This thing is huge; it takes up almost the entire desk. Though it may be a rather large mat, XTrac was quick to point out that it can be easliy cut it to fit into any size space. Yes, that's an apple & a CD in those photos; for size reference (sadly, the apple is no longer with us). I think this thing'd cover up my entire coffee table if I laid it on top. If you're a gamer who's constantly sliding off of the edge of your current mouse pad, you will not be disappointed with the size of this thing. It's got to be at least four times the size of my old favorite, the Ratpadz original (don't get me started on the GS).

Weighing in at ~$30-35, the Ripper XXL is not cheap. Though it may be up there in price, there isn't another mouse pad on the market that I'm aware of that's this big (the closest I can think of is SteelSeries' QcK+, which is half as wide). Taking the aforementioned QcK+ as an example, though the Ripper XXL is nearly twice as wide, it's only $10 more in price. The ratio is definitely reasonable.

The Ripper XXL sports rounded corners, & fabric top with a rubberized bottom. This is a "floppy pad;" that is to say that it's in the older style of mouse pads that are flexible with a fabric mousing surface. The fabric worried me a bit, because the size is so big that I thought for sure that it'd be filthy by the time the review needed to be written. Well, i've used it for nearly two weeks now, & although it is just a bit dusty, it's not filthy by any means. Just using the palm of my hand to brush the surface off seems to do the trick. I know it's only been two weeks, but I've also yet to see any defects, tears, or separation in the fabric surface.

This mouse pad is definitely precise enough. My G7 glided across the Ripper XXL with ease. Personally, however, I prefer slick pads; probably to the point of OCD levels. I pledge my Ratpadz original & replace the tef tape on my mouse feet religiously. When I push my mouse across the surface of my mouse pad, I want it to keep sliding just from its initial momentum.

All that being said, it's almost certain that not everyone in the mouse pad market feels the same way I do. Further, this pad is perfect for anyone with dual monitors. I've got two SyncMaster 213T's at 1600X1200, & often times, I find that I'm rolling over the edge of my old pad just moving my mouse from one screen to the next. I can say that hasn't happened once since using the Ripper XXL. Finally, just becaue it's not slick & slide-y doesn't mean it's not precise. The ease & accuracy with which you can cruise between applications & monitors on this pad has earned it a permanent spot on my desk at work.

Pros:

• enormous
• comfortable
• easy to keep clean

Cons:

• only comes in one color
• not slide-y enough for some