How to choose between roll-up mats and judo tatami?
How to choose between roll-up mats and judo tatami?
Let’s look at this question from different perspectives.
First of all, let’s assume that the mat is for judo, wrestling, BJJ, grappling or any type of combat sports that involve a lot of takedowns.
- Softness
Both mats are made from PVC leather laminated with foams. Roll-up mat uses XPE foam which is much lighter while judo tatami uses compressed sponge which is 6-8 times heavier. Yet both surfaces are all measured at about 50-60 Shore hardness. So, they are about equal in softness. You just need to choose the right density from any type.
- Foot grips
Foot grips are much relied on leather surface texture and smoothness. Although leathers used for roll-up and tatami are different, but, they are close enough not to create significant differences in foot grips. You just need to choose the texture you feel comfortable with. Typically the choices are are Tatami, Lychee, Elephant skin, etc. In general, the more rough surface the more foot grips yet the more mat burn for the skin.
- Mat connection
Roll-up mats are not edge wrapped by leather while judo tatami edges are fully wrapped by leather. This is a significant difference. The roll-up mat edge could result in mat cut if the edge is not properly sealed by tape. Judo tatamis have to be pushed very tightly against each other to prevent any space between mats. This requires good mat fixture during installation; otherwise any little space between mats could be dangerous to athletes.
- Installation
Roll-up mats can be easily cut by a stationary knife during installation to fit any floor shape and size, while judo tatami as its edges are fully wrapped by leather and the foam inside is in very high density, it is not easily cut and if cut the mat edges are damaged. So in general, judo tatami is not suitable for irregular floor and perfect for square floor measured in multipliers of 2 meters. Skillful installer is critical for roll-up mat installation if you want to get a prefect fit of the mats to the floor.
- Maintenance
Cleaning is the same for both mats. Beside cleaning, roll-up mat connections need to be carefully maintained by replacing tapes or making sure Velcros don’t open; Judo tatami needs to be re-positioned if any slight movements happen to maintain as little space as possible between mats.
- Cost
In general, roll-up mat is less expensive that judo tatami; yet, it requires more shipping and storage space for the same surface square meters. So, always compare your delivered cost before your purchase.
- Athlete preference
By our observation, wrestlers prefer roll-up mats and judo athletes prefer judo tatami and BJJ or grappling also use more roll-up.
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