Xspwrstang -
Where are you at in South Texas ?
My Dad's family all emigrated from Spain and ended up in Edinburgh, McAllen, area, where all the best Ruby Red Grapefruit in the world are grown..
We would go down there every summer to visit his Parents and brothers and all I can remember is that it was really hot and humid and the water in McAllen was awful..
One of his brother's had a Feed Store in McAllen - Franco's Feed and Seed, and I loved that place !
Yes, the smaller diameter pads I promise you, will be easier to handle, and since they are smaller than the next size up, less money..
If these pads you spoke of come in the Hydro-Tech foam, the Cyan (light blue) color Hydro-Tech foam pad will really cut well with about any compound, and if you take the time to finish it and not let it dry out, it will finish down really well..
Sometimes, it finishes down good enough to go with your LSP and be done...
Good luck with your research !
Dan F