Which is the best portable softball pitching mat?
- Thread starter sbcowboy
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You with find typically two kinds.
One is like a turf (outdoor carpet) and the other is just rubber. They both have a pitching rubber attached and typically will have a power line painted on. The only differences between all the options are usually just a little thickness or maybe a softer or denser rubber. The turf models will wear the toe during the drag a little bit more than a rubber one. Some models have big name endorsements associated with them, so that drives the cost up.
IMO.... stick with a very simple and inexpensive rubber matt that's approximately 3'x7' or even up to 11', with a power line and rubber.
One is like a turf (outdoor carpet) and the other is just rubber. They both have a pitching rubber attached and typically will have a power line painted on. The only differences between all the options are usually just a little thickness or maybe a softer or denser rubber. The turf models will wear the toe during the drag a little bit more than a rubber one. Some models have big name endorsements associated with them, so that drives the cost up.
IMO.... stick with a very simple and inexpensive rubber matt that's approximately 3'x7' or even up to 11', with a power line and rubber.
Last edited:
- Dec 7, 2011
- 2,368
- 38
I provided DD with a home-made outdoor artificial-turf version of carpeting with best contact adhesive applied to interlocking cushioned floor squares as the underside. I held back on the adhesive at the floor square joint where I needed to fold it over for transport.
I also used hardware "posts" (flat bottom) to affix the rubber (which worked much better than expected - no issue keeping the rubber mounted to the mat - but did have to put duct tape on the bottom of these "posts" to protect the floor it was on)
This lasted a high-school season here in the upper midwest where there is allot of indoor prep for the season. I did relocate the rubber to the other side of the mat to make it last the whole season as DD is a brute on surfaces.
To me, a little bit of a handy-man, this was a HUGELY better choice than the expensive versions you can buy.
I also used hardware "posts" (flat bottom) to affix the rubber (which worked much better than expected - no issue keeping the rubber mounted to the mat - but did have to put duct tape on the bottom of these "posts" to protect the floor it was on)
This lasted a high-school season here in the upper midwest where there is allot of indoor prep for the season. I did relocate the rubber to the other side of the mat to make it last the whole season as DD is a brute on surfaces.
To me, a little bit of a handy-man, this was a HUGELY better choice than the expensive versions you can buy.
RB. What is a post? Does the outdoor turf wear out the rubber soles on the shoes?
I have the eBay one also. Very pleased
Was it this one by any chance?
PB3660 3' x 5' Green Nylon Softball Pitching Mat on 5mm Foam with Power Line | eBay
- Dec 7, 2011
- 2,368
- 38
Menards I got:
"Lancer Marina marine back indoor/outdoor Carpet" - I believe that was the stuff - seemed like the densest most rugged outdoor carpet/turf
"Groovy Mats Comfortable Mats"
"Connector Bolts" (similar to pic)
The heaviest duty contact cement (spray can)
- Dec 7, 2011
- 2,368
- 38
See pic above on bolts - they worked great.
DD used her VB shoes and those are NOT rugged-rubber shoes. The shoes won over the mat but like I said it wass after a season expired.
