I've finally decided to get a 3 feet x 3 feet playmat for x-wing but I noticed after playing on a few different ones in the last few months, that some tend to get paint scratches on the mat from the ship bases (I think they were Galeforce Nine mats which especially had that particular issue, but I'm not sure). The FFG ones seemed like they would be fairly durable.
What do you all recommend?
A plain rubber matt for me. About 2mm thick. Very 'anti slip /bump' and no busy print that distracts you from the ships and tokens.
I've finally decided to get a 3 feet x 3 feet playmat for x-wing but I noticed after playing on a few different ones in the last few months, that some tend to get paint scratches on the mat from the ship bases (I think they were Galeforce Nine mats which especially had that particular issue, but I'm not sure). The FFG ones seemed like they would be fairly durable.
What do you all recommend?
Just had a match on a fairly used Gale-Force Nine mat. It had some scuffs on the finish, but there was no damage to the starfield, and looking down on it you couldn't see the scuffs either.
So yep, GF9 should do well by you; can't speak for FFG's mat but it should be fine it it's up to FFG's standards.
Here's the mat I used:
Pretty snazzy huh? It comes in at $39.99 same as FFG's but personally I prefer the nebulas to fighting in the inky black or over the Death Star every time. If you like you can go for a plain mat, but personally I like the cinematic feel of a lively battlespace.
When all is said and done just pick one you like, they should all do the job and you'll be happier for it.
(Image quality's a little low, best I could find on the internet. =P)
Edited by OneKelvinI bought a thin 2' x 6' yoga mat for $10, then cut it in half.
When tiled, it's 3' by 4' which lets me use it for larger games too.
Far better grip than the FFG, FatMat, or vinyl mats IMO.
Edited by zerotcI was going to pick up a Gale Force 9 map... but then my wife saw the one with the Death Star. That was that. 
Welp, if I'm gonna play Star Wars, at least it's Star Wars, eh?
I have a GF9 mat that I used for a while, but really disliked the scratches and scuffs. I did buy one of the FFG star field mats and I love it. Mine's dimensions are spot on, I know some people have had issues saying they are off, and with it being a basic star field it's not to busy and distracting.
Just look around and get what you like best. Cause everyone is going to tell you to get what they got, and you may not really agree that it's for you.
I have one of the FFG star field mats and I absolutely love it. I was using a sheet of 3x3 foam from Michaels before I got it and the FFG mat is a huge step up.
The only real issue I have with FFG's mats is that they compress when you push down, which can sort of screw up movement. I do have some that is made out of a nice banner vinyl. Has a nice grip to it to help keep things from sliding around.
The only real issue I have with FFG's mats is that they compress when you push down, which can sort of screw up movement. I do have some that is made out of a nice banner vinyl. Has a nice grip to it to help keep things from sliding around.
I'll agree there, but I have learned you really don't have to put that much pressure on templates. Just took some learnin' that's all.
I have a couple of the GF9 mats and they are definitely serviceable, scratches absolutely happen on those mats. I've also played on the HCD (or HCL whatever) mats and they are very mouse pad-y, which is a bit too slick/slippery for my taste. I have both the FFG mats and they are also mouse pad-y, and all the same complaints apply. So whilst every retail mat I've played on has been fine and serviceable, I have yet to find one that ticks off all my boxes.
As a side note, the yoga mats aren't terrible, but the 'squishyness' of them has the ships moving a bit from the pressure of moving them. Fractions of a millimeter for sure, but still there.
What material is a typical XW-type play mat made out of? It seems like neoprene but I am not sure that they are made from that.
I've been happy with my "grip mats" from break from reality games. I have two 36" that I use together for larger games. They haven't scratched and one handled with aplomb a beer spilled on it last night.
My FLGS has one "mousepad"-style mat and one gripmat for in-store games. I like them both, but prefer the mouse-pad style because we have found that the gripmat keeps the dice from rolling on it properly. It seems to have just enough give to absorb the energy of the dice when they hit the surface and stop them. I can't see how that really effects the die rolls, but it seems like they suck when we use that mat, so most of us use the mousepad mat if its available.
A black 3' by 4.5' piece of black vinyl from the fabric store, with lines 9" from each end made with a silver sharpee.
The blue and black HCD starfield mat. Such a step up from the sh*tty vinyl ones. My FLGS has a dozen or so matching ones, they look real nice and when you put a bunch of them together for an epic game it doesn't look like ****.
Recommending Grip Mats. Seriously, no slide. My wife picked me up one at Gencon and there has been no looking back.
General consensus is that the FFG mats are great and you can't go wrong with them. Personal preference is up to you depending on if you like a bright and pictured background, or a simple starfield one, although most people like the starfield over the busier ones. The FFG mats are much more available, too.
Applied Perspective mats are still the nicest I've seen by a longshot.
FFGs are nice but don't offer much friction.
We have an FFG mat at our storr. Most tournaments we're using felt though. The ffg mat is great and very basic.
I got one of the Frontline Gaming F.A.T. Mat plain 3x3 starfield and it's been really sturdy... But looking to get a pair of the FFG ones, one starfield and one deathstar cuz... Star Wars...
I use a $5 yard of blue felt for mine. The dimensions may not be perfect, but for casual play it's been a good cheap solution.
I've been happy with my "grip mats" from break from reality games. I have two 36" that I use together for larger games. They haven't scratched and one handled with aplomb a beer spilled on it last night.
Recommending Grip Mats. Seriously, no slide. My wife picked me up one at Gencon and there has been no looking back.
Agreed, I LOVE my Gripmat; it has a very nice, non-slip surface. I like how the FFG maps look and feel, but I really don't care for how slippery they are.
Got both of FFG's playmats and I have had no problems with either. They could be a bit "stickier" but they are well made and look great.
I have a felt mat that I got from Hotzmatz and I love it.
Being felt it won't get scratched like the vinyl one's like what GF9 make.
They are treated so it doesn't soak up liquids if a spill happens, unlike normal felt.
They are quite cheap to purchase and being that they come from Canada we don't have to deal with yanky post.
I am tempted to pick up one of the FFG mats at some point but I really hope they make a few more designs as I find both to be rather dull.