"Which Wargaming Mat? " Topic

I'm looking to buy a 6x4 wargaming mat for my 6mm WWII North Africa project. I've been looking online for a suitable mat for weeks now and I either can't find what I want in stock or balk at the cost of some of the options. Can the TMP'ers help with advice / recommendations / alternatives?

I'd rather buy a mat than make my own, simply because I don't have the facilities to do this at home (I really ought to repair my shed roof!).

BigLee
blmablog.com

What ever you do, stay away from Hotz mats.

My next mat purchase will be for here:

theterrainguy.com/gamemats.html

I like the way they are assembled. It's described on the web page. I think it will hold up to a lot of use.

Matthew

what was the problem with Hotz? I was just looking at their fields the other day, they seem fine on the web page.

have bought the Hotz European fields mat, quite happy

Alex

The Terrain Guy is my pick too. I've ordered three mats from him, all arrived promptly, and were perfect. They are very durable, I've had mine for three or four years now, and they show no signs of wear. And they are made of heavy canvas, which lies flat easily.

Another vote for The Terrainguy mats. I have an 8 x5 footer that has performed beautifully for four years. I also have a custom river piece. I like the fact that The Terrainguy will do custom pieces.

The Hotz mats are felt. Over time they begin to wear along the fold lines unless you keep them rolled.

Hotz delivery time can be quite long. Months in many cases. And the feel and quality of the felt is stiff. If you have stored it by folding, the folds have to be ironed down.

For me, it is not worth the price I paid. And it took 4 months to arrive.

Matthew

Terrainmat in the UK – excellent product, but I believe there is quite a waiting list for one now:

terrainmat.com

I've had a sea scape for 1/3000th from them, as well as a custom made mat for use with small-scale miniatures (2mm) – really top class stuff, and worth the wait!

I've got a mat that no longer fits my new games table if you're interested.

Simon (BRBC) has gamed on it and liked it. Cloth backed with gritty surface and used for North Africa 42 games.

My experiences with Hotz mirror those of 45thdiv. I gave up trying to order a custom mat after the company's failure to answer multiple emails and even an international phone call. I would up ordering a compromise from stock, but it took months to receive despite no need to print the mat before shipping.

The save time and aggravation, I will create my own mat for the next one.

I would stay away from Hotz as well if you want it in any reasonable period of time. They seem to be hot and cold as far as delivery, poor responses to emails, no communications on delays. I have been waiting for an order since Sept 2012. I have been promised delivery "next week" 3 times. They could write a book with the excuses. Last time I was pomised delivery they claimed they would put something extra in the box. That must be what is slowing down the delivery now.

If you just want a plain mat, I'd buy cheap felt from the fabric store. If you need any printing, consider Hotz (in some cases looong delivery times but it gets there in the end) or any of the other options mentioned above.

Another vote for Terrainguy mats.

His is a canvas matt coated with flocking. It's got a more textured look than a felt matt. Mine has held up well with proper care (roll it up-never fold it)

I have three mats from Terrainguy. They are very nice!

Mat-o-War for me.

I think location will also be a factor with regard to shipping.

Matthew

Matthew, yes, I've been looking at the Terrainguy site and the shipping costs to the UK are eye watering. Great looking mats though. Mind you the other uk based alternative Terrainmat isn't much cheaper.

I personally love Zuzzy mats, but I don't know how well they would do for 6mm… link

I have had an issues with Hotz as well.

Core Sec did some great mats, BUT, they are re-vamping them now, so no go on mats from them.

Is Mat o War available again?

Hi Lee. If you have another person who wants a mat as well, you could split the shipping. Both people would pay $10 USD less shipping. And then you have the exchange rate in your favor as well. I think that price for the quality is very good.

Matthew

Vog,

Yes, Brian at the Hobbyden is doing them. Only sand at present but I have seen sample of teh new green mat and it looks really good.

I do recommend Terrain Mat – I have two so far and would happily order from them again. Recommend you ask them expected delivery time but well worth the wait.

I'll have to dig out my desert images and try one with the new method. The colors are sharper and don't bleed as much. It might work now. The old method just looked like a messy tan smear.

Now if they would email me the price list I was promised last week then we might be in business…

Zuzzy and Hotz are the best options. I have multiples of each.

The Terrainguy got my vote and my money. I got one for home and one for travel. I have had them for about 8 years. Hardly any wear and tear. Very good quality and the service was excellent. Thinking of getting into naval gaming. If so, I'll be getting another.

I wanted something a bit different and asked minibits.net to make me some MDF etched tiles which then fit together. Reasonably flexible and you always add new ones for raised terrain or paint yourself.

As mine were tiles it means they stack away quickly.

Really depends on what you want the mat for, and how you are going to use them in terms of storage and travel to your gaming venue.

Just a suggestion

I purchased a huge (12ft x 8ft) desert mat for my North Africa setup from Terrainmat and am very pleased with it. So please that I have just ordered a green mat from them (a more sensible 10ft x 6ft this time as I've decided I would rather put contours on top rather than underneath the mat)for a return to Normandy. If and when I ever manage to get my WW2 naval kit on the table, I will get a sea mat from Terrainmat too. Not the cheapest option, but highly recommended.

I like that Terrainmat makes a mat to perfectly match the size of my ping-pong table.

I say NAY!
buyeth not the wargame mat, thou!
instead, maketh thine own three dimensional wargame board of whatever terrain thou seekest with sheets of thin cardboard cutteth out to form the contour lines of the area.
with greateth skilleth thou shall painteth thou cardboard with ye olde cheap paint and will be vastly pleased with ye olde results

Thank you for the great responses and ideas. You've certainly given me food for thought (as have all those that have left comments on my blog). I'm still not sure what to opt for but at least I feel a little better informed and will try to make a reasonable decision soon.

Thanks again.

BigLee
blmablog.com

I say NAY!
buyeth not the wargame mat, thou!

Dude, stay out of the mead. It makes you talk funny.