Best "Budget" (Sub $400) Mat

[TGNgolf]

New to sims!

I have a newly created, low cost, and easy to take down for parking purposes sim in the garage.

Spornia SP7 Net / Screen
Garmin R10 + Stand + RCT balls
Groview Projector

In summary, I am looking for some long term feedback if anyone has some real experience on the Ultimate Matzilla (padded version) vs Monster Mat?

If not the Ultimate Matzilla, anyone have good experience with Monster Mat vs the 1"< classic real tee turf top foam backing (Country Club Elite, Sim Turf, Swing Turf , 5 Star etc).

From my testing experience so far...

Matzilla Pros:
+ Fine to hit down on the ball
+ Currently have un-padded version and no shock on fat shots
+ Well struck full shots feel clean, like butter

Matzilla Cons:
- It's so fluffy under my feet feel like I am standing in US Open rough
- I am worried it's so thick it masks flat shots
- I am worried it's so fluffy, it's sort encouraging me to try and pick one like hitting an international flier off the fairway first cut

Monster Mat Pros:
+ Stance feels amazing under my feet
+ Turf is a good length, not too fluffy
+ When I hit a knock down wedge, it has that unique feel feeling when I get to the bottom of the turf like when your club makes it to the dirt taking a divot

Monster Mat Cons:
- The fact it's the only "different" construction on the market, I am wondering if it's a flawed concept? Like is this a Snake Oil version of golf mats?
- Definitely feel the foam on a fat shot? That is not "bad", but I wonder if that could lead to shock injuries over time?
- Top layer looks and feels cheap, but that may be a false impression because it's different?



Deeper Explanation:

And then we get stuck on the Mat... Initially I thought I could get away with the Tri-Turf + standing mat from Rukket based on positive feedback on golf spy. However, it slid over every shot and was weird visually at address. I know the premium mats cost $600-$1200. But, I was thinking those paired well with the $3,000-$10,000 launch monitors.

I was looking for something to match the $500 price point of my Garmin, haha

Then I stumbled on OG Matzilla which I was able to get a 5 x 5 for $150. Value is an unbelievable with this unit! It's 1.15" tall turf, holds a wood tee, and you can definitely hit down on it. I am 38 and do not feel pain, but see so many comments on the sim message boards about injuries, then I started to wonder if I was being too cheap? I also have a skepticism around thick tee line mats?The turf is so thick that I wonder it it can sometimes grab the club too much? Also just feels like a driving range to me?

I see a lot of info out there on Monster Mat , but sometimes wonder how neutral that content it? It's like the same press release / spec sheet cited over and over. However, golf spy seemed to like it and I don't doubt anyone who go a free sample wouldn't have pointed some flaws if there were some? I ordered the mat and am pleasantly surprised with it

[jasonreg]

I have not tried either mat so I am not sure I can be of much assistance, but here are my generic thoughts wrt choosing the right mat.

I totally get the desire for the best bang for the buck, but IMO (and it is only that) preventing injury has to outweigh simulator realism - every time. I am constantly surprised by folks who read reviews discussing injuries and joint pain from mat "x" but decide to try it out, then are surprised when they develop joint pain. Take it from those who have been there - some of these injuries take months to heal. I also get that everyone's swing is different and what works for one, does not for another, but you can hedge your bets.

There are a lot of ways to save cash on the sim, IMO the hitting surface should not be one of them. My two cents.

[TGNgolf]

I have not tried either mat so I am not sure I can be of much assistance, but here are my generic thoughts wrt choosing the right mat.

I totally get the desire for the best bang for the buck, but IMO (and it is only that) preventing injury has to outweigh simulator realism - every time. I am constantly surprised by folks who read reviews discussing injuries and joint pain from mat "x" but decide to try it out, then are surprised when they develop joint pain. Take it from those who have been there - some of these injuries take months to heal. I also get that everyone's swing is different and what works for one, does not for another, but you can hedge your bets.

There are a lot of ways to save cash on the sim, IMO the hitting surface should not be one of them. My two cents.

Yes, I am with you, that's why I say... I am not getting pain now, but I am curious about the potential for injury in the future? How do I know when one is starting? Nothing feels "wrong" when using my current Matzilla.

Also, we have to be realistic, everyone has a budget? For my money, the Fiberbuilt studio series would be the way to go... but I can't justify the cost right now? It's out of the budget I Set aside and I don't know how much I will be using this 2 years from now. I'd rather start basic and upgrade if I am still loving this in 1-2 years

Do you have a best suggestion for the $400 price point?

[jasonreg]

Do you have a best suggestion for the $400 price point?

I might consider buying a 1' x 4' hitting strip (there are several highly recommended strips from folks here) and then spend the balance of the budget on building a stance area with whatever turf you can source cheaply. Lower up front and worst case you can easily swap out strips if you want to experiment. Then you still can keep using your hitting strip when you build up a full surface area for chipping/putting or just plain good looks. Personally I would consider Fiberbuilt Grass series, Bullseye hitting strip and the Holy Grail hitting strip by Gungho Golf as a starting point but there are others I am sure.

[TGNgolf]

I might consider buying a 1' x 4' hitting strip (there are several highly recommended strips from folks here) and then spend the balance of the budget on building a stance area with whatever turf you can source cheaply. Lower up front and worst case you can easily swap out strips if you want to experiment. Then you still can keep using your hitting strip when you build up a full surface area for chipping/putting or just plain good looks. Personally I would consider Fiberbuilt Grass series, Bullseye hitting strip and the Holy Grail hitting strip by Gungho Golf as a starting point but there are others I am sure.

Yes, I have hit off the Fiberbuilt Grass Series and that stuff is money. Shame they won't sell it in a strip anymore. Not sure that little oval would work well in a DIY mat.

This is where I get lost in this discussion? The bulleye hitting strip is recommended and it looks like it's the same thickness or less than Ultimate Matzilla or MonsterMat, so how does that get recommended and a monster mat is not okay?

I work a bit in plastics in my professional job. The differences between these mats that 1-1.15 nylon turf upper and 5/8 close cell backing have to be nuanced?

I completely understand the recommendation of a divot strip or fiberbuilt grass, but something like a hitting strip from Bullseye or EZ Tee Hyrbird has to be potentially on 5% better on joint impact?

[jasonreg]

Yes, I have hit off the Fiberbuilt Grass Series and that stuff is money. Shame they won't sell it in a strip anymore. Not sure that little oval would work well in a DIY mat.

3 Foot Fiberbuilt Grass Panel with 3 tee holes - On Course Green (fiberbuiltgolf.com) Not sure why they would not sell the 1 x 4. Have you called them?

This is where I get lost in this discussion? The bulleye hitting strip is recommended and it looks like it's the same thickness or less than Ultimate Matzilla or MonsterMat, so how does that get recommended and a monster mat is not okay?

Hard to say as I have only hit from the grass series. I have ordered a Bullseye hitting strip to evaluate and compare (edit - in fact UPS just delivered it). I am just passing on common recommendations from this site and from quite a bit of research on my own. You will note that I did not recommend the EX Tee Hybrid which while it looks a lot like the others, does have frequent complaints of joint pain. The three I mentioned seem to be fairly clear of such reports. That said, it really all comes down to your swing and your priorities in terms of realism vs injury prevention.

[TGNgolf]

So weird and thanks for sending the link, I spent a crazy amount of time on their website the other day and I could only find the hour glass. I knew this had to exist and I must have missed a section.

Re: EZ Tee - It's funny you mentioned the joint pain. That has been my Forum "dream" mat after the Fiberbuilt grass based on research I have done. I was about to buy some in Canada, because the exchange rate gets into my price range. This is day 1 for for me on the forum, quite interested to learn that people here have EZ Tee complaints.

If I am understanding your comment correctly, maybe EZ tee is the gold standard for feel, but it not cushioned enough for some people and their joints?

Stupid question maybe... but are there warning signs joint pain is coming? something to watch out for while I am trialing a few mats during the risk free period?

[TGNgolf]

3 Foot Fiberbuilt Grass Panel with 3 tee holes - On Course Green (fiberbuiltgolf.com) Not sure why they would not sell the 1 x 4. Have you called them?



Hard to say as I have only hit from the grass series. I have ordered a Bullseye hitting strip to evaluate and compare (edit - in fact UPS just delivered it). I am just passing on common recommendations from this site and from quite a bit of research on my own. You will note that I did not recommend the EX Tee Hybrid which while it looks a lot like the others, does have frequent complaints of joint pain. The three I mentioned seem to be fairly clear of such reports. That said, it really all comes down to your swing and your priorities in terms of realism vs injury prevention.

The flight deck was on Amazon for $60. Pretty low risk way to try to some Fiberbuilt and see how I like it.

[awoll2313]

Not sure if you are still looking or where you are located, but I called up my local Golftec and asked them if they had any old mats. I got 8 1 foot by 1 foot pieces for free. It’s the exact thing the guy above sent listed for $279. Looking at the 8 (connected in a series of 4), the 2 front panels had all the wear (where all the lessons took place), so I threw those away, and the back 2 look essentially new to me. I just disconnected whatever Golftec had for a frame and cut them to specify my dimensions.

anyways, if trying to save it’s a good idea to see what’s out there

[MadMax2021]

The flight deck was on Amazon for $60. Pretty low risk way to try to some Fiberbuilt and see how I like it.

You can get the entire Flight Deck Practice Station (oval plus stance area and frame for oval) for under $400, a lot less if you can find it used. I have the Fibrebuilt 4 by 7 with 4 by 1 hitting strip and like it a lot but if I was starting over probably would go with the Flight Deck Practice Station both to save some money and to make it more convertible.

[TGNgolf]

I settled on the 5 x 5' Tartan Turf / Bullseye Hitting Strip Mat. It was $450 directly through Tartan. It's perfect