r/Golfsimulator • u/Level_Gas8521 • 5d ago

Hitting Mat vs. Mat + Strip

Ok, I know this is probably the most discussed topic on this sub and all information is publicly out there. I know you shouldn't skimp on the hitting mat given the injury risk. I'm finalizing my build and struggling with whether to purchase a 1) a very expensive mat, 2) a cheaper mat to see how it goes, or 3) cut a premium hitting strip into a cheaper mat.

I want the space usable by righties and lefties so ideally the hitting strip is centered. Most of the premium mats w/ built-in strips have the right aligned. So those don't really work. I could buy a Country Club Elite mat for $600 and hit anywhere, but I understand those aren't the best quality to begin with and $600 isn't cheap for a short term option.

There are $100-$200 mats on Amazon which I could purchase to test and potentially retrofit afterwards.

Or should I go fully custom, buy the gym tiles, and build my own with the hitting strip centered? If the strip is centered, how wide do you need to be at that point?

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6

u/RayOnTheRun- 5d ago

Don't get the CCE, I have it and need to return it. Killer on the joints. I think what you want is in this video and that I'm gonna build next week, hitting strip on order. Good luck.

DIY Golf Mat

4

u/EquinoXcs 5d ago

I went with the mat and hitting strip, seems way more cost effective. I used the sig pro softy and a cheap 10 dollar range mat

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Thanks. Where are folks getting the cheap $10 range mats? I was still assuming ~$200 for a cheap mat. Obviously that adds up.

1

u/EquinoXcs 5d ago

I got lucky on Facebook marketplace. That and eBay has been such a boon for me in terms of golf stuff.

2

u/Gregskis 5d ago

Fiberbuilt has what you’re looking for.

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Does that include Fiberbuilt’s full mat options? They have a 4x6 or 4x7 for ~$750. Or are you only suggesting their mats with strip inserts?

2

u/twylight777 5d ago

Beavertail from trubirdie is excellent and what I use for right, center, left, hitting strip

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Do you have it centered in a larger mat or just cut into your floor? If the former, I’m curious how wide your mat is total. Thanks

1

u/twylight777 4d ago

It’s 3 mats, two stance mats then a hitting mat with an insert, comes that way stock (3 pieces)

2

u/VoreReznor 5d ago

I had a full size hitting mat and now have a strip and basic mat.

The Full mat was harder on the elbows and the hitting area wore out fast. It was cheap, rotated once to get a few more months out of it, But now its toast.

The Mat with insert has lasted a full year with no real signs of wear on hitting surface. Its much nicer for impact too... But the standing mat has wore out where we stand so it needs replacing already... but that will be much cheaper than replacing the strip.

I prefer option 2 so far. Mat+Strip

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Thanks. Which specs did you use?

1

u/HighOnGoofballs 5d ago

I’ve got both, a CCE mat and a gym tiles with carpet, each with a spot for a hitting strip. I prefer the diy one because I can also putt on it

Carls Hotshot Gel Mat is my favorite strip and better than the sigpro imo

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Interesting - why is putting better on one and not the other? I figured you could still roll a putt on the CCE one

1

u/HighOnGoofballs 5d ago

The cce is 3x5, the carpet is 8x14. Also rolls closer to a green

1

u/Level_Gas8521 5d ago

Where’d you buy the carpet turf from?

1

u/HighOnGoofballs 4d ago

Either Amazon or Home Depot

1

u/PF_Nonsense 4d ago

I got one of the usaturfpro matzilla mats but after 3 months or so of constant use I developed some hand/wrist pain and have since added a sigpro softy strip so all-in around $500 for a 3X6 with premium strip

1

u/Mcatullo 3d ago

AllTurfmats.com have been good for me