The Hotness
Games|People|Company
Dominion: Dark Ages
Fantastiqa
Mage Knight: Board Game
Total War
Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Eclipse
Mice and Mystics
Dungeon Fighter
Collapsible D: The Final Minutes of the Titanic
Lords of Waterdeep
Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small
Libertalia
Android: Netrunner
Virgin Queen
The Lord of the Rings: Nazgul
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition)
Dominion
Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game
Infiltration
The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
Among the Stars
Twilight Struggle
The Swarm
Agricola
1989: Dawn of Freedom
Goa
7 Wonders
Glory to Rome
Arkham Horror
Village
Ora et Labora
Battles of Westeros: House Baratheon Army Expansion
Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization
Thunder Road
Trajan
Zombicide
The Castles of Burgundy
7 Wonders: Cities
Ace of Spies
War of the Ring
Skyline
Space Alert
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
City of Horror
Race for the Galaxy
Dungeon Command: Sting of Lolth
Twilight Imperium (third edition)
Kingdom Builder
Le Havre
Battlestar Galactica
%name%
Outside the Scope of BGG - AVRAW #46: Boards & Bits Premium Gaming Table Covers - Absolutely worth every penny and then some Subscribe sub options
Browse
Posted: 2010-10-28
Category: Review
Language: English
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Your Tags: Add tags
Popular Tags: [View All]
For more of my reviews, check out this link:

My reviews - an UndeadViking's quest to rate every game in his collection
Post Comment
Jeremy Salinas
United States
Indianapolis
Indiana
Drakkenstrike's Components Breakdown Video Review Series in HD
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Agreed Lance. I have had one since they first came out and it is in all of my Components Breakdown Videos.

It is well worth the price.

I had to cut mine myself though, and they were not able to cut them when I bought mine originally. Maybe that has changed now, but as far as I know they do NOT cut the material for you.

3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Edited Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:42 pm
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:41 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Drakkenstrike wrote:
Agreed Lance. I have had one since they first came out and it is in all of my Components Breakdown Videos.

It is well worth the price.

I had to cut mine myself, and they were not able to cut them when I bought mine originally. Maybe that has changed now, but as far as I know they do NOT cut the material for you.



You could be right, but I could have sworn that I read somewhere that they could cut a certain size for you if needed.

I apologize if I am incorrect...maybe if Tom were to weigh in at some point he could clear it up.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:43 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jeremy Salinas
United States
Indianapolis
Indiana
Drakkenstrike's Components Breakdown Video Review Series in HD
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
UndeadViking wrote:
Drakkenstrike wrote:
Agreed Lance. I have had one since they first came out and it is in all of my Components Breakdown Videos.

It is well worth the price.

I had to cut mine myself, and they were not able to cut them when I bought mine originally. Maybe that has changed now, but as far as I know they do NOT cut the material for you.



You could be right, but I could have sworn that I read somewhere that they could cut a certain size for you if needed.

I apologize if I am incorrect...maybe if Tom were to weigh in at some point he could clear it up.


I am sure Tom will see this video and be quite pleased with the free advertising !! You beat me to the punch Lance !!

In all seriousness, this is a great product and I 100% completely agree with your statements about the covers merits. It changes the dynamics of playing/experiencing games quite drastically. I've done away with Dice Towers completely now and just roll the dice on the cover, it's incredibly quiet.

Great Review !!

2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:02 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Kevin J
Canada
Toronto
Ontario
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Do you use that table for other things?
Do you take the cover off and store it rolled up?
Would you leave it on if you were using that table to, say, eat dinner on the table on a regular basis?
Would you feel comfortable putting a really hot plate on top of the cover?
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:21 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
tatoolo wrote:
Do you use that table for other things?
Do you take the cover off and store it rolled up?
Would you leave it on if you were using that table to, say, eat dinner on the table on a regular basis?
Would you feel comfortable putting a really hot plate on top of the cover?


Good questions!

1. We use the table for dinner as well from time to time, but it is mostly used as a gaming table. We have a counter peninsula that has a "bar" seating arrangement where we eat dinner.

2. I roll it up after my game sessions as long as Becca reminds me. I am very forgetful when it comes to that.

3. I have eaten dinner on it before. No problems.

4. To be honest, I haven't put a really hot plate on it because my second nature is to always put a pot holder underneath any hot bowl/plat of food since this is what my mother always did, so I don't have an answer for you for this one. Personally, I think it would be fine, but you may as well play it safe and put something between the plate and the surface to be safe.

Hope that answers your questions!
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:25 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Drakkenstrike wrote:

I am sure Tom will see this video and be quite pleased with the free advertising !! You beat me to the punch Lance !!


The score is still Me: 1, You: a billion

2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:27 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jeremy Salinas
United States
Indianapolis
Indiana
Drakkenstrike's Components Breakdown Video Review Series in HD
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
UndeadViking wrote:
Drakkenstrike wrote:

I am sure Tom will see this video and be quite pleased with the free advertising !! You beat me to the punch Lance !!


The score is still Me: 1, You: a billion



Not to change subjects, but I know you are going to Con of the North (I saw it somewhere, can't remember where....and no I am not stalking you !!!).

Are you going to GenCon next year? Or Origins perhaps? I know they are both long trips for you.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:31 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Con of the North and Becca said I get to pick one "big" convention to go to next year. I am leaning towards BGG.CON right now, but I have always wanted to attend GenCon - so we will see what happens, but I will be at one of those.
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:42 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Geoff
United States
Austin
Texas
flag msg tools
diglett, get off that chair!
badge
that doesn't even make sense
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Sold. Thank you for posting this. I don't usually crawl Boards & Bits, so I might never have seen this product otherwise.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:27 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
imyourskribe wrote:
Sold. Thank you for posting this. I don't usually crawl Boards & Bits, so I might never have seen this product otherwise.


Tell Tom I sent ya!

Seriously though, you won't be disappointed.

Also, I did a little research. The covers are 4 feet wide regardless, but they can be pretty much any length you want from what I understand. If you have to cut it down, they suggest using a rotary knife or very sharp scissors to cut it.

Secondly, apparently they used an iron on one roll because it was wavy in some places, while it didn't fix the problem, it did no damage to the mat due to heat, so placing a hot food plate on it probably won't damage it in anyway.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:58 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Bob
United States

Nebraska
flag msg tools
Don't squat with your spurs on.
badge
Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I checked with Tom a couple of weeks back and he indicated B&B would cut the cover to fit your table dimensions. Very nice! cool

Thanks for the review! I plan to get one before the holidays roll around...

meeple
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 11:41 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
David Short
United States
Tucson
Arizona
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Great review! If you have more gaming accessories that you can't live without, please keep sharing them! So awesome.

For the last year or so, I've been using a large piece of felt that I bought at a local craft store to play my games on. I just secure it tightly to my table and it works well. However, this mat of yours looks way better and I might just have to buy one.

I have a couple of questions though:

First, does the mat slide on the table? I'm guessing it doesn't due to the rubber bottom.

Second, is it smooth enough to play flicking games like Elk Fest on it? The felt sucks for this as you might imagine.

Third, is it consistent enough (no ripples, no creases) to play dexterity games like Cornerstone or Hamsterrolle on? Once again, the felt has imperfections that won't allow these games to be played on it.


Thanks again for the review. So informative.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Oct 28, 2010 11:55 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
The mat does not slide because of the friction between it and the table. I went and tested flicking my Catacombs disks on it and it worked fine, great even.

I hope that helps!
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 12:18 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
J.
United States
Grant
Alabama
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Great job on the review! Way to step out there reviewing an accessory!

Since my wife has a severe latex allergy, I doubt I'll be buying one though. Wish I could. Maybe one day they'll do latex-free.
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:53 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
David Short
United States
Tucson
Arizona
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
UndeadViking wrote:
The mat does not slide because of the friction between it and the table. I went and tested flicking my Catacombs disks on it and it worked fine, great even.

I hope that helps!


Thanks Lance. You rock.

Guess now I have to save up for one. Sigh.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:16 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
David
New Zealand
Taupo
flag msg tools
May the Great Spirit Bless all who read this.
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Great review. Never expected it and now I have to save up for one also.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:27 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Tory Niemann
United States
Phoenix
Arizona
flag msg tools
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I need to get me one of these. Oh, and probably a table worth putting it on. laugh
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 30, 2010 5:56 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Steve Duff
Canada
Ottawa
Ontario
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
This is exactly what I need. Nice job.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:16 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Scott Nicholson
United States
Fayetteville
New York
flag msg tools
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Any idea how a cat jumping onto and off of a table with this would affect the cover? It is self-healing? Or would I get claw marks?
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 1:27 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
snicholson wrote:
Any idea how a cat jumping onto and off of a table with this would affect the cover? It is self-healing? Or would I get claw marks?


My cat goes crazy on it and I have seen no damage whatsoever - she has not been declawed at all. I think it has a little give and is quite self healing.
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 1:43 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
"L'état, c'est moi."
Canada
Vancouver
BC
flag msg tools
admin
designer
Roger's Reviews: check out my reviews page, right here on BGG!
badge
Who let this guy become wargame subdomain moderator anyways?
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Awesome. I might have to splurge on one of these for my table.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 4:35 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Dennis Gadgaard
Denmark
Hvidovre
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Great review and great idea doing it

I'll keep it in mind for when I get to order from the net again.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Wed Nov 3, 2010 10:50 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Geoff
United States
Austin
Texas
flag msg tools
diglett, get off that chair!
badge
that doesn't even make sense
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Wahoo. Mine just came in

I only had a few minutes, so I just laid it on the table to air out. I am now anxiously awaiting 8PM when some friends are coming over to break it in.

Full report forthcoming.

update:

I hope it's ok to hi-jack your thread for my own mini review, UndeadViking. This just seems like the best place for me to chime in

Now that I have played a game of Alien Frontiers on it -- everybody loved the table cover. I'm not coming from a hard wood surface; this was an upgrade from a table cloth and pad. It was at least as easy to pick things up off the table as with the table cloth. My main goal in purchasing the table cover was to have a surface that wouldn't slip all over the place. My old table cloth shifts during play and gets all bunched up. The Boards & Bits pad stays completely still.

I had a couple inches overhang on all sides, and it wasn't a problem at all. A friend actually commented that this way he could rest his arms against the corner of the table comfortably. I probably won't even chop the sides down to size.

I definitely agree with UndeadViking. This cover is great. Thanks for recommending it! If anybody else is at all interested and you have the spare cash, I'd strongly suggest buying one. Just let it air out for a good, long time before you play with it. It does smell pretty strongly, even after a few hours out of the box.
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Edited Fri Nov 5, 2010 8:39 am
  • Posted Thu Nov 4, 2010 9:05 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Damon
United States
Seattle
Washington
flag msg tools
DO NOT CLICK HERE!
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I guess I better get one of these too. very cool review.

Soda and Whiskey and Beer! Oh My!

P.S. you're really messing up my studying time with all your awesome videos.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Edited Tue Nov 9, 2010 11:32 pm
  • Posted Tue Nov 9, 2010 11:27 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Paul Bauman
United States
Unspecified
Unspecified
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I've been hemming and hawing about getting a decent table cover for close to two years now. After seeing this cover in various video reviews of board games, including yours and Drakkenstrike's, I think I've convinced myself to get one.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sun Dec 5, 2010 4:08 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
United States
Fort Worth
Texas
Too many games, too little time!
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Just wanted to add that I bought a cover based on your review. Thanks for the heads up!

Couldn't be happier!

The surface is perfect for gaming. Smooth and soft without being too smooth or too soft. =)

Boards and Bits was incredibly helpful and cut it to size for me and the fit is perfect. Delivery was quick.

FWIW, our table is 5 feet wide with the leaf in and 4 feet without. I ordered the cover to be 5 feet long. Even with the cover on the table without the leaf (with 6 inches of overhang on both sides) it is playable for someone sitting on the ends. The cover doesn't drop off right at the edge but there is not much that sticks out. I was afraid it would not be as flexible as it is.

I am very happy with the cover and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone on the fence.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:18 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
David Short
United States
Tucson
Arizona
designer
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I came, I saw, I conquered.

Spoiler (mouseover to reveal):
Actually, it was more like... I came, I drooled, I begged.


I finally own this awesome gaming accessory!

Thanks Lance for bringing this to the public! It's just as awesome as you stated.

Two questions for all that own one:

1. How do I clean it? Windex? Wipies?

2. How do I store it? I'm guessing rolled up? But should it be on its side? On its end? How tight should the radius be?

Thanks again Lance and thanks to anyone who can help me with these questions.

2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:21 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Just wipe it with a dry cloth or an old t-shirt.

If you get a stain or something on it that doesn't wipe off, use a little bit of water with the cloth. I haven't used a cleaner because this seems to work fine.

I do suggest letting it dry completely before using it. I have had the water soak into a card or two when I wasn't paying attention.

Just roll it up as loosely or as tight as you like, but make sure you lay it on its side to keep it from folding over and leaving a crease. Also, when you roll it up, roll it so the back of the mat is on the outside.

Thanks for the kind words!
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:42 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Robert C Branch
United States
Granada Hills
California
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Was never aware of this product until I watched your video. Like what it does and may grab myself one at some point down the line. Thanks!
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:03 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jimmie Hayes
United States
Knox
Indiana
mbmbmbmbmb
My girlfriend and I just bought a new dining room set. I was looking for an easy solution to prevent possible mishaps and the inevitable stabbing from previously mentioned girlfriend.

This looks like the perfect solution. Thanks for the awesome review. Keep up the fine work UndeadViking!
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sun Feb 20, 2011 3:36 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Paul Bauman
United States
Unspecified
Unspecified
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
This is a permanent fixture on my gaming table now. The main draw for me was actually the protection of the components rather than protection of the table.

The table is one of those long foldouts you can get at Costco and the surface is textured plastic and pretty rough.

Boards & Bits cut the cloth to size and it works wonderfully. It protects my games, muffles dice rolls, and makes sleeved cards way easier to pick up.

Totally worth it.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Feb 21, 2011 6:38 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Justme LookingAround


msg tools
I have two banquet tables that we push together to make a gaming surface large enough for our games. The first problem with this is that there is a gap between the table tops, even when the tables are touching. Our first solution was to bring in a hard secondary surface to cover this gap for critical areas. While this works it is heavy and ugly.

So we were considering a soft cover to go over both of the tables. The second problem is that our total gaming surface is 72x96 and the Boards and Bits table top is maximum 48"x96".

For those who own this table top, can it be sewn together or somehow connected? For example, if we purchase two 72x48 sections and connect them together we could use that as our gaming surface?

What we are really looking for is a continuous table top, a significant break or defect in the top is more or less a waste of our time and we might as well stick with the ply-wood covered with felt.

Thanks for the help!
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Mar 3, 2011 3:35 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Well this is coming from a guy who has never sewn anything together in his life, but I think you could do it. However, if you want to make sure, you could have Tom send you a couple of sample pieces (he has tons of them) and you could see how easily they would "stick together" for yourself.

They are basically giant mouse pads, with some extra cloth dangling past the rubber base on each side.

If you know your way around a needle and thread, I think it would be a snap.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Mar 3, 2011 3:41 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Geoff
United States
Austin
Texas
flag msg tools
diglett, get off that chair!
badge
that doesn't even make sense
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
deimos2006 wrote:
For those who own this table top, can it be sewn together or somehow connected? For example, if we purchase two 72x48 sections and connect them together we could use that as our gaming surface?


I'm not sure that sewing would work all that well. You would need to use something pretty heavy as "thread." Normal thread would probably break pretty quickly unless you were _really_ careful with how you store and move the finished product. The larger mats are pretty heavy, so it would put a lot of strain on the stitching unless you have multiple people lifting at each end and the middle.

You could try punching some holes in it and using cording to string it together or something. Perhaps with some metal eyelets in the holes the rubber wouldn't tear, and then you could lace it up for use and take it apart for storage/mobility.

Actually, that sounds really awesome. I might have to think about doing something like that.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Mar 3, 2011 5:00 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Eric Darst
United States
Columbus
Ohio
mbmbmbmbmb
I just ordered one of these but then thought of a question. How is it for writing on character sheets? does it cause the pencil to tear the sheet? do you need a book or something under anything you write on?
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:47 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lee Troutman
United States
Bowie
Maryland
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
OK, so I'm over at Boards & Bits (shopping while I should be sleeping) and after I check out I see this ad for these Gaming Table covers. I'm intrigued, so I look them over. But I want to know more. And sure enough there's a link to a video review here at BGG (which I already have open in another window because I never buy any game before I research it here), and a great review at that, IMO. And of course there's comments so it's like a Q&A after the review. So the questions I would've asked are already answered.

I see that I'm rambling a bit, but my point is that this site, this community, just plain rules.

Oh, and now I have another gaming accessory to save up for
4 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat May 21, 2011 6:11 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Stephen Avery
United States
Suwanee
Georgia
designer
It kinda looks like a giant mouse pad. Is that accurate?

Steve"curious"Avery
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sun May 22, 2011 1:35 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Eric Darst
United States
Columbus
Ohio
mbmbmbmbmb
Quote:
They are basically giant mouse pads, with some extra cloth dangling past the rubber base on each side.


The covers are very much like a large mouse pad.
As for the extra cloth fringe mentioned above, mine did not have it.cry
However, mine was a special order size, so maybe the standardized sizes have it.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon May 23, 2011 3:17 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Thanks for chiming in Eric!

Yup - a big giant mouse pad...and it rules. I might make the next one I own a green one, but who knows.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon May 23, 2011 3:23 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Skaboy Green
United States
livonia
Michigan
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
they look pretty sweet
good thing there isnt purple i might not be able to resist
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon May 23, 2011 2:33 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Anthony Gambatese
United States
Mentor
Ohio
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Thanks for this info.... Doing another board game bundle purchase ... always buy from boards and bits ... And would have never seen these mats without your review
I will tell Them that undeadviking sent me
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:00 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Kdad the Muck Dweller
United States
Kirkland
Washington
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Anyone know where else you can pick something like this up? They seem to be completely out of stock, and I was hoping to get one for someone's birthday by the end of October.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Oct 3, 2011 6:11 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
kdiddy13 wrote:
Anyone know where else you can pick something like this up? They seem to be completely out of stock, and I was hoping to get one for someone's birthday by the end of October.


That's dang odd. Honestly, I would not be surprised if Tom wasn't in the process of moving them to his Ohio warehouse. Shoot him an email and find out - if he can hook you up, he will.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Oct 3, 2011 6:32 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Geoff
United States
Austin
Texas
flag msg tools
diglett, get off that chair!
badge
that doesn't even make sense
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
I have seen them go out of stock at B&B fairly frequently. They usually aren't gone for too long. If you keep checking, you might get lucky
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Mon Oct 3, 2011 7:19 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jamie Jensen
United States
Boise
Idaho
Avatar
mbmbmb
kdiddy13 wrote:
Anyone know where else you can pick something like this up? They seem to be completely out of stock, and I was hoping to get one for someone's birthday by the end of October.


FoamOrder.com has fabric-covered neoprene by the sheet (or foot) in various colors, but to get prices comparable to B&B it seems you'd need a group order of 11+.

Or if you don't mind fabric on both sides, these seem decently priced:

http://www.dyetrans.com/detail.php?item_no=MP023

http://www.dyetrans.com/detail.php?item_no=MP021
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Tue Oct 4, 2011 12:10 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Justin Foster
United States
Davenport
Iowa
mbmbmbmbmb
Nice review lance i'm sold! FYI it appears you have a hairline crack in your camera!
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:46 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jimmie Hayes
United States
Knox
Indiana
mbmbmbmbmb
Conde (dyetrans.com) requires a minimum order of $100.

I'm gonna have to get a bigger table.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 15, 2011 4:52 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jimmie Hayes
United States
Knox
Indiana
mbmbmbmbmb
UndeadViking wrote:

They are basically giant mouse pads, with some extra cloth dangling past the rubber base on each side.


Caveat: You have one of these, I don't... yet.

However...

Is it really like a mousepad? Those are usually "neoprene", a closed-cell foam. The compression is very poor. From your short reveal and a bit of knowledge of 1/8th inch neoprene, It seems like it is more likely a layer of open-cell foam underneath. The lower density makes it much easier to compress and lift cards. Lifting a card from medium-density closed-cell foam, as you do in the video, takes much more effort than I have observed.

Is the underlay material very spongy? If so, then I totally understand on multiple levels (why this is rather unique and hard to source for Tom). Mouse Pad material sheets are not hard to source. We had a discussion on that here. I wish it were more successful. However, I don't think that closed-cell material are conducive to the type of play that we might be looking for. (You can slide to the edge as in the beginning of your video but, plucking off the surface is rather difficult, especially with a semi-slick (polyester?) top)


/analysis paralysis to the Nth degree
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 15, 2011 7:56 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Jimmie Hayes
United States
Knox
Indiana
mbmbmbmbmb
jfoster1980 wrote:
Nice review lance i'm sold! FYI it appears you have a hairline crack in your camera!


And, yes, I noticed the 5 (or so) horizontal lines in the cam. They are only noticeable in certain shots. They are more prevalent in the next video but don't detract from the awesomeness of the UndeadViking!

Great work Lance! I love your videos.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 15, 2011 8:05 am
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Andrew
Australia
Sydney
NSW
flag msg tools
mbmbmbmbmb
This is exactly what I have been looking for.. I went to order a 36X48 but all sizes are unavailable.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sun Oct 16, 2011 2:41 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Lance
United States
Moorhead
Minnesota
The coolest best thing I have ever done in my life is being a father
badge
Caleb, the best 6 month old little brother ever
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
andywhite wrote:
This is exactly what I have been looking for.. I went to order a 36X48 but all sizes are unavailable.


Quick note to anyone looking for these. If you drop a line to Tom at Boards and Bits, he may be able to special order one for you. He has leftover material but he is not sure how much of it and of what size. Simply use the "contact us" portion of the B&B website, mention the table covers, the color, and the size you want, and once he figures out what he has left, he will contact you.

I got this from Tom himself the other day.

It should be noted that he does plan on ordering the material again, but he does not have a time frame for when he will get it done.
1 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 22, 2011 6:16 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
George Parker
United States
Aggieland
Texas
You're only young once . . . but you can be immature the rest of your life!!!
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
Thanks for the update Lance. I have been checking back with B&B and keep seeing "unavailable". I have had my cover for over a year and love it. I get comments all the time. I plan on getting a couple more in different sizes. Might even cover my computer desk and throw away the mouse pad!

I visit B&B regularly and will post when I see them back in stock.
2 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 29, 2011 2:30 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Snappy Dan
United States
Wesley Chapel
Florida
Avatar
mbmbmbmbmb
texasgeoker wrote:
I have been checking back with B&B and keep seeing "unavailable".

I visit B&B regularly and will post when I see them back in stock.

A month ago, I did as Lance suggested and Tom quickly replied that he'd contact me after he'd taken inventory of his remaining stock. So, once I hear back from him, I'll be placing an order. This spares me from having to check stock on his website regularly.
3 
 Thumb up
 tip
 Thumb up
  • Posted Sat Oct 29, 2011 2:51 pm
    • Choose your Dice
      • Roll
      • Comment (Optional)
    • Reply
    •  
    • Quote
Front Page | Welcome | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Advertise | Support BGG | Feeds RSS
Geekdo, BoardGameGeek, the Geekdo logo, and the BoardGameGeek logo are trademarks of BoardGameGeek, LLC.