Best traction pad?

[ODJ]

I am having a board made but am on the fence about traction pads. Never really gave them much thought until a fellow zoner brought it up, and made me wonder about it. I have pretty much exclusively used the 3M deck pads on every board I have ever owned. Never had an issue with them as far as slipping, but will agree that they do soak up a lot of water and take a while to dry. I have gone out into the garage the next morning and still had the deck pad be wet from the previous day's session, and one board started smelling a touch musty.

Seems like there are fans of the OAM traction pads, but these are open-cell foam just like the 3M pads, so I am guessing they hold water, too. Others seem to like the X-track pads, and have to say these look nice, but have never used one. They do look thick, which may not me what I am into. Are the OAM pads thinner than the 3M? Even if the OAM is open-cell foam, it may be a matter of compromise, since it wouldn't hold as much water.

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are always encouraged and appreciated! Thanks!

[mdsurf]

The xtrax are thin and do not hold water and offer good traction.  They are however not thick so they do not offer cushion or comfort.  For surfing they are good thin grip.  Hydro turf cut up into mosaics offer cushion and the best traction for me.

[808]

My favorite so far is the OAM pad. It has a big kick pad arch support and from what I can tell does not absorb water.

[Boludo]

X-trak pads are amazing and are probably my favorite. I love how thin they are and they have good traction. Oam are my 2nd favorite (the thin one, not the thick one). I usually put the oam on my boards because it goes with the theme, they look the best and tail kick is included.

[PaddleCrazy]

+1 on the feel and look of the OAM.

[SoCalSupper]

OAM my favorite-Xtrac is second fave.
I like the traction of those raised little pyramids on the OAM.
Xtrac and the others are just too slick and not as comfy for my little girl feet!

[SUP Sports ®]

Our SUP Sports pads are similar to X-Trak...a high quality standard that we still stock...thin and closed cell EVA...3M VHB adhesive...but, we have a built in tail ramp...optional geometric cutouts...one piece ease of installation...on sale for $99...

Our template fits a variety of boards...diamond pattern is non-slip with barefeet...comfortable, too...
It can also be easily modified to use without logo...and, we also have a new shortboard template arriving soon...

http://blog.surfingsports.com/tag/sup-pads

http://blog.surfingsports.com/2011/09/supsports-new-sup-models.html

[andygere]

I like hand cut pads from sheet Hydroturf. You are having a custom board made, why install a stock pad?  To my eye, pads that are custom fit and colored to match the board always look better than some one size pad stuck on there.

[ODJ]

I like hand cut pads from sheet Hydroturf. You are having a custom board made, why install a stock pad?  To my eye, pads that are custom fit and colored to match the board always look better than some one size pad stuck on there.

I'm more into performance of the pad/it's ability to do it's job and keep me from slipping and not soak up a ton of water over it's actual looks.

[andygere]

I like hand cut pads from sheet Hydroturf. You are having a custom board made, why install a stock pad?  To my eye, pads that are custom fit and colored to match the board always look better than some one size pad stuck on there.

I'm more into performance of the pad/it's ability to do it's job and keep me from slipping and not soak up a ton of water over it's actual looks.

I haven't found the Hydroturf pads to be big sponges.  Custom fitting it the board, in my mind, lets you put the traction where you need it, for performance.  More than one way to get it, just my 2 cents.

[ODJ]

I like hand cut pads from sheet Hydroturf. You are having a custom board made, why install a stock pad?  To my eye, pads that are custom fit and colored to match the board always look better than some one size pad stuck on there.

I'm more into performance of the pad/it's ability to do it's job and keep me from slipping and not soak up a ton of water over it's actual looks.

I haven't found the Hydroturf pads to be big sponges.  Custom fitting it the board, in my mind, lets you put the traction where you need it, for performance.  More than one way to get it, just my 2 cents.

i should check these out then. They are less expensive than the others, too, from what I have seen.

[andygere]

It's easy to custom shape some minicell foam to make your own tail pad integral to the deck pad. You can shape it with sandpaper or a power sander and trim it to fit you custom pad, and give it a seamless look.  It's available with 3M adhesive back, and the deck pad material will adhere to it.  I'm thinking of going that route on my newest board, which is at the glasser right now. 

Here's one place that sells it: http://www.foamandupholstery.com/minicell_foam.htm

[SD1]

Hydroturf...The Infinity shop sells them...comfy, grippy, and easy on the wallet...

[VonR]

ODJ,

Hydroturf is pretty good. You can buy it in uncut rolls or pre-cut. I prefer the small diamond pattern, but they have several other options as well.

[sup_surf_giant]

I couldn't imagine NOT using an OAM pad. Every time I ride something equipped with something else I think of the traction I have on my OAM. http://www.oamsurf.com