The dance mat was thought up as a toy. But the audience liked it so much that they had to develop new models. Now it is used by both children and adults, and interest in dancing on a dance mat is only growing. There are so many types and models that it is sometimes difficult for a buyer to decide. What advice do you recommend to choose a dance mat reviews, which is better according to experts?
Description of the dance mat
A dance mat is a keyboard on which a melody is played with the help of legs. This is also karaoke, where music is created by pressing the desired sections with your feet. This is a simulator that allows you to lose weight. And also - fun and exciting entertainment.
In appearance, the product looks like a real rubber mat, but with large bright buttons (arrows). Inside is a microprocessor. Using the cable, the mat is connected to a computer or TV.
Included with the dance mat is a disc with the Stepmania program. Hundreds of diverse musical compositions are recorded there. If there are few, you can add new ones. It is only necessary when choosing a model to pay attention to whether it supports an SD flash card.
After connecting to the TV (AV jacks), an image of the mat appears on the screen. Music is playing. With each beat, a specific section is ignited. Arrows move from bottom to top on the screen, each of which corresponds to its own button. The pace of their movement corresponds to the rhythm of the music. The dancer must have time to get his feet in those areas that were lit up, but already on his rug. You need to jump at the moment the arrow hits the square. For each "hit" there is a score.
Classification of dance mats
Now there are so many types of them that they can be classified according to several parameters.
Models of dance carpets by destination:
- for professional competitions;
- universal.
According to the principle of action:
- DDR (Dance Dance Revolution);
- PIU (Pump It Up).
Rugs like DDR can have 4 or 6 buttons. All of them are in front of the device.
In Pump lt Up, arrows are drawn in a circle. The center is most often active. The shooter can be up to nine. There are no rugs with the PIU system, only panels.
According to the design of the base:
- rubberized rug;
- solid platform.
Both types have their advantages. Flexible rubberized is convenient to carry, transport, hide for a while. But they are short-lived, dancing on them is possible only in socks, so as not to damage the surface. Sometimes it can slip. Suitable for beginner dancers.
Rugged, stiff platforms are reliable but heavy. In their manufacture, metal is used. They are inconvenient to transport and store. They cost more than rubberized ones. But you can dance on them with as much enthusiasm as you can afford.
By connection method:
- to the television;
- to a computer (laptop) via a USB port.
Dance mats do not work with set-top boxes (except Nintendo Wii).
They differ in the language of communication with the owner. It largely depends on the place where you buy the rug. If these are official representatives, then they have certificates and instructions in a language that the client understands. But it happens that the program begins to speak English (at best) or in pure Chinese. What are shoppers doing?
If you cannot install the disk obtained with the mat or read it, users do not despair. They throw it away, and the program is downloaded on the Internet.
Dance mats differ in interface (understandable, incomprehensible), colors, software.
Some models have soft inserts that increase comfort and sound insulation. They dampen the blows of the legs, so you can dance on a rug with such an insert without risking causing anger to neighbors from below. These are pieces of foam rubber 2.5 cm thick. The insert consists of 6 puzzle pieces that can be taken out during transportation.
TV connection
Connect the connectors according to the colors of the “tulip” sockets and to the outlet using the adapter that comes with the kit. On the screen you will see that the TV has switched to the "Video" mode. Next will appear pictures with a description.
You need to choose the type of TV - LCD or CRT (normal). A program splash screen will appear.
Then:
- choose a dance mode;
- determine the number of buttons;
- difficulty level;
- dance floor;
- set of tunes;
- having chosen a certain one, you begin to dance.
Computer connection
The operating system of your computer should not be lower than Windows 98, the processor clock speed of 600 MHz, RAM 128 MB. Hard disk space 650 MB.
When connected to a computer, Windows installs drivers on its own. Connection is performed without using an adapter, otherwise the mat may fail.
What year of release are you advised to buy a dance mat (reviews)? Which is better? Users note that when using a flash card, you need to pay attention to the last generation of the mat (from 2013 release). Otherwise, the arrows will go monotonously, at the same pace for all the melodies you recorded. And in new rugs (32-bit graphics), the user himself sets the pace of their movement.
How to choose a dance mat
Reviews "which is better" largely depend on what you need it for. Indeed, in principle, it is a toy for children and adults. And the requirements of these categories cannot be the same.
If this is a gift for a small child, then it is better to take flexible models from thick but soft material. For children, an ordinary thin flexible rug is also suitable.
For boys and girls who are seriously engaged in dancing and want to participate in competitions, you need to take the platform. Of course, they are more expensive. But for the beloved business, money is not a pity.
In order to lose weight and slightly tighten the figure, a rubberized flexible dance mat with a small number of buttons is enough (4-5).
Buttons
Some buyers may not understand why a different number of arrows has a dance mat (reviews). Which is better to choose?
Each of the buttons indicates the direction: "Down", "Up", "Left", "Right". Some models have additional buttons “Up Left” and “Up Right” or the center is also a button.
- The standard set - 4 arrows - is needed for DDR dances.
- The 6-arrow mode (DDR SOLO) is a bit more complicated and is not used for two-player games. This is because a large number of arrows do not fit on the screen. On the machines almost never used.
- A set of 8 arrows was needed in only one game, which is not being used now. But the mats continue to produce exactly with 8 arrows. Therefore, if you need 4 buttons, you have to buy from 8.
- Rugs like PIU use 5 (4 plus center) or 9 (8 plus center) arrows.
When choosing a dance mat, go around the nearest entertainment centers and see what types of machines are installed there (DDR or PIU). Based on this, make a choice: do you need an active center.
If you do not care, then choose the usual 8-arrow rug. But it is better to take the 9-arrow panel. It will allow you to work in different modes.
Additional buttons
It is advisable that your rug have additional buttons that allow you to direct the game from the "workplace". It can be the “Start”, “Cancel” buttons or at least the first of them.
In older models, these buttons were placed on a separate remote control. But it turned out that so managing the rug is inconvenient.
Famous and popular models
3 2-bit Dance Pad Deluxe Piu (PC-USB-TV). Compatible with computer and TV, which expands the scope of its application. It works in DDR and PIU mode. There is a soft insert. In addition to music, there are 8 games.
Dance Mat. Works with the computer game DDR Hottest Party 3. On the screen, the character makes certain movements, and the dancer must repeat them exactly. The game allows you to connect 4 mats. But you can dance yourself. Size - 95 x 85 cm, thickness - 0.8 cm.
What are the reviews for Dance Mat rug?
Like users that he:
- suitable for children and adults;
- it’s convenient to work with him;
- There are 3 difficulty levels;
- promotes weight loss.
I do not like that the mat slides on the floor during the dance, and that it does not connect to the TV. The price in rubles is about 500 rubles.
Reviews and prices of the Dance Mat dance mat make it even more popular. Few people, after seeing the video with the dance, did not want to buy the same for themselves. Reviews say that basically it is discharged from China, it is less common in stores and costs more.
Mats for children
Often, parents are asked to advise the best children's dance mats. Species purchased for children from 4 years old (namely, this age is considered to be marginal for use) are inexpensive flexible rugs. For example, 8 bits of X-tream for TV and PC. The price of Aliexpress is $ 11-14. All reviews are positively rated such a dance mat.
Which is better for a girl? The model from the same price range is Hello Girl (TV and computer, 16 Bit) pink. It works in two modes.
For two-person games, buy the Stay Cool Duplex Wireless (32 Bit, for TV and PC). Price 6700 rub.
If the child likes the entertainment, and he “dances it to the holes”, it makes sense to buy a model more expensive.
X-tream user reviews
User reviews suggest that the dance mat brings an atmosphere of fun to the family. All the households are trying to dance, and the rest are watching with interest what they can do. But there are different dance mats on sale. Which to choose?
Model X-tream users like the price, the ability to choose levels of difficulty, judging, speed of music and movements. Start with the minimum settings. After all, it is very important for a child to get at least a small, but victory. Then the difficulty level is increased. It is pleasant to users that light songs are designated by a special icon. This allows you to correctly distribute the level of difficulty.
They note that after installing the disk, you need to check the settings. It happens that the buttons on the mat need to be re-configured.
Reviews about other models
In most cases, users do not indicate the model name of the purchased device. From the description it is clear that the mats they acquired are ordinary flexible with 8 arrows.
Positive feedback was given to the Dance Performance II Stay Color mat (PC-USB-TV).
Consumers note a comfortable non-slip coating. It is believed that a two-meter wire is often not enough for convenient use. The presence of a waterproof EVA gasket is considered outrageous, but not decisive in the choice. But the fact that there is a connection to the TV is pleasant, especially to those consumers who do not have a computer.
Conveniently connect a Dance II Performance dance mat to your laptop. User reviews say that this makes it possible to use it at parties. But the emphasis is on emotional details (“had fun”), without going into technical specifications.
Wireless dance mat
For those who are prevented from dancing, a wireless 32-bit Stay Cool model has appeared. It connects to a computer or TV (not all models) using a wireless adapter. The menu is in Russian. Included are 2 wireless joysticks and a 2GB flash card. Price 5400 rub. What are the reviews for a 32 bit Stay Cool dance mat? Users like that it has 6 difficulty levels when connected to a TV. Good graphics, very colorful pictures. It is convenient that there is an anti-slip coating.
Shortcomings
Velcro rugs fidget and do not stick tightly to the floor. You can lay it on a fleecy surface, and it will be better to hold. But then you have to manually remove all the villi that have stuck.
Some users have not been able to master the dance mat. After several unsuccessful attempts, he was abandoned. Other users explain this by the fact that the device was not configured correctly or with the musical ability of the problem.
Dance mat and health
Real reviews about the dance mat suggest that it can be good for your health.
As a result of working on it:
- concentration of attention develops;
- muscles of the legs are strengthened;
- the body becomes more flexible and fit;
- excess weight is dumped (for one procedure from 300 g);
- mood improves, which is also good for health.
An hour of dancing on the carpet can save 1.2 thousand calories. At the same time, the process of disposal is very pleasant.
Users claim that fitness classes, for which they pay a lot of money, do not give such an effect as dancing on the rug. Pay attention to the fact that all the muscles are involved in the process. Therefore, they advise using a mat to improve your figure.
It is only necessary to correctly calculate the amount of time that a child or young person should spend on this device. Parents pay attention that long, several hours in a row, classes on the rug lead to the fact that the calves of the legs begin to hurt the child. Therefore, they advise to keep the process under control.