DIY Hitting Mat - First Attempt

[timsiegle]

Hey guys, first thread and thought I'd share my attempt at building a hitting mat....needs some help!

The inspiration was the DivotAction board and instead of gluing everything I decided to mechanically fasten the layers. Problem with that is it's caused a weak point at the holes and the Lexan is cracking after a few practice swings.

The other change I made was using a hard rubber stair tread cover for the top and ends. I figure it will add weight and make it feel more durable. I'm planning on putting a piece of turf on top using double sided carpet tape.

Question is...is there a better product than Lexan? (HDPE etc) that's flexible yet tougher?

[timsiegle]

I've thought about this a bit more and I think the problem is I drilled the holes in the Lexan only slightly larger than the bolts. I think a larger hole with a rubber o-ring or maybe a rubber grommet will help spread out the stresses on the Lexan.

[timsiegle]

By the lack of response I assume you all knew this would fail.....and it has haha ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ordered the YGT 3D mat from Steven

[DavidU]

I was hoping it was going to work!

[timsiegle]

Just made it too complicated, materials alone were adding up making it pointless financially. Might come back to it some day but will have to change the approach for sure