Mats?

Hi there,

Can I pick your brain?

I'm looking to buy some mats to train on for personal use but I'm not quite sure where to start!

In your experiences, what design (jigsaw or just straight or other, please mention) is the best to train on?
What thickness width? 20mm or 40mm?
What price (dollars or pounds please!) per mat would I be expected to pay?
If possible, do you know any reliable websites that sell good quality cheap mats?

Thanks all for your responses!!!

As long as your not going to move them much, jigsaw mats may be ok. If you keep taking them apart and putting them back together, the tabs wear out and break off. Get the thicker onces but even they may be uncomfortble for ukemi.

Look on EBay and search for martial arts mat. There are some decent folding mats at goo dprices right now. There was also a rollup mat a few weeks ago that I liked but got outbid on. I'm hoping they put another one on.

Shop around on-line for prices. The price will depend on size thickness.

If you get more than one, make sure they have velcro so they stick together.

I just checked EBay. I am looking at the flexi-roll for home training. Take a look but please don't bid against me.

forget about EBay look here

http://www.dcathletics.com/sections/...s/homemats.asp

Laura Bailey wrote: Hi there, Can I pick your brain? I'm looking to buy some mats to train on for personal use but I'm not quite sure where to start! In your experiences, what design (jigsaw or just straight or other, please mention) is the best to train on? What thickness width? 20mm or 40mm? What price (dollars or pounds please!) per mat would I be expected to pay? If possible, do you know any reliable websites that sell good quality cheap mats? Thanks all for your responses!!!

Best design to train on? The one that 1) cushions enough without being too soft 2) costs the least possible.

I would expect to pay in the $100/ (1m x 2m) mat range; I know where I can get the first one liste below for $150 cash/each no taxes.

With concrete underneath, these are proving to be rather hard after 9+ yrs on them, softer that these would be better. Other than that, excellent mats (non-slip bottom, great surface for fast footwork/shiko)
http://www.jukado.com/dynamic/sectio...rpCategorie=10
Widely used in one version or another all over the place, see them everywhere.

As mentionned, jigsaw will likely not hold up well to lots of taking up and putting down (though I have no real experience with them).

This product is what I am seriously contemplating for my home-dojo project, but even with some "volume" discounts it is still going to cost me $900 to cover 5m x 4m. I like the idea of reversable, and cost per sq/m is less than the one noted above.
http://www.jukado.com/dynamic/sectio...rpCategorie=10

Jim, those roll-up mats look neat. You have experience training on them?

Not yet. But I ordered one.
Check back here in a couple of weeks for a review.

Those look amazing! But aren't you concerned about carpet burns?

I would love to be able to roll out 3 mats and have a 15 X 10 foot space.

Our dojo uses Mancino Mats exclusively. Both dojo's have them and I have an additional 10 at home. www.mancinomats.com.

We use the 4x8 series 400. The oldest are 7 years old and holding up quite nicely.

http://www.cartwheelfactory.com/

Thanks all for your advice =)

Jim, those roll-up mats look ideal and they're not a bad price! Think I may look into buying a couple =)

www.zebramats.com

Conrad Gustafson wrote: Those look amazing! But aren't you concerned about carpet burns?

We train on gymnastic/cheerleading flooring with a carpeted top. In the beginning I had a little trouble with carpet burn but I very quickly learned to avoid it. This may be different for you as we do very little suwari waza.

I like the mats, good combo of firmness and energy absorption. I also like that there are no seams. Ours stay down permanently and came in two giant rolls. Where the pieces come together you cover the seam with hook velcro, which sticks right to the carpeted top.

Bronson

Hi Laura

I have 2 nd hand mats for sale in excellent condition. They are Sportag jigsaw mats of the thicker variety. Not sure how many you are looking for and what area you wish to cover - but certainly cheaper than buying new. Let me know if you want more information.

We had the first class using my new Flexi-Roll. I really like it.

Set up time was fast. Just take the strap off and roll it out. Even less bulky than folding mats. It rolls back up and slides right back into the jeep. I can easily carry 2 of these 5X10 mats around, one in each arm.

They are nice and firm. I like that in a mat. To soft and you sink down into them and it's hard to move.

These seem to come with 2 surfaces: the carpet that the gymnasts use and vinyl. I have the vinyl. There are no seems and it is a nice surface to move on.

I can give this mat my best reccomendation.

I got one 5X10 which is small. I really need 3 of these atleast for our small group. I was thinking about getting a bigger size but then it may not be quite as portable. It has to fit into a vehicle.

I much prefer this over folding mats. Not only are they more portable but I hate the spaces between the panels.

I'll be getting more of these as soon as financially feasible.

Jim McCoy wrote: We had the first class using my new Flexi-Roll. I really like it. Set up time was fast. Just take the strap off and roll it out. Even less bulky than folding mats. It rolls back up and slides right back into the jeep. I can easily carry 2 of these 5X10 mats around, one in each arm. They are nice and firm. I like that in a mat. To soft and you sink down into them and it's hard to move. These seem to come with 2 surfaces: the carpet that the gymnasts use and vinyl. I have the vinyl. There are no seems and it is a nice surface to move on. I can give this mat my best reccomendation. I got one 5X10 which is small. I really need 3 of these atleast for our small group. I was thinking about getting a bigger size but then it may not be quite as portable. It has to fit into a vehicle. I much prefer this over folding mats. Not only are they more portable but I hate the spaces between the panels. I'll be getting more of these as soon as financially feasible.

Unless I see video, I call shenanigans <jk>.
Good to hear that those work for you; I am not intrigued.

<edit> did I miss how to connect mats to each other?

The thickness should be adjusted based on what surface you are putting the mats down on. I use 1 3/8, now going to 1 1/2" on a raised wooden floor. If it was on the 1 first floor/concrete I would go 1/2" thicker.

The manufacturer you choose should be able to help you with some advice.

I have found the 'carpet rolls' to be cheaper than the folding mats - but you will get mat burns.