteristics for any pad are:

 

size of playing area, and

feel or rebound of the playing surface.

     The MadPad playing surface is a circular pad, measuring 5 1/2" in diameter. Many pad manufacturers follow an established trend with their smaller pad by producing what they call a 6" diameter. Our dimension yeilds virtually the same playing area as these other products, especially where the drum head style pad is concerned. This style needs a rim to hold the head down firmly in place. The area, just inside the rim, referred to as the bearing edge, has an unplayable area that is about 1/4" on both sides, and when taken into account, reduces the playing area by 1/2", resulting in a 5 1'2" playing area. This is the same size as the MadPad. However, we intentionally produce this diameter, providing the same playing area, and allowing a reduction in the overall size.

      The MadPad utilizes a 1/4" thick rubber pad with a durometer of 40 (durometer is the term for measuring hardness in rubber products). This hardness level has proven to be the most desireable, and ultimately the most commonly used. The density of the polycarbonate plastic helps to provide a firm base, resulting in a stable, solid feel, with a rebound that is very much like playing on a drum. Although the rubber pad and polycarbonate body do provide a reasonable amount of weight, the goal of ultimate portability has kept the MadPad on the lighter side. Playing on a flat surface results in a degree of bounce, however the velcro feet have been incorporated to overcome this drawback. By maintaining the size of the playing surface with the innovative body design, and utilizing the the commonly desired rubber pad properties, the MadPad plays beautifully, and provides the solid feel that drummers want.

 

Portability

     One of the primary features of the MadPad is its high degree of portability. It is designed to be as small and as light as possible, while still maintaining appropriate size and proper playing characteristics. The round body provides a 5 1/2" playing surface, but the streamlined design, with no excess rim material, results in an overall diameter of just 5 3/4". Much smaller than other pads designated as a 6" size. The side walls create strength and support, but keep the overall thickness at just 1 1/2". This body design results in the most compact, space efficient configuration possible. The material is a high strength polycarbonate plastic which is virtually indestructable. This gives the ability to utilize thinner walls (approximately 1/8") and still provide ultimate durability. In addition, the reduction in material needed minimizes the overall weight. These size and weight features make the MadPad an incredibly portble unit.

 

Unsurpassed Versatility with Mounting or Supporting Options

     Many practice pads are made to be used in a specific setting. Most pads can be mounted on a stand, using a hex nut built in underneath. Some can be held by clamping in a standard snare stand, or by placing directly on a snare drum. There are a few pads that are designed just to be strapped to your thigh, and most pads can be played while placed on a table or other flat surface. Although these pads function well, they are limited in thier ability to be held in ways other than what they were designed for. The "MadPad" however, has been designed to be held using all the various methods, without sacrificing playability, portability, or size. The exclusive, patented strapping system provides a comfortable, secure fit while strapped to your thigh - making the pad as handy to use as reading a book. The interchangeable feet, with the non-slip rubber stoppers enable the unit to be played on a table, floor, or other flat surface. The Velcro feet help to eliminate the bounce that occurs on a hard, flat surface, but also enable the MadPad to be held in a variety of positions - at any angle, even sideways. The possibilities for use with this feature is indefinate. The MadPad also has the hexnut underneath for securing to a stand. Many people like to use the pad mounted on a stand, as it simulates the position of a drum.