Recommend Space Mat

ericphillips · Post by **ericphillips** » Thu May 21, 2009 7:06 pm

I'll put this straight: I don't like the map panels. Instead, I am using my tan Chessex hex map I used when playing GURPS, but space is not tan (last I checked anyway).

I wanna nice map to play. I dont use minis, just token. I am planning a campaign so I want a lot of space. Please, recommend a nice space map. 4' x 5' or thereabouts would be good. Black or simple starfield would be best. I'd like smaller hexes. I see a lot with 1" hexes, but I would like them smaller, say 3/4". Is there such a map in those sizes?

Also, keep it affordable. $50 tops.

Thanx

Scoutdad · Post by **Scoutdad** » Thu May 21, 2009 7:33 pm

Not sure about hex-sizes, but Monday Knight Productions has Space mats.

Hotz Artworks has space mats with 1-inch hexes.

malleman · Post by **malleman** » Fri May 22, 2009 3:39 am

Chek this out for Monday Knight Productions.

http://www.starfleetgames.com/federatio ... 88&start=0

Inari7 · Post by **Inari7** » Sat May 23, 2009 2:57 pm

I have two of the Chessex mats that are black.

here is a picture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16836334@N03/

gcrutch · Post by **gcrutch** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:00 pm

Check out Hotz maps:

http://www.hotzmats.com/mat_1-deep_space.html

ericphillips · Post by **ericphillips** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:28 pm

On those felt mats, how are they? Do they unroll well? How is it sliding counters on them?

gcrutch · Post by **gcrutch** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:32 pm

I have no business interest in the company that makes those maps (Hotz). I am going to order one myself. From the website, it seems that you can order them rolled in a tube or order them folded in a box.

Rolled mats from Hotz cost more for shipping and packaging. I have used felt maps before and they unroll just fine. Just keep them rolled with the hex side facing outward and you should be good to go.

I would not use them for counters - they are best suited for miniatures in my opinion.

ericphillips · Post by **ericphillips** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:39 pm

gcrutch wrote:I would not use them for counters - they are best suited for miniatures in my opinion.

Ah, see I am going counters. A black Chessex would be best for me then, I guess, no starfield.

I was also thinking of making my own. It wont fold, but I can take Hubble starfields, add a cool hex patteren (maybe a glowing lightsabre like effect with Photoshop's layer effect), then print it at Kinkos to a poster, which they laminate and apply a foam core backing. Wont fold, but will be real colorful, and smooth for counters. They can easily do 36" x 48." I could also have them cut it in half or quarters to use as side by side board. Hmmm.

Wolverin61 · Post by **Wolverin61** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:46 pm

gcrutch wrote:I would not use them for counters - they are best suited for miniatures in my opinion.

I've slid many a shuttle and drone counter on my GeoHex felt space mat and never had any problems.

gcrutch · Post by **gcrutch** » Sun May 24, 2009 1:21 am

Until my copy of Federation Commander Klingon Border arrives on order at my local gaming store, I am using an old game board from "Alpha Omega" for my star map along with the free First Mission PDF rules from ADB. The Alpha Omega map board sections have 1.25" hexes on a blue-black star field.

Here's a link on boardgame geek for a pic of the map: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/70205

Scoutdad · Post by **Scoutdad** » Sun May 24, 2009 2:09 am

I own two of the Chessex Battle mats, 2 of the Monday Knight Productions felt star mats, and 4 sets of laminated (ADB Mega-Hex, multi part maps - 1 mounted on foam board, 2 laminated as individual panels, and one laminated and rolled as a full sheet)

I've played many a game on all of them, using both miniatures, counters, and a combination of minis/counters. My favorite map is far and away the MKP felt mats. We usually play with mins, but we still use counters for drones, torps, and shuttles and have never had a problem with them sticking or getting caught in the felt mat.