I keep my large mat on a wheeled kitchen island and can walk around to cut fabric. So rather then rotate a mat, I rotate me.:)

I have the 12" square Olfa. While I agree it spins noisily, at least, it's fine for my purposes. I love it for squaring up HST's in particular.

Of the Olfa and the Martelli rotating mats that I have I like the Martelli the least. It spins so easily that it wants to turn as I am cutting. To each his own I guess.

I like my Olfa rotating mat just fine. It is one of those 'niche' items for me. I wouldn't want to spend more for little gain.

I don't like my Olfa because it gets loose. I bought a Matilda and love it.

Yep, I cut old mats smaller and use them for rotating mats. Usually I'm piecing small blocks so using a 6-8" mat is easy to turn. I tried a rotating mat many, many years ago but found there was a lump in the center that really bugged me.

I have the 17" mat and the next smaller one. I bought the 17" because the squares I am cutting are 12 1/2" inches. I like the extra room of the 17" one. But, be sure your cutting space has enough room to rotate the 17" one. I tend to stack my cut fabrics on the cutting table and have to sometimes move the stack when I'm using the 17" mat. I haven't experienced a problem with it not turning easily. I'm thinking I would not want it to rotate so easily that it moves when I'm cutting. Good luck with your purchase and look for coupons.

I took my Martelli Roubnabout to the guild retreat. Everyone that didn't have one raved over it. One said I'm ordering one for me online anyone want to order with me to get free shipping? A show of hands went up.

I have the Olfa 17" rotating mat. I have used it so much the top all came off. I bought another smaller mat to use on it. I haven't tried it yet. I just place the square I cut on diagonal so I can cut other way too. It worked for many years.

I have the Matilda rotating Mat and would not quilt without it...it has never had a hic-up while spinning. I love this mat!