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Mad Rock made its Mad Pad Crash Pad with a cushy five inches of foam padding to boost your confidence as you top out the mantle on your problem. Closed-cell foam on the top of the Mad Pad disperses the force of your fall into the open-cell foam on the bottom. This Mad Rock crash pad converts into an oversized lounge chair when it's time to relax between sends.
Converts into a chair
Five inches of padding to boost confidence on highballs
One thing I've seen people do to alleviate the stiffness of the landing deck is to pull out the foam and rearrange it so instead of 1" closed cell - 1" closed cell - 3" open cell, you get 1" closed cell - 3" open cell - 1" closed cell.
This makes the pad less comfy to sleep on (it's really not comfy in the first place, so no big loss), and it reduces the ability of the pad to absorb a large amount of shock force in a concentrated area, but the pad is so thick to begin with that I don't think it's a huge deal. It's really easy to do, just pop open the velcro and pull out the foam, just be sure you don't mess something up and cause I don't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt!
The 1-3-1 configuration is found in a lot of other high end pads, such as the BD mondo and the asana KJ signature pad.
EDIT: You should only really switch the foam if you're using the pad in a gym or for very short routes, as it severely reduces the effectiveness as well as the life of the pad.
Mine was shipped to me (this year) with the 1-3-1 configuration you're describing already in place... Which pad is the fluke, and which is the "approved" method?
It makes more sense to me to use the 1-3-1 because the first closed cell layer would spread the impact force over the softer, thick open cell foam, and then the bottom closed cell is there to keep you from bottoming out. That's what I was thinking anyway...
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That's a little half pad that Metolius used to make. This would be the closest thing to it now. http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Sketch-Crash-Pad/dp/B000VXTTPS
The Mad Pad has an extra inch of foam padding and is quite a bit stiffer than the Bailout, which adds a little confidence on high boulder problems where big falls onto uneven terrain are likely. It has the added advantage of backpack straps instead of basic carry handles, and the nylon doesn't pick up much debris like some liners do. It's not as comfy for midday catnaps, but it's a lot of pad for the money.
After my climbing buddies and I walked a mile and half back to the car following countless falls onto the Mad Pad this weekend I can say it does what it is designed to. It rested well on ground riddled with ankle breaking outcrops and absorbed our weight when we flew too close to the sun. Nobody needed a stretcher to get off the hill, it was one of the lowest priced pads I found, and the couch function made for the most comfortable seat I've ever used in the wilderness. Not only have I suggested this product to my friends, I've begged them to buy their own!
This pad is a great upgrade from the sketch. You'll get way more protection and way less broken ankles with this thing. I agree with Hunter, the more pads you have the merrier!
Both pads have their merits, but I don't think a Mad Pad is going to replace your Sketch by any means. It's a little bigger, thicker, stiffer, and heavier than your Sketch, which is going to add some confidence on high problems, but definitely hang onto that Sketch for a more plush landing and for protecting odd terrain.
I love this pad. It's thick and inspires confidence to go for that big move. It's not super light or super technologically advanced or anything like that, but it's cheap and effective. It also is made to be transformed into a couch back at camp which can be pretty handy after a long day climbing.
Not usually a fan of any climbing gear from Mad Rock, but this pad is great. Can't go wrong, especially if you're short on cash and looking for a first pad.
I bought this crashpad mainly for it's thickness. I found that this crashpad was at least 1 inch thicker than all the other pads with similar area and dimensions. Also love the different color options. I got mine in bright red, so i'll always know which pad's mine. Loving the price on this thing too. I didn't have to drop a billion dollars for some decent protection. Buy it!
This pad will be fine. A spotter is more important than the pad type. Any pad and a good spotter will get the job done. If you don't have a spotter ... find one.
This pad has now survived a season of bushwacking bouldering with no problems. This pad is thicker and bulkier than other pads but I wouldn't trade it for any other pad. You can't beat this pad for the price.
This pad is great for several reasons. First the bad: people say this pad is stiff, it is. I'm not looking for a bed though; I want something that absorbs force and protects my body. This pad does those things in part because it's so stiff.
The good: This pad is 5 inches thick, so it has a lot of time to absorb force and spread it out. On uneven terrain it really shines because it doesn't deform a great deal on a hard landing. It's $140, as cheap as the thinnest and smallest pads out there, at a respectable size and huge thickness. They don't even skimp on too many features. Sure you can get a pocket, or a funky fold out of another pad, but this pad has the foam where you need it (under you), straps in the right places, durable buckles, and a method to attach it to other pads. That's the last real bonus with this pad, I bet your buddy has one, or his buddy. You can join them easily and securely if the problem calls for it, because it seems like half the people out there already have one of these.
This this is great. My bouldering group has been very happy with the pad for the following reasons:
1) Lightweight, very easy to carry 2) No fear of bottoming out 3) Fabric is great, easy to clean 4) Velcro allows 2 Mad Pads to connect (nice for those longer traverses)
The pad does feel rather firm when it's new, but it doesn't take long to realize that's exactly what is necessary. After a while (few days of hard climbing) it does break in so the landings are a little softer if you fall on your back or whatever but it still keeps the firmness needed to have no fear of the dreaded bottom out.
I'm kind of new to climbing and bouldering and i'm looking into buying a crash pad. Just like everyone else i dont really want to spend a lot of money and this pad looks like an awesome deal, i just want to know if anyone has found this pad to be too big? Like is it a nuisance to carry around?
Back straps (like a backpack) and a handle. It's honestly really easy to just carry around by the handle, but the straps are nice for convenience, no doubt.
This is a pretty standard size to have, and a very popular pad. It'll only stick up a few inches above your head when you walk, and probably a few inches out each side. Very little inconvenience....there is also a handle on the side so you can carry it like a large piece of luggage. Also, it is the right size to sit on (and put on your climbing shoes of choice) while it is still closed.
This is a good deal for the average climber. You get what you pay for -- the fabric and foam aren't as tough as more expensive mats -- but unless you boulder every day, I think this mat will last you a long time. You'll probably enjoy spending the extra $30-50 on something else :)
well bro it depends on how much you want to hurt the next day. i wouldn't push above 20 ft. for sure. and make sure you(or your spotter) moves the pad adequately. don't want to miss if you are falling from 20 feets.
i usually don't use a pad(because im broke) but the few times ive been able to borrow these one from a friend, ive felt good with it up to around 15 feet
I feel the need to break with the field here. The Mad Pad was my first crash pad about five years ago. I never bought another, though I've known at least three people with the same pad. It is, indeed, very cheap, which is what makes it so attractive for new climbers. Just know that you'll get what you pay for. The foam seems to get stomped down in about half the time of most other pads. The stitching, fabric and straps can also break down relatively quickly. From a functional standpoint, I've found that these pads are annoying if you're padding blocky landings - it's like trying to balance a piece of plywood - and because it is so stiff, falling on this pad from high problems actually kind of sucks, at least until it's stomped out, at which point you may as well be landing on a sleeping bag. And it's not like any crash pads are comfortable to carry, but the strap design on this pad (along with the unyielding rigidity of the foam) hurts my back on long approaches quite a bit more than any other pad I've used.
If you're really strapped for cash or if you boulder only a couple times a month, the Mad Pad is certainly better than nothing, but if you're serious about bouldering I recommend spending a few extra bucks on a pad that'll last far longer and really hold up when you need it.
For how much coverage you get with this pad and at the incredible price theres no reason not to get this great pad. The different folding configurations and burly straps are some other features you get with this pad. Makes one of the best bivy pads at the end of the day as well.
So if you are looking for a good crash pad this is perfect. It is by far on of the better ones I have used thus far. They also offer it in a bigger size which is even better two of these together you have yourself a bomb landing zone for those high ballers out there
This pad is the thickest on the market with the lowest price. My friend an I both have one and the "mating" capabilities allow larger bombing areas when landing off big boulders. Next time I am going to by the triple thick. Bottom Line- Get it, ships super fast!
Great pad. Extra thick for good confidence on the high balls. Price is unbeatable for the quality. Ordered mine on a Wednesday and was bouldering on Saturday. Wipes off easily too (great for less than perfect days).
Have been using the Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad for about 3 years now and it's still going strong. Originally I bought the Mad Pad crash pad because it's one of the most inexpensive pads I could find, and yet one of the biggest. I still haven't seen a crash pad this size for less. Not even close! Aside from the Mad Rock Mad Pad's obvious economical advantages, it's also tough as nails. It's been my main crash pad for 3 years and still doesn't show any real signs of wear & tear. The little carpet square it comes with, the "Madgic Carpet," is a nice bonus. I won't boulder w/o one now because wiping your feet before sending is just so damn helpful!
This pad gets the job done ! The padding is great for bouldering and folds up if you need to fit it through a tight spot. It has three straps when it is folded up and closed so that your gear is not going to fall out of the bottom. Also the fabric is not going to tear while rubbing against granite during your approach and trees pretty much move out of the way when this pad is on your back. I like it so much I'm buying another one.