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XtracPads Pro HS


Date
: 08/29/07 – 05:07:59 AM

Author
:

Category
: Misc

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer:
XTracPads

Price:
$10.00 US

There was a time not so long ago when any old mousepad would work. Those times are past, at least for anyone who wants accuracy with their mouse. The mousepad market has grown greatly in the last few years. XtracPads was started back in March of 2002 to create high quality mousing surfaces. They are a company devoted to the computer mouse, developing every accessory you might need for yours. From mousepads of varying materials to wax for your mousing surface, you'll find it at their website.

XtracPads has a full line of both cloth mousepads and plastic surface mousepads. Today I am taking a look at their plastic surface mousing pad, the Pro HS. How does the XtracPads Pro HS stack up in the crowded mousepad market? Read on to find out.

Page 2 : Package and Specifications

As packages go, the Pro HS is straight and to the point. Just the way I like it.

On the front of the package we have the product name in large white bold letters. There is a small opening on the lower left that allows you to feel the surface of the mousepad hidden inside.

The back of the package is rather plain, and just gives you a few specifications of the mousepad and a quick excerpt from an online review.

Taking a look at the product page for the XtracPads Pro HS gives us a list of the product features and specifications.

XtracPads Pro HS highlights:
– Super slick plastic surface
– Hexagon pattern for enhanced tracking
– Sure Grip rubber backing
– Easy to clean
– 8.5" x 11" x 3/32" (216mm x 280mm)
-Tested and 100% compatible with the following mice:
* Logitech MX300/500/510/518/700/1000 G5 & G7
* Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0/4.0 Laser Mouse 6000
* Apple Mighty Mouse

Page 3 : Contents

XtracPads doesn't clutter you up with any inserts or advertisements, so it is straight to the product itself.

The first thing that jumps out at you is the hexagon pattern. The pattern is used to enhance tracking, though you would think it might do the opposite. I have seen some odd patterns play havoc with optical mice, but I'm fairly certain the guys at XtracPads know what they are doing.

The bottom of the pad is made of XtracPads Sure Grip rubber. This backing will ensure a firm grip on any surface from wood to glass. I have tried it out on some various surfaces around my house and have found it gives a good solid grip on all of them.

If you look closely at the top you can see the slight texture to the plastic surface. The hexagon pattern makes it somewhat difficult to see, but you can definitely feel it with your fingertip.

The Pro HS is a plastic topped mousepad, therefore it remains flexible like a cloth pad.

And a final note, XtracPads includes a case badge in case you want to show off what pad you use on that LAN gaming box.

Page 4 : Testing and Conclusion

For testing I used the Pro HS for daily computing as well as some gaming with Battlefield 2142, CounterStrike: Source and FEAR Combat.

After using the Pro HS over the past two weeks, I have really enjoyed using it. I have not once felt that the pad hindered in any way. Smooth surface and accurate tracking have been the characteristics of the XtracPads Pro HS. I even had the opportunity to test out the ability to clean it when I discovered an unknown substance stuck to it. No one would fess up to it, however a wipe with a moist cloth and it was good as new. That is something you won't be able to do with a cloth pad.

About the only negative point about the Pro HS is I often had the feeling I was close to the edge of the pad. I never actually did run into the edge, but it was the feeling of being close a few times during gaming. This really isn't a fault to the pad itself, but is more of a personal point. The pad is slightly bigger than your standard pad, I just feel a little more comfortable with a wider mousepad.

The folks over at XtracPads have done an outstanding job with the HS Pro. The HS Pro was first released in 2002 and even after all these years it still stands out as a great mousepad. Though not as large as some other gaming mousepads, the HS Pro should offer enough space for most users. You can find the Pro HS for around $10 online, and at that price you really can't beat it.

Positives

• Smooth surface

• Accurate tracking
• Easy to clean
• Durable

Negatives

[list><li]Size might be too small for some[/list]

Overclockers Online would like to thank XTracPads for supplying the Pro HS for review.