X-Ray Pad Thunder 8 Mouse Surface
Review by: Steve
Edited by: Ji4m
Provided by: X-Raypad

Big thanks to X-Raypad for providing the Thunder 8 for review!

Introduction:
The performance mouse surface industry really seems to have grown lately. Buyers have many different kinds to choose from, be it smooth or textured, glass, steel or plastic. Having such a wide variety can leave some people unsure of what exactly is best suited for them. Today I received the Thunder 8 mouse surface from X-Raypad. This isn't just a regular mouse surface, it's smooth on one side and textured on the other side!

(Tin, click to enlarge)

In The Box:
The Thunder 8 is very nicely packaged in a tin case with the wording X-Raypad Technology and www.x-raypad.com on it. When the tin case is opened it reveals the mouse surface packed snuggly in foam and the included wire holder.

(Thunder 8 with wire holder clipped on, click to enlarge)

Specs:
Dimensions: 11.44" x 9.3" x 1/6" (290.6mm x 236.2mm x 4.2mm)
Base features 10 tiny gel feet to hold the pad in place

Features:
The Thunder 8 consists of two pieces, the yellow base and the pad itself. Because the mouse surface can be flipped depending on which texture you prefer, it has a base which it sits in. Looking at the bottom of the base it has 10 rubber feet which hold it snuggly in place. Of course the base is offered in several different colours, you can get it in black, emerald, orange, yellow and blue. When it comes time to flip the pad to a different surface there is an easy lift corner so you can lift the pad out of the base very easily.

(Cord holder on rough surface, click to enlarge)

As I mentioned before, the mouse surface itself features a smooth side and a slightly textured side. Both have the Thunder 8 logo in the upper right corner. Both surfaces are easily washable for when you happen to spill your drink during those intense Unreal tournaments!
Also included is a cord clip. This easily clips around the bottom of the base and keeps a little slack on the mouse's cord for easier movement.

 
(Left is rough surface, right is smooth surface. Click to enlarge)

Testing:
How else do you test a mouse pad? Play games! I put the pad through a full day of gaming and regular computer usage. This allowed me to evaluate how well the mouse glides over both surfaces and make sure that the laser mouse will function on both the shiny and textured surface.
After giving both sides, textured and smooth, equal use I was very impressed. The textured side is textured just enough that there is a slight drag on the mouse compared to the smooth side. The textured side I would recommend to users who still have a wheel mouse because it will provide the much needed grip for the wheel.
When using the smooth side I had no drag on the mouse at all. It was extremely easy moving and provided very good accuracy and speed in fast paced first person shooter games.
In the end, both sides have their uses, be it the smooth side for gaming or the slightly textured side for just regular use. It really depends on your personal preference as to which side you'll use more.

Conclusion:
Overall the Thunder 8 is an amazing mouse pad. Running for $23 it sure doesn't break the bank. The feature that really makes it stand out above all others is that it has both a smooth and a textured surface. It's far more convenient than spending $50 dollars on another mouse pad which only offers one surface. Instead, for half the price you get two mousing surfaces!

Pros:
Dual Surface
Performs Excellent!
Affordable
Mouse Cord Clip
Carrying tin to prevent damage

Cons:
None!

Rating: 10/10

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Big thanks again to X-Raypad who provided the Thunder 8 for review,
check them out at www.x-raypad.com