Having mad gaming skills is two parts reflexes and one part game knowledge (and if you are Bart another one part cheater). Those reflexes have to be transferred into the computer somehow. For PC, a good part of that input is done through a mouse, which is why companies like Logitech and Razer have had a lot of success with their new high end gaming mice. In order to really take advantage of these new mice (all of which are of the optical variety) though, you need a surface that will allow you to get the most out of your mouse.

Enter the XTRAC Pro HS, a new mouse pad from XTRAC. XTRAC offers several different kinds of pads in all shapes and sizes. The Pro HS is part of their hard surface mat line and measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches. The first thing you’ll notice about the mat is the black and white honey comb design on the pad. This high contrast Hexagonal and random dot pattern is there to enhance the precision of your optical mouse. I’ve been using a RatPadzGS for the last year and I did notice a slight bump in control when I switched to the Pro HS.

Another nice feature of the Pro HS is that rather than just being a hard plastic mat the Pro HS has a firm surface with a rubber backing. I’ve got large hands so my hand was always resting on the back of the hard plastic RatPadzGS. This would occasionally lend to a little soreness over long periods of time. The Pro HS has a hard surface but a soft rubber backing which makes it a little easier on the hands.

Another benefit of the rubber backing is that the mouse pad doesn’t move around on your desk. This should be a nice benefit for those gamers who are “a little more active” with the mouse. I’ve never had the problem but if you do the Pro HS is for you.

I really like this mouse mad. It feels more accurate than any other pad I’ve used before and it’s exceedingly comfortable. Can you ask for any more? Well, you can and that’s a good price. Luckily you can find the Pro HS online for around $10 which is a deal and a half (you’d spend at least that much on one of those crappy Dilbert pads). For that price it’s hard not to recommend the Pro HS....