I started out with a hard, rigid cutting mat, (they were cheaper) and that is what I used for 30 years (not the same one, just the same type). Last month I DH got me a"self healing" mat. Wow! What a difference it makes! I spent yesterday cutting a quilt out, and the mat made such a difference! The fabric did not try to shift, the rotary cutter was much easier to control, and I will never own a rigid (June Taylor, etc.) mat again! Buy the best you can afford. -Former "cheap is good enough" quilter!