Mats

JoeyD473 · Jan 3, 2007

Currently I use the mat that came with HeroClix mainly because The only miniatures that I have are HeroClix (can't find my bag with the HeroQuest miniatures). The biggest problem I have is I can't set it up ahead of time because the table is often in use until right before my game starts. So I want something eraseable that I can set up several days ahead of time (when posssible).

I am looking to get a battle mat for my game and I have found 2 companies online with one

Tact Tiles by BC Products and either the Signgle or Doublesided mega mats from chessex.

The table I use is 35" wide and 90" long (give or take 5 inches).

Does anyone have any of these products and can you tell me what you think of them as well as possible alternatives

Olaf the Stout · Jan 3, 2007

Steel Sqwire flip mats are another option. Crystal Caste also make double-sided hex/square mats. I am using one at the moment in my campaign.

If I had the money I would get Tact-Tiles. Unfortunately the cost to ship them to Australia is almost as much as the tiles themselves.

If you get a Chessex or Crystal Caste mat you have to be careful that you don't use dry erase markers on them by mistake. Those mats are wet-erase only.

Olaf the Stout

Steel_Wind · Jan 3, 2007

Chessex MegaMat. All the way. Tact tiles are nice - but expensive and a wee difficult to lug around.

Sounds like you'll be doing a lot of lugging.

If the Megamat does not exactly suit your purpose - you'll never be unhappy with it. A Megamat is like dice: it's gamer "core equipment".

Phazzar · Jan 3, 2007

Tact-Tiles could be customized to fit any table as that is their main point. However, if you look at the order page at the site (http://www.bc-products.net/Order_Form2.html) you will notice that they are currently unavailable. Also, they do weigh a bit which will require lugging as Steel_Wind pinpointed.

I've never seen a Megamat but I've always heard good things about them. I would try one of them out.

frankthedm · Jan 3, 2007

CHornJr said:
The table I use is 35" wide and 90" long (give or take 5 inches).

Valley of Death style tabletop. Favors archers and other missile troops, disfavors those with low speeds who need to close to the foes. I also have seen PCs die because they were not willing to move the mini too far off the table.

For your table may I recommend a long sheet of fabric store vinyl [light color & fabric backing]. a 50” x 90” gives lots of overhang so you can slide the mat left and right. Nice durable tablecloth too.

Do you have a sheet of 1" perforated hardboard?

http://www.answers.com/topic/perforated-hardboard

If so lay the peg board over the vinyl, doting each hole with a permanent marker making your battle grid.

Then just use children’s washable markers on the mat{costs less than most other battle mat markers too].

If you want to skip the fabric store a sheet of plexiglass could be used the same way.

You a DIY type? if so redo the table with a ceramic mosiac in one or two inch squares or hexes. Then just lay a sheet of plexiglass over the tile to use washable markers over your 'grid'.

thalmin · Jan 3, 2007

Now is a good time to pick up a Megamat. Chessex has made some "irregulars" which are available for about half price. These irregulars have slight flaws in them, ranging from a smudged line or drop of ink to non-centered grids. They are entirely usable, just "perfect." These are in stores now.

Calico_Jack73 · Jan 3, 2007

I checked Tact-Tiles this weekend and they are having problems with one of their suppliers so no Tact-Tiles for a while until they get that issue settled.

Not quite related you might check out World Works Games. You can buy PDFs from them, print them out on cardstock, and then build your own 3D maps. If 2D is more your style they've just started producing a 2.5D map that is also available for download. What I like about it is that you can use it to make any size room you like. You also only buy the PDF once and you can use the same set to make as many parts and pieces as you like. For $15 it is a steal.

World Works Games
World Works Games - 2.5D DungeonLinx.
Much better than the D&D tiles IMHO since you can print out as many as you need/like either on cardstock or you could also print them out on paper and then glue them onto foamcore board for added durability.

theredrobedwizard · Jan 3, 2007

Steel-Sqwire makes some very good quality smaller battle grids (24"x36", IIRC) that're like $10 each. You can write on them with Wet Erase, Dry Erase, or Permanent marker and it all wipes off easily.

Either those or the "Tiles and Plexiglass" option.

-TRRW

Drawmack · Jan 3, 2007

I've been using a single sided chessex mat for about 5 years now. If you buy this with the chessex markers it's a good combination. However if you want to leave markings on the mat make sure they are not red. If you leave red on for a week it temporarily (after many cleanings it will come off) stains the mat.

Garboshnik · Jan 3, 2007

I'll put in another word for the Steel Squire mats. Being able to use both wet and dry erase is awesome!

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