I have had my 2 Olfa mats for a great many years - still going great. Self-healing is the most important issue. It amazed me when I went to buy a larger one they all aren't self-healing. A friend had the large white one - it was too big for her house, I am able to store it between my sliding closet doors so she gave it to me since she does most of her cutting at my house - but the mat is not self- healing, so we use it when we are trimming the quilt or cutting batting and need a large area.

The board needs to be self healing and the lines useful when you are cutting. Even if you don't use the lines for measuring with you use lines to straighten up on prior to cutting.
i would also look at the thickness of the board especially if carrying to classes.

Look at the Martelli mats and sign up for the 50% sales. I've had them all, Martelli has the best markings and is the best quality

I have gone through one Olfa mat and been using the newest one for quite a while now. I will have to look at the Martelli mats. Don't care about the cost if it is better all around.

I bought an Olfa mat three years ago and it seems very thin. I switched back to Omnigrid. I buy them when they are 50% at JAF with free shipping. They are much thicker and last a lot longer. Unfortunately you can only buy them online at JAF. Even tho the backing is gray, I still am able to cut on the back.

Another Martelli fan here. It is not affected by heat like the others. You can keep it in a hot car without damage... you can even put an iron on it.

I have an Olfa rotating mat, a little Dritz, a 24 x 36 June Taylor and a smaller one as well. I also treated myself to one of the large white Sullivan mats sold by Joann's when on sale. It is great for cutting from long runs of fabric for clothing or trimming quilt edges. I use the June Taylor mats the most.

love my martelli. Well worth the money!!

I have Olfa, Martelli's, and Alto's. They all work fine.

What do you use now? If you like it, does it come in larger sizes?