I have only used Olfa mats and only buy from Walmart.

I have a Fiskars mat that I got with a coupon from Joann's. It works fine. I am very interested in what makes a mat good. My mat has nice markings, and self heals. It is double sided. One side light, one side dark. So what makes an expensive Martelli mat better? What makes any mat better? Other than a super cheap one that doesn't self heal.

Quilters select rulers and mat. I have several different sizes of Olfa which I will keep. When visiting my sister over the holidays, I got a good price on QS mat, cutter, and ruler to use while visiting her. I already had the large 24" one that I use constantly. Recently I ordered 2 more of the QS rulers. I really, really like the rulers. Like everything else it's whatever you happen to like. QS rulers do not slip. You can turn fabric when cutting if you are using the ruler and mat together. Nice feature. It seems like the mats all last quite a long time so if you are going to invest, I'd go with the QS.

Does everyone think a mat should last for years? I replace the one I use the most every two years or so.

JoAnns are an anomaly around this town every one is about 1.5 hour drive in any direction Hobby lobby is new in town and just up the road a piece. I bought a June Taylor mat it’s 23 x35. It was regular priced at 29.99 I used the 40% off coupon so it was about $19. Not sure how it will last but it’s got to be better than my plywood makeshift cutting mat. I think They had a few olfa mats not sure. I debated on the smaller cut and press mat. I hate pulling out the ironing board. I’m an amateur so not sure what makes a great mat.
Thanks for all the information.

June Taylor is hard surface mat. That means the rotary blade glides on the top and does not cut into the mat. A self healing mat like Olfa the blade cuts into the mat. Industries use hard surface mats because the blades used last longer. Many quilters think the opposite. It's a matter of choice so don't get to hung up on which mat is the best. You'll learn the difference when trying different brands.

I have a Martelli & Quilters Select. Like them both, it just depends which room I'm in for cutting. Small QS in my sewing room, Martelli on the kitchen island for now. I do have a cut and press. Size is fine for pressing small items but the cutting side is terrible after using a self healing mat.

I have a 24"x36" Olfa mat I've had for Years. It is wavy now as it got too close to the iron. I want to replace it with a larger mat. I read online Martelli is good, but distributor is back ordered until May. Having difficulty finding Martelli, Alvin, and Adir Mats. Suggestions, please. Thank you!!

I will buy Quilter's Select mats from now on after having the large one for all my cutting. I don't expect a mat to last for years no matter what brand it is. I don't keep old mats either. I don't see the reason for keeping them in case I need them. For what? LOL

I use both Olfa and June Tailor mats. My main complaint about the June Tailor is it has warped over time, maybe from constant cutting on one side (since it only has a cutting surface on one side). My Olfa mats I use both sides depending on what I'm cutting.