I've bought several, my favorite 2 I have are these:
http://www.amazon.com/Alvin-Professi...ry+cutting+mat
I've only used 1 of them, as it's really stood up for the last 5+ years, and it's still going. So I put the other one underneath it for future use.
I use the green side, honestly haven't tried the black side. It's self healing, though I'm not sure it says that in the description. It's a thick sturdy mat, that is similar to the Olfa mats.
Regards,
Kif