Fiberbuilt Mats: Grass Series vs. Preferred?

[Kev0192]

I'm pretty sure I'm sold on the Fiberbuilt mat, just undecided between grass series vs. Player Preferred.

Would love to get recommendations and experience for either.

Thanks!

[JKCapeCod]

We have the Player Preferred and really like it. Regularly used by professional golfers that love the realistic feel and forgiveness on the joints.

[Kev0192]

Awesome setup! What is your surrounding turf and subfloor that got it flush with the hitting mat? That's another aspect of my project I'm still trying to figure out. Since I'm looking at the same hitting mat, I might as well just copy your's since you figured it out! Looks great!

[richerod]

Nice setup @JKCapeCod. Finished look of the turf is spot on.

[JKCapeCod]

This is the surround turf placed on 1 inch EVA foam puzzle mats, https://grass-tex.com/product/true-turf/

[Timmy5under]

Have been hitting off the Player Preferred for about 8 months now and love it. No joint issues to speak of, no wear on the mat, and it offers a great feel at impact. Never hit any of the other Fiberbuilt mats so I can't compare unfortunately.

[Kev0192]

JKCapeCod I have two samples of the True Turf.. which backing is yours? The thin rubber or the thicker wool like backing?

[JKCapeCod]

The thin version, I had a local carpet company install the True turf/ in the entire room, I installed the EVA tiles first. I then cut the opening for the Fiberbuilt Preferred mat. I also cut the front rubber frame face the screen on the hitting panel to get the turf flush with the mat for smooth putting.

[JKCapeCod]

This picture shows it a bit clearer.

[Brettster]

JKCapeCod that's a phenomenal build!

I do see how you cut the rubber away from the front of the mat for putting. Could you take a closeup of that, and tell us what type of knife you used to cut that?

Also, I really like how your computer is just the keyboard and monitor. Is the box mounted behind the wall somewhere? I would really like to get extra space with mine, but cannot figure out where to put it to do that - just thinking now off the top of my head the only thing I could come up with is behind the impact screen. All the rest of my floor area is used up, or I would like to use for other things.

[JKCapeCod]

I used a standard utility knife and took my time. Glue the connecting seam with a hot glue gun (gorilla glue sticks). The computer is located in a closet under the stairs. I would not mount the computer behind the screen, you will need access to it for forced restarts.

[Brettster]

JKCapeCod - I'm up against that now. Had to mount a laptop inside a fold-up desk. Drilled out holes top/bottom and stuck it in on it's side to plug-in USB, HDMI, power... now wondering about restarts... Was wondering if there's anyway to force a restart, looking at Logitech SetPoint software at the moment. I'm sure I'll find something.

Did you ever locate anything to do a forced restart without removing the computer and hitting the power button?

[frackh]

What's the total height of the Player Preferred mat?

[Phish828]

I’ve had the player preferred for several months and like the feel but am now getting green marks on my irons. Anyone else experiencing this?

[Timmy5under]

What's the total height of the Player Preferred mat?

Player Preferred is 1 7/16" in height.

[ENadeau]

For people who own the player preferred hitting mat; how are your mats holding up? I did months or research before settling on the 8x4, countless great reviews, and within 2 months my hitting area has already developed an indent.

Honestly surprised as I was expecting grass discoloration but to have a noticeable divot with less than 5,000 shots is a bit disappointing. I don’t take massive divots, angle of attack is between 3°-6° across all irons, and have been primarily the only one hitting balls.

[fyton2v]

Just adding my experience here as I stumbled upon this thread while looking for turf options. I've had the Player Preferred mat for about a year. It definitely wears out. I think I'll get about 2 years of regular use before the hitting section needs to be replaced. Maybe that's not too bad since it has a great feel. There was one surprise when it arrived. The whole center section isn't a hitting strip. It looks like it is, and you'd think you'll be able to move the ball around a lot to reduce wear, but the actual hitting area is only about 12" by 18". There's plenty of grass space around in the center section that can't get iron action because the rubber platform underneath is too hard. As near as I can tell, there's no reason why the whole piece can't have the same construction.

[gobble]

I looked at the player preferred and am glad I didn't buy one. I cheaped out and got the Carls mat, and so far so good.