Mat Preferences

Fellow Aikidoka,

I’m in the process of purchasing mats and I’m considering two different surfaces.

I was going to go with Zebra 2m x 1m x 1 ½ in thick mats installed with a frame so they don’t slip. I’ve trained on these in the past and they seem to hold up well, give a good grip, they are easy to clean, and good for breakfalls. They are also expensive.

I’ve recently seen some dojos going with Dollamur Flex-roll mats. They are a 10 ft x 6 ft x 2 in and little softer. Again I’d frame them so I won’t need Velcro or tape. To cover the same area will be about 1/3 less in term of cost. One other possible benefit is I can probably remove and transport them if needed for demos
.
Greatmats.com also has their equivalent to the Zebra/Swain at 2” thick for much less. Does anyone have experience with them and an opinion of the quality of their mats?
All opinions and evaluations will be appreciated.

Domo arigato!

The rollup mats with blue covering can give you 'footburn' on the top of your foot when you drag the top of your foot across it. Not often but it can tear up the skin. If you are putting a canvas top over it, it won't matter.

Never was a big fan of the Swain/Zebra mats. Always thought they were a little to firm for me.

oss how can I get one of it?