I bought one of these Festool sanders about 18? years ago. It was rated as the best sander in what was called a "Magazine" review. Then, 12 years later because I sand incorrectly, I melted the Velcro hooks on the pad rendering my very expensive sander useless. A visit to the local Woodcraft store showed there was a replacement, and I bought one. It was a bit expensive but kept the very expensive tool working. That was 5 years ago. Well I destroyed another pad and forgot to bring it in with me or write down any information. While shooting the sht with the guys who work there the subject came up and one of them looked up my purchase history. Told me I had purchased a "soft" pad and would I like the same or something different. I chose the "medium" pad and now have this sander back in service. I recently bought the outrageously expensive dual sander, so I think between these two I won't be melting any more pads. I don't really remember when I bought the first, but to support a product for this long is quite an achievement. Also, this wasn't even a special order. it was a pad they have in stock for one of their many present sanders.