Comparing Grappling Mat Materials and Surfaces

Grappling is a form of hand-to-hand combat that includes wrestling, judu, jiujitsu, BJJ, etc. Groundwork and throws are the main skills that comprise grappling skills. As this is the case, traction and shock absorption are important characteristics of proper grappling flooring. Here we will outline some of the most popular materials and construction techniques to provide you with a home training surface with which you will be happy.

wrestling mats

Core Material

When in the process of choosing grappling mats, the core material is the most important consideration as it's important to have flooring that provides the perfect combination of cushion, shock absorption, stability, and firmness.

The most common commercial core materials are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nitrile foam, cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, all of which are closed cell foams which are durable will not absorb water. While these foams are more expensive than open-cell foams like carpet padding, they have a longer lifespan and will not absorb moisture that can lead to mold and mildew. There are, however, high end grappling mats that use polyurethane foam, which is a open cell foam known for providing some of the best cushion available. This style of foam, must be contained by a durable cover material.

For areas where there will be a lot of throwing, thicker mats will provide the needed shock absorbtion that thinner mats won’t be able to provide. Some grappling mats, such as Greatmats Grappling MMA Mats 1-5/8 Inch, are even tested for fall heights and will give you an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) fall height rating.

wrestling mat material

PVC nitrile foams are the traditional material used for competition wrestling mats. They are the most durable and heaviest option, and will also be the most expensive. This material is flexible enough to be double sided and still roll up for storage.

Cross-linked PE foam is a newer, less expensive and lightweight alternative to the PVC nitrile foams. This foam is firm in nature and introduces some bounce as well as shock absorption to the mat. PE foam is perfect for home grappling use. It is usually one-sided and scored on the back which allows it to be rolled up.

EVA foam is the least expensive option, providing most of the same benefits of the other materials without some of the cosmetic durability. It does not lose any of its functionally through extended use, there will just be visible wear and tear. These mats usually come in puzzle mat form (interlocking tiles) and can be double sided.

folding grappling mat

Surface texture and material

The surface of the grappling flooring in a space can make a big impact on the comfort and safety of athletes who are training. Grappling mats can have foam wrapped or bonded to vinyl or canvas. They can also, in the case of EVA foam mats, have the surface texture molded into the same material as the core. Smooth and tatami are the most common textures.

Smooth surfaced mats lend well to use with shoes, but can become slippery when training barefoot.

Due to their smooth nature, they are also less likely to cause burns on your skin than more textured surfaces.

Vinyl tatami or canvas surfaces provide extra grip when training barefoot, and are very durable, but are well known for causing mat burns.

EVA mats with tatami texture molded into the surface, provide the grip needed for barefoot grappling training without the risk of mat burns. EVA mats will scuff over time but it will not be detrimental to the performance of the mat.

Mat size and repair

Grappling mat material & surface

The larger the mat you get, the fewer seams you will have to deal with. Almost all wrestling and grappling mats offer a one year warranty.

Your PVC nitrile based mats usually come in the largest rolls (5+ feet wide and varying lengths), but can be cumbersome to install - especially in a home environment or by a single person. The factory can recondition or resurface the mats is they become damaged.

Cross-linked PE foam mats are often significantly smaller and more lightweight rolls (in the 5x10 foot range). They are lightweight and easy to install by a single person. A benefit of these mats is that they are lightweight and be installed by one person. It’s typical for multiple mat rolls to need to be taped together. Should they become damaged, cross-linked polyethylene foam grappling mats can be repaired with a patch, but can not be reconditioned or resurfaced.

EVA puzzle mats usually come in square tiles 2-4 feet in diameter that can connect together in any direct to achieve the desired floor coverage. While these mats cannot be repaired, they are typically double sided allowing for them to flipped if one side becomes damaged. Puzzle tiles are also easily replaced in as small as 4 square foot sections without the need for tearing up the entire grappling floor.

grappling mat

Generally vinyl-wrapped PU foam mats come in a 1x2 meter (~3.3x6.6 feet) size. The durable vinyl is extremely resistant to damage and can be patched if needed. The outer vinyl is extremely durable and we resistant, and can even be patched if needed. These mats usually cannot be connected together but their weight, combined with grippy non-slip underside do a good job of keeping mats in place and allow for multiple mats to be butted up next to each other to expand your grappling area.

Folding mats with a PE core and vinyl cover are available in a large array of sizes, generally from 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet long. When these mats are used for grappling purposes, it’ll be important to find folding mats with hook and loop connectors. This is because the connectors will help ensure all the mats remain help tightly together.

There is a lot to consider when shopping for grappling mats, but if you keep the above factors in mind, you are sure to find grappling mats that will fit you budgetary, space and performance needs.

Comparing Folding Gymnastics Mats - The Nitty Gritty Details

With so many choices, it can be seem daunting to choose the right gym flooring. There are so many details and nuances to each flooring option that finding the exact product for your home or recreational space can seem like a hassle.

Knowing a little bit about the basic characteristics of folding gymnastics mats will make the search much easier. Folding gymnastics mats seem to be listed in a complex code (V2, 18-oz vinyl, 2.5-inch, 5x10, polyethylene; the list goes one), but once all the labels make sense, it’ll be easy to find the perfect gym flooring for any area

comparing gymnastics mats

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Below is a guide to understand the different terminology and options for folding gym mats:

Comparing Folding Gymnastics Mats

4V vs. V2

(Connectors on 4 sides vs. 2 sides)

One of the main factors you need to decide on is having hook 'n loop connector strips on four sides of the mats, which is identified by ''4V,'' or hook 'n loop connectors on two sides of the mat, which is identified by ''V2.'' The desired layout of the gym mats will determine whether 4V or V2 gym mats are the right option.

4V has velcro on all four sides of the mat, which allows you to make connections from any side and create larger mat spaces for activities such as wrestling or martial arts. If the area where the mats are going to be used is wide and large, having velcro connectors on all four sides of the mats is the best option.  V2 mats can be used for many different purposes, but because they only have connectors on two sides, they are best used for creating strips or runways of padding as opposed to completely filling a room. V2 mats are commonly used as wall padding for gyms and training areas.

foldable gym mat

18 oz vs. 19 oz vinyl

One of the aspects you'll want to choose from is 18-ounce or 19-ounce vinyl for the cover of your mat. The purpose of the vinyl is that it protects the foam mat underneath and provides traction to athletes. This helps the mat both be a durable surface that also delivers cushion and softer landings to users.

If you are going to have a lot of friction and the potential for ripping, tearing, and wearing away the mat's covering, then you will probably want to choose the 19-ounce options. The 19-ounce vinyl will provide years of reliable use and will stand up to the continual abuse that is present with use day after day. However, the lighter 18-ounce option can still provide quality results to your gym.

1.5 vs. 2 vs. 2.5 inch thickness

The thickness of the mat will also matter. Thicker mats are advantageous as they provide more protection to athletes. However, as the mat gets thicker, it also gets heavier and bulkier to store, which makes many people choose the thinner option.

A 1.5 inch thick mats is lightweight enough while still providing adequate cushioning. It can be effective for kids' gymnastics and light workouts, and the lightness makes it better for temporary surfaces, such as gyms that host basketball as well as wrestling or judo.

2-inch thickness provides a well-balanced combination of strength and weight. The mat is also thick enough to cushion heavy adults during wrestling or jiu jitsu, but the mats are still lights enough to be moved around without much effort.

2.5-inch thickness provides the most cushion but can be heavy to move. This version also utilizes a combination of both closed and open celled foams. For used in a permanent space that requires plenty of padding on the floor, 2.5 inch thick mats are the best option.

gymnastics mats 10 feet

4 vs. 5 vs. 6 foot width

Gym mats come in widths of four, five, or six feet to ensure that they can can exactly fill any space.

Four-foot mats are often the preferred choice if you simply need a narrow strip of padding. These mats are commonly used for activities such as fencing, but are also popular choices for uses at tumbling mats and gymnastics mats.

If you need a slightly larger strip of padding, or if you simply want to fill a larger room, you can choose five-foot widths as well. The five ft mats provide a large, quality surface with not being as difficult to handle as some mats of larger widths.

If an entire room is being permanently padded, six-foot mats are likely going to be the best choice. These will help you cover a large space quickly and allow you to get the large footage of padding you need. Six-foot widths are commonly chosen for covering walls as they provide head-to-toe protection for most athletes.

The Number of Panels

The overall length of the installation will be determined by the number of panels in the folding gymnastics mats. Most panels are two-feet wide, so the mats go up in overall length by increments of two. Mats typically come in the sizes of three panels (six feet), four panels (eight feet), five panels (10 feet) and six panels (12 feet).

Color Options

Gymnastics mats are available in a wide range of colors to match any existing color schemes. In most cases, the mats you select can come in blue, red, yellow, green, and many other colors. The mats can also be ordered in combinations and interchanging colors to add a design style to any installation.

One use for the different colors is organization. For a taekwondo class, different colored mats may help in spliting the class into two groups. You can use different floor coloring for different groups and send, as an example, students under 12 to the blue mats and students 12 and over to the red mats. The coloring of mats can also be used to mark boundaries of a competition space, such as wrestling boundaries or fencing strips.

folding gymnastic mats

Polyethylene (Closed Cell) vs. Polyurethane (Open Cell) Foam Cores

There are two types of materials that are very popular for folding gymnastic mats. The first is polyethylene and the second is polyurethane. It’s important to understand the differences between the two materials to choose the right mats for any space.

Polyethylene is the most common type of foam available. It has a high-impact strength and can absorb a lot of energy without breaking. It can withstand high-impact use and is able to absorb a lot of kinetic energy without breaking or deforming. It is used in a cross-linked design, creating a closed-cell foam that is resistant to mildew and mold, as well as bacteria and rot. Polyethylene is commonly wrapped in vinyl to prevent the foam from being cut or gouged. It is a preferred material for cheerleading, gymnastics and wrestling.

Polyurethane foam provides better cushioning as it is an open-cell material. It has the consistency of a sponge or a loaf of bread, with air throughout the material to provide a softer landing. As this type of foam is very spongy it’s not the best choice for activities that include walking, running, or jumping. This form of foam is generally used in combination with the polyethylene foam in folding gymnastics mats that are 2.5 inches or thicker.

4x8 gymnastics mat

Choosing a Few of the Best Options

Gym Mats 4x8 Ft x 1.5 inch 4V 18 oz

This 4x8 gym mat has four panels and velcro on all four sides. The layout makes it perfect for many different uses, including gymnastics and tumbling. This mats layout makes it a great choice for a wide array of uses including gymnastics and tumbling. It can be one of the most effective mats for filling a small space, and the 1.5-inch thickness makes this smaller mat perfect for temporary use, as it only weighs about 20 pounds.. These mats are light enough that even kids can handle them, making them a great choice for temporary padding of a gym floor.

Gym Mats 5x10 Ft x 2 Inch 4V 18 oz

If the space demands only the finest gym mats, this 5x10-foot foldable ma is the only way to go. It has two-inches of thickness, giving you plenty of padding and support, but the entire mat only weighs about 36 pounds, so most people can pick it up and fold it when needed. If the mat is too heavy for a single person to carry, it can easily be carried and layed out by two people. This is one of the most commonly used folding mats for judo or wrestling due to its thickness and connection versatility.

Folding Gym Tumbling Mat 6 x 12 ft x 2 inch V2

Available in 16 colors, this effective gym mat is perfect for flooring on many different surfaces. As this six panel mat is 12 ft in length, it can quickly and easily cover a large area. It has velcro on two sides, so it can be laid out side-to-side with other mats if needed. This is one of the longest gym mats available today, making it a perfect option for tumbling runs.

Gymnastic Mat 4x6 ft x 1.5 inch V2

This 1.5 inch thick mat has a small profile, making it one of the lightest and most compact gym floor mats available. It comes in multiple colors and only weighs 18 pounds, so creating a padding surface and quickly removing the material is no problem at all. The mat comes in a wide range of colors, allowing for it to match the character and style of any space.

Gymnastic Mat 4x8 ft x 2.5 inch V2

If heavier adults will be using the mat for higher impact activities, this folding gym mat will provide the cushion and safety needed. It has velcro on two sides so you can create long lengths of padding, and it has a total weight of only 26 pounds, making it manageable for many people. With a cross-linked PE layer topped with a PU layer in the core, it offers a much softer landing than any of the previous mentioned mats which strictly utilize the denser PE foam.

Great Mats Has Your Folding Gymnastics Mat

Greatmats' high-quality flooring will last for years of daily use.

When you need excellent gym floors, browse our selection of materials and you'll find everything you need for any home gym or recreational space!

How to Choose Among the Top 4 Gymnastics Mats

“Gymnastics mats” is a broad term that covers a wide range of mats and use cases, such as tumbling, artistic gymnastics, and vaulting to name several. With that being said, one mat obviously cannot universally be the best option for every gymnastics activity as the function of the mats vary as much as the activities.

Folding Mats

Top Gymnastics Mats

Folding mats, sometimes referred to as panel mats, give a firm cushion to athletes and are covered in a durable vinyl to help the mats last for years of use. These mats are one of the most versatile as they are easy to install, store, transport and connect together to cover larger areas.

Customers love Greatmats folding gymnastics mats for somersaults and cartwheels. They even make a great aid in different conditioning drills that involve hopping, balancing on an edge, or even assisting in learning to standing up from a seated or reclined position, as you can fold them into varying heights of 1-2 inch increments.

Best Tumbling Mats

Octagon Mats

When working on techniques that involve torso bending and arching, another vinyl-covered mat works best - octagon mats. We offer octagon mats in a range of sizes to best fit the heights of the gymnasts. These mats are also used as harmless obstacles for leaping, and tools for rolling.

Incline Wedge Mats

For progressive skill building, wedge mats, also known as cheese mats, are useful for transitions as wells as tumbling and conditioning. The unique benefit of these mats is that they combine the stability of folding mats with a gradual height variation that is important for key skill building. The unique incline quality of the mats make them an extremely versatile skill training tool for gymnasts of all levels.

Thick Gymnastics Mats

Skill Cushion Mats

All three of the previously mentioned mats are relatively firm. For protection from harder falls, the thicker and softer skill cushion mat will provide the most protection. In most cases you'll want a ''fluffy'' mat that is around 1 foot or thicker and will disperse the majority of impact of a fall, preventing injuries while learning to fall or land properly. These mats are commonly used for dismounts off of bars or vaults.

While all of these mats are great for gymnastics, make sure you know how you'll be using them before you choose. Incorrectly using a mat or using the wrong kind of mat can make training harder, but can even cause injury when used for the wrong purpose. Talk to Greatmats' flooring experts to help determine the best kind of gymnastics mats for any application or use.

What Size Tumbling Mat Should I Get