Jig Saw Mats vs. Folding Mats

[Pacificshore]

Ok,

 

How many have either worked out on/own either one of the mats listed? What are some of the pros and cons for either based on your experience?

 

I currently have the jig saw type mats for my garage, and the pro was the cost/storage. The con is the set up and break down. Plus sometimes pivoting can be a pain(you stick when you don't want too ).

 

I'm now considering the folding type mats for quicker set up/break down. Plus I'm thinking with the vinyl cover, foot manuvers would be easier.

 

Let me know your experiences so that I can decide if it's worth it to change out. Thanks!

[Kumite988]

Well the folding mats slide around a lot more and have to be rearranged all the time so it gets kinda annoying. They can also be hard to pivot on if you have a sweaty foot. I'd stick with the jig saw mats cause I dont think the folding kind would be too much faster to set up.

[benedictbm]

I have trained on both.

 

Jigsaw- sturdy wont move under ya, but they have a funky texture on them(the ones i trained on). there is also the chance of sticking your toe in the place between the mats.

 

Folding- If you can keep them from moving i would actually prefer these, but as Kumite988 they can slide. as for the sweaty feet i havent myself experienced to many slips in thre years although they were a lil bit painful.

[SBN Doug]

Well, we don't do footwork on either. We use th folding mats because we can set them out quick, do the falling, then put them away for spin kicks, etc.

[Pacificshore]

Thanks for all the input!

[karate-ka]

When you say jugsaw mats you are referring to the soft-ish foam ones right? Those things are nasty when it comes to burns!!! ouch!!

[Pacificshore]

yep that was what i was referring to

[Tote]

I've been training on the jigsaw mats for years and have never had a problem exsept a student breaking a toe every once in a while.

[SevenStar]

breaks can happen on any mat, as your toes can stick to the surface. A good practice is to put baby powder on your feet after you step on the mat. Also, when mats are poorly put together and there are gaps between each piece, your toes may get stuck in them while moving, pivoting, etc. and they may break.

 

jigsaw mats aren't very padded - you can practice controlled breakfalls on them, but alot of people would be hesitant about actually being thrown on them, as they are so thin.

[TJA]

I own a set of jigsaw mats and they are the closets thing to falling on the ground - if that's your preference in training- When I go to other schools the other mats feel soooo soft. But you do get Burns from them from time to time..