I used regular Lake Country Flat Pads, because I don't think the type of foam pad makes that much of a difference, at least to a non-pro who isn't using them every day. But I would go with the thinner foam pad. Too thin will make the curves of the 986 tough to work on (why I did not like the Microfiber pads), but the really thick pads absorb too much of the product in my opinion. I thought the 7/8" pads where the right balance.
