looking for a good first bouldering crash pad

I'm wanting to start some bouldering projects outside, and have been looking around online for a pad to save up for. The thing is, there are so many options out there, and I'm not sure which is worth my $$. Any suggestions for a first pad? Or any input on how you went about finding Your first pad? I'm wanting to stay on the cheaper side if possible ($150) and would love to find a pad that's on the easier side to lug around from route to route.
Thanks in advance!

*this has been cross-posted*

I’d checkout the Mad Rock R3. It’s a great pad, environmental friendly, and pretty affordable. It was my first pad and I still have it to this day.

It’s on the heavier side because of the foam used to filled it, but it’s definitely a great value. Packs down nice, carries a lot of gear if wanted, and has a nice coverage area (especially designed for uneven landings). 

Go big is my 2 cents. If your only going to have one pad and especially if you are going solo get a big pad, you can always add smaller ones later. My first and only pad is the metolious collosus trifold. Best part is it is the exact size of my tent so its like a queen size matress

A bigger pad is nice. I prefer Metolius pads after having tried a BD one. The metolius pads have the extra cloth so when you shove stuff inside the pad while on the approach, said stuff doesn't fall out. I would also recommend seeing if your local shop has pads to rent, that might be a good way to try one out. Otherwise head to a crag with some other boulderers and see what you like. 

I have a Metolius Session and a regular sized Organic Pad, both good options, but just picked up this BD Drop Zone at a really good sale price from Backcountry. The taco style is helpful when there are weird/jagged landings to cover. Also it's larger than standard pads, but pretty much the same price with this deal (plus Active Junky).

Check craigslist and OfferUp. Someone is always selling a pad or 3. I just snagged a brand new Mad Pad for $50. Kid only used it twice for some very light bouldering.

Metolius session is the best starter pad. You can find them for cheap, they have carpet square to wipe your feet off on and they're nice and light. The Madrock R3 is super cool and effective but its fucking HEAVY. If I remember it weighs like 19 pounds.

Well, I would go for cheap and fits in the car.

A nice big and thick one is great as the main pad, add a smaller one to add coverage/cover other boulders you might hit went falling.

If the pad doesn't have a mat to clean your shoes; just get a cheap floor mat (can be cut in half to save weight/bulk).

In my opinion, just go with an Organic. The cheap pads do the job but they wear out fast. You may spend a little more on an Organic at first but it will last much longer.

Organic!!!
At first I started with metolius but very soon after went to organic things last forever definitely worth the extra bucks

I rarely boulder right now but when I go I tend to go by myself, otherwise when I buy a house and move far away from a gym I plan to build a woody. Thus need probably more than the one crash pad I have right now. I have never seen this crash pad but the pink looks sick any thoughts Black Diamond Circuit ? Or would I be better served waiting and buying a tri-fold on sale? This seems like a killer price.

I am reopening this thread so if this pad continues to be this cheap, others can find it.

Trevor Taylor wrote: I rarely boulder right now but when I go I tend to go by myself, otherwise when I buy a house and move far away from a gym I plan to build a woody. Thus need probably more than the one crash pad I have right now. I have never seen this crash pad but the pink looks sick any thoughts Black Diamond Circuit ? Or would I be better served waiting and buying a tri-fold on sale? This seems like a killer price.

I am reopening this thread so if this pad continues to be this cheap, others can find it.

I'm debating myself whether or not to buy this one as my first pad. Can anyone else offer any suggestions?

Eugen Kormuskins wrote:

I'm debating myself whether or not to buy this one as my first pad. Can anyone else offer any suggestions?

I bought it it seems similar to the build quality of the cheapest mad rock pad at $50 less so I’m happy.  I haven’t used it yet but hopefully it holds up!

Find a nice and cheap pad online, in case anyone is interested.

https://www.geartrade.com/item/653260/x-metolius-party-pit-crash-pad-duck-green-one-size-fair