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Made in gb
Hellacious Havoc






Hi guys,
As recently wargaming mats are becoming a popular tool to pimp up our tables I decided to write a short sum up of what is available out there and to put all the valid info in one place. Basically take it as independent review/summary of recent developments in this field.
I will try to be systematic and make three basic points on each manufacturer: 1] Company overview 2] Material 3]Designs 4]Pros and Cons 5] Personal experience 6] photos
I will talk about these 4 main manufacturers:
FAT mats, Gamemat.eu, Zuzzy mats and Deep-Cut mats

At the beginning I will divide them into two groups base on core material: A]Rubber based (Gamemat.eu and FAT) and B]Others

A] Rubber based mats (F.A.T. and Gamemat.eu)
These mats have neoprene/rubber backing, which gives them durability, anti-slip effect and they always roll to flat. No dog ears! They feel the most as proper gaming mat out of our portfolio. They are roughly 2-3mm thick. Fairly heavy 3.5-4kg.
Top of mat comes in beautiful print, so they are ready to play immediately after unpacking. After game you can just roll them. Even after months of staying rolled you will be surprised when using them that they come again flat on table.
The printed surface is great as well. It feels very smooth for touch. Models move very nicely on it. Also when you roll dices they actually roll, not slide and there is no awful loud sound of dices hitting the table. They also are not glossy, so even in direct sunlight you keep the mat keeps good looking.

Gamemat.eu, (www.gamemat.eu)
European (Czech Republic) based company producing 4x4’ and 6x4’ rubber mats. They offer total number of 6 designs, which is less but in general their designs come with more originality and detail I would say (small stones, broken floors, leaves etc. are all seen pretty clear in close look). They are still growing and promising to be adding more designs soon. Ideal for EU and UK customers regarding shipment costs. Although bundle shipment to US (2 or 3 mats) comes in decent pricing as well, so it could be option for US based players as well.
Price: 65 EUR / 44 EUR for 6x4’/4x4’, now runnig -10% discount on 4x4’ pre-orders
Pros: Material, Designs (if you like more detailed and original), anti slip, waterproof
Cons: higher price and shipment




F.A.T. Gaming mats, http://www.frontlinegaming.org/
US based company producing really impressive range of 4x4’ and 6x4’ rubber mats. 10+designs. Designs IMHO are made in more general way focusing on consistent look, with less details in mind. Ideal for US based clients as shipment gets a bit heavy to Europe. Although they are trying to work out some solutions.
Price: 85$ / 65$ for 6x4’/4x4’
Pros: Material, Designs (if you like more general terrain), anti-slip, waterproof
Cons: higher price and shipment



B] Other materials (Deepcut, Zuzzy)

Deep Cut (http://www.deepcutstudio.com/)
These mats are printed on PVC. It is kind of material photographers use for their backgrounds on photo sessions. Although looking cool on pictures in reality these feel much more just like printed poster. There is not the actual feel of proper mat as compared to rubber mats above. They are very thin. However they come in good range of designs and sizes (6x4’, 4x4’, 3x3’ etc} which look really good and cover most game systems. Also worth adding print is rather glossy and reflects light a bit too much. Also the bottom is same material so it’s a bit slippery.
Price: 39.9 GBP / 31.9 GBP/ 22.9 GBP for 6x4’/4x4’/3x3’
Pros: lower price, cheaper shipment (much lighter weight as its thin)
Cons: material, dog ears, glossy reflections, not anti slip. Appaling customer service.



Zuzzy (http://www.zuzzy.com/)
These mats are for those who would like to spend some more time and enjoy working and painting on their mats. They come unassembled and unpainted. Although they are only one which have some structure on them which adds to plastic feel. Final look pretty much depends on how skilled (or not) you are . Also shipment is between 6-10 weeks, so pretty long waiting time.
Price: 52$ / 38$ for 6x4’/4x4’
Pros: variability, structured, must be assembled and painted(those who like to enjoy hobby more)
Cons: must be assembled and painted (for those who would like just to roll out of box and play), shipment time

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2019/04/07 01:49:47


 
   
Made in gb
Rotting Sorcerer of Nurgle





Portsmouth UK

How about these:
http://terrainmat.com/ &
http://www.hotzmats.com/felt_purchase_mat.html

I think the first one has some very nice mats & you can get themed scenery including roads & rivers too but they are quite pricey:
6' x 4' mat only = around £70 (prices vary depending on theme).
They do have a great range of sizes - 3x5, 4x4, 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x10 & 6x12 plus more for others depending on theme) & the themes can be customised for scale (6-10mm, 15-20mm & 25-30mm).
Some themes have quite a few options especially the coastal one.
Have not seen them myself but these are the ones I'm really seriousl thinking about.

Check out my gallery here
Also I've started taking photos to use as reference for weathering which can be found here. Please send me your photos so they can be found all in one place!! 
   
Made in us
Deva Functionary




Home

You use unassembled with zuzzy mats. What do you mean? I thought they were just one big mat.
   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






 bubber wrote:
How about these:
http://terrainmat.com/ &
http://www.hotzmats.com/felt_purchase_mat.html

I think the first one has some very nice mats & you can get themed scenery including roads & rivers too but they are quite pricey:
6' x 4' mat only = around £70 (prices vary depending on theme).
They do have a great range of sizes - 3x5, 4x4, 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x10 & 6x12 plus more for others depending on theme) & the themes can be customised for scale (6-10mm, 15-20mm & 25-30mm).
Some themes have quite a few options especially the coastal one.
Have not seen them myself but these are the ones I'm really seriousl thinking about.


Hot Matz are with Hexes?

   
Made in au
Norn Queen






matous1983 wrote:
 bubber wrote:
How about these:
http://terrainmat.com/ &
http://www.hotzmats.com/felt_purchase_mat.html

I think the first one has some very nice mats & you can get themed scenery including roads & rivers too but they are quite pricey:
6' x 4' mat only = around £70 (prices vary depending on theme).
They do have a great range of sizes - 3x5, 4x4, 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x10 & 6x12 plus more for others depending on theme) & the themes can be customised for scale (6-10mm, 15-20mm & 25-30mm).
Some themes have quite a few options especially the coastal one.
Have not seen them myself but these are the ones I'm really seriousl thinking about.


Hot Matz are with Hexes?


You can order them without the hexes.
   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






bit tricky timewise I guess "Important notice : Due to very high demand orders are now 7 weeks behind

This means that the production of your order will take at least 7 weeks ,from the date of placing the orde"
also zuzzy is taking some 8-10weeks usually I heard

   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





Moore, Ok.

Thanks for posting this!
I'm trying to find a "space station" mat for x-wing. I've heard so-so reviews of the Gale Force 9 mat. But I also not aware of any other makers. Anybody know of any others worth a look?

"But i'm more than just a little curious, how you're planning to go about making your amends, to the dead?" -The Noose-APC

"Little angel go away
Come again some other day
The devil has my ear today
I'll never hear a word you say" Weak and Powerless - APC

 
   
Made in gb
Blood-Drenched Death Company Marine






Great thread Lutharr, may I also suggest that people add reviews for vinyl/neoprene printing services whereby people can design their own mats at, often, cheaper prices.

Personally I went with http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/neoprene.aspx for a 3 foot by 3 foot neoprene mat for Malifaux. Great product, delivered in 2 days. The sad thing is they do not go much larger than 3 by 3 so larger wargames are not suitable on them, yet.

My 40K and assorted projects: Genestealer Cult: October 15th http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/1290/583755.page#8965486
 
   
Made in si
Foxy Wildborne







 alarmingrick wrote:
Thanks for posting this!
I'm trying to find a "space station" mat for x-wing. I've heard so-so reviews of the Gale Force 9 mat. But I also not aware of any other makers. Anybody know of any others worth a look?


Gamemat's tricity could work. http://www.gamemat.eu/4x4-g-mats/4x4-g-mat-tricity-10-discount-in-pre-order!.html

Posters on ignore list: 36

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Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





Moore, Ok.

 lord_blackfang wrote:
 alarmingrick wrote:
Thanks for posting this!
I'm trying to find a "space station" mat for x-wing. I've heard so-so reviews of the Gale Force 9 mat. But I also not aware of any other makers. Anybody know of any others worth a look?


Gamemat's tricity could work. http://www.gamemat.eu/4x4-g-mats/4x4-g-mat-tricity-10-discount-in-pre-order!.html


You know I actually like that, alot. But at $52 USD before shipping, ouch.
It is 4x4 though.

"But i'm more than just a little curious, how you're planning to go about making your amends, to the dead?" -The Noose-APC

"Little angel go away
Come again some other day
The devil has my ear today
I'll never hear a word you say" Weak and Powerless - APC

 
   
Made in si
Foxy Wildborne







Well, 3x3 gets a bit cramped above 150 pts. I agree on the price but it will be very functional and will stop models from sliding around at the slightest bump. I have the Deadzone mat which is also mostly gray panels but it has some 28mm scale detailing that doesn't really work visually for Xwing.

Posters on ignore list: 36

40k Potica Edition - 40k patch with reactions, suppression and all that good stuff. Feedback thread here.

Gangs of Nu Ork - Necromunda / Gorkamorka expansion supporting all faction. Feedback thread here
   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Great thread Lutharr, may I also suggest that people add reviews for vinyl/neoprene printing services whereby people can design their own mats at, often, cheaper prices.

Personally I went with http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/neoprene.aspx for a 3 foot by 3 foot neoprene mat for Malifaux. Great product, delivered in 2 days. The sad thing is they do not go much larger than 3 by 3 so larger wargames are not suitable on them, yet.


How much costed that 3x3 piece custom print? They say from 29GBP. thats not too cheap as well.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Great thread Lutharr, may I also suggest that people add reviews for vinyl/neoprene printing services whereby people can design their own mats at, often, cheaper prices.

Personally I went with http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/neoprene.aspx for a 3 foot by 3 foot neoprene mat for Malifaux. Great product, delivered in 2 days. The sad thing is they do not go much larger than 3 by 3 so larger wargames are not suitable on them, yet.


hey their max 122x95 cm costs 56.79 GBP thats way too expensive!!
gamemats 4x4' for 31GBP is sure deal for me then!




Automatically Appended Next Post:
forgot to add shipment but still good

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/07/21 11:20:15


   
Made in gb
Hellacious Havoc






Shipping costs for say GAMEMAT do seem to be the bugbear of many. But thats not really their fault, thats their postal service.
   
Made in us
[DCM]
Dankhold Troggoth






Shadeglass Maze

You beat me to this, Lutharr! Thanks for posting this thorough comparison . I have one each from Zuzzy, Frontline, and Deep Cut, and I think your points are spot on.
   
Made in gb
Hellacious Havoc






your welcome sir
   
Made in gb
Hellacious Havoc






quick bump to show their latest addition to their line.
[Thumb - 10636068_266431940233444_6744112045931789533_n.jpg]

   
Made in us
Fresh-Faced New User



East of Pittsburgh

Mini-necro: For the Gamemat:EU mat, is the non slip for the back or is the topside a little textured to keep figures from moving around. I'm looking for something for D&D attack wing and keeping figures in place is a concern. I've seen Gripmats, but I just don't like the artwork.

Thanks.
   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






anti slip is bottom, which lies on table.
Top is fabric alike

   
Made in gb
Smokin' Skorcha Driver






Id be very wary of ordering from Hotz. They have a bit of a rep for looooooong production times, poor communication and even missing entire orders

Join us on the Phoenix Forum for Bolt Action Tournaments and Much More:
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Made in gb
[SWAP SHOP MOD]
Yvan eht nioj






In my Austin Ambassador Y Reg

Pete Melvin wrote:
Id be very wary of ordering from Hotz. They have a bit of a rep for looooooong production times, poor communication and even missing entire orders


Hotz mats are fine - I have ordered two or three mats from them. I think you might be getting confused with Zuzzy - there are numerous reports of extremely long wait times with them and little or no comms.

=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
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Click here for retro Nintendo reviews

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Completed Armies so far (click to view Army Profile):
 
   
Made in us
Most Glorious Grey Seer





Everett, WA

 filbert wrote:
I think you might be getting confused with Zuzzy - there are numerous reports of extremely long wait times with them and little or no comms.
This is sadly true. I've got an order in but if I see it before Christmas, I'll be surprised. I'm not worried either. I've backed enough miniatures/terrain kickstarters that I've become numb to long wait times.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2014/11/03 04:56:27


 
   
Made in us
Huge Hierodule





land of 10k taxes

I have "URBAN COMBAT 1" from FAT MATS and I love it. Works for DzC too.

was censored by the ministry of truth 
   
Made in gb
Smokin' Skorcha Driver






 filbert wrote:
Pete Melvin wrote:
Id be very wary of ordering from Hotz. They have a bit of a rep for looooooong production times, poor communication and even missing entire orders


Hotz mats are fine - I have ordered two or three mats from them. I think you might be getting confused with Zuzzy - there are numerous reports of extremely long wait times with them and little or no comms.


I assure you, I am not confused:

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=350974
"I emailed the guy three times and no response."

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=343365
"2 years now….still waiting(not a joke)"

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=345277
"13 months and counting now on some felt roads, and he didn't respond to my request for a refund."

Join us on the Phoenix Forum for Bolt Action Tournaments and Much More:
http://phoenixgamingrushden.proboards.com/


 
   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






lets go for http://www.gamemat.eu/6x4-g-mats.html

   
Made in pl
Regular Dakkanaut






Video review!



   
Made in us
Hellacious Havoc






 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Great thread Lutharr, may I also suggest that people add reviews for vinyl/neoprene printing services whereby people can design their own mats at, often, cheaper prices.

Personally I went with http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/neoprene.aspx for a 3 foot by 3 foot neoprene mat for Malifaux. Great product, delivered in 2 days. The sad thing is they do not go much larger than 3 by 3 so larger wargames are not suitable on them, yet.


I know I am late, but where did you get the custom image to print your own mat from?

The wolves go for the throat.
We go for the eyes.
Then the tongue.
Then the hands.
Then the feet
Then we skin the crippled remains. 
   
Made in se
Dakka Veteran





Sweden

I was checking prices today. Compared it to Frontline, even though Frontlines mats are cheaper they charge insanely much for shipping compared to Gamemat.. So even though Gamemat mats may seem expensive at first their cheap shipping actually means they are cheaper.

An open mind is like a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded.  
   
Made in fr
Fleshound of Khorne






Mousepad mat ordered from Deep Cut Studio today.
I'll post pictures of it, hope it will not be blue

 
   
Made in us
The Last Chancer Who Survived





Norristown, PA

Anyone tried the Frontline maps? I've been thinking about getting their 3x3 western waste map. Looks pretty perfect for Blackwater Gulch

If I keep it rolled up all year long and only unravel it for con demos, will it be a real pain to get it to lay flat?

 
   
Made in gb
Hellacious Havoc






 Necros wrote:
Anyone tried the Frontline maps? I've been thinking about getting their 3x3 western waste map. Looks pretty perfect for Blackwater Gulch

If I keep it rolled up all year long and only unravel it for con demos, will it be a real pain to get it to lay flat?


it will be fine. The mats are designed to spend most of their life rolled up. Unless you bend it extremely for a long time will you have to sort out a kink.
   
 
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