Grey, as a longtime DDR player, I can't possibly recommend the Cobalt Flux pads in high enough terms. I've owned one for almost three years now, and it's never needed any repair or maintenance. All I need to do is clean it about once a year. This is under conditions of heavy, heavy use - hundreds upon hundreds of hours of playtime. One of my friends bought another metal pad from RedOctane, and it was a total disaster, kept falling apart and wasn't reliable on the steps at all. If you're willing to spend $300 for a really good pad, just go with the Cobalt Flux.
Just so you know I'm not BSing here, this is a video of me using one of my pads. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO3rpRfy1jg
End of 2008 totals: Wii 42m, 360 24m, PS3 18.5m (made Jan. 4, 2008)
