fiberbuilt-grass-combo-mat-putting

A Fiberbuilt golf mat is a must-have piece of equipment if you are looking to improve your game. Not only do these mats mimic the feel of a real fairway, but they’re also made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy use and protect your joints.

We highly recommend Fiberbuilt golf mats. In this post, we will explain the differences among the different product lines they offer, highlight the best features, and help you decide if a Fiberbuilt golf mat is right for you (and give alternatives if you need a different product).

Let’s first look at what features to look for in a premium golf mat.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Features of a Premium Golf Mat

The golf mat is often overlooked when setting up a home golf simulator. It is probably the most boring component to purchase. However, it is critical to get a high-quality mat.

If you don’t, your joints will pay the price and your launch monitor metrics could be affected. In addition, you will end up replacing a cheap mat more frequently than expected.

Having started with an inexpensive mat and then moving to a premium mat, I am 100% convinced of the merits of spending money on a quality mat. It can seem like an unnecessary expense, but a great mat makes practicing more fun.

In addition, it will prevent any type of pain–especially for golfers that like to hit a lot of balls.

The following features are typically found in a premium golf mat:

  • Inserts – a feature only found on high-end golf mats in which there is a small strip of premium turf that can easily be replaced when it wears out.
  • Flexibility – golf mats that protect your joints have some level of flexibility to them which prevents pain and potential injury (look for at least 3/4″ of foam backing).
  • Durability – premium materials and construction will lead to a more durable and long-lasting product. This will be apparent through higher-density turf and thicker foam backing (or even rubber backing).
  • Launch monitor performance – better turf construction can lead to less club interaction with the turf. This results in a more realistic feel with more accurate launch monitor metrics (stickier turf will slow the club down and negatively affect metrics & feel).

See the section “What are the top features of a premium golf mat?” in the Frequently Asked Questions section below for more details.


What Makes Fiberbuilt Golf Mats Good

Realistic Feel and Flexibility

Fiberbuilt golf mats are designed to provide a realistic practice experience, which includes replicating the feel of a real fairway. This is what they are famous for.

The mat does not grab too much as cheaper mats do. This means your simulator experience will be more enjoyable and accurate.

As mentioned above, the more friction encountered from a “grabby” mat, the more the club/ball readings will be reduced. This means you will see lower metrics than expected.

Safe on Joints

The Pure Impact Turf in Fiberbuilt’s premium golf hitting mats and tee lines features a proprietary Vibration Absorption Layer, which absorbs 94.7 percent of the club head vibration.

This can help to protect joints by providing a more forgiving surface to hit off of.

When golfers hit shots on a hard, unforgiving surface, it can put extra stress on the joints, particularly in the wrists, arms, and shoulders.

A Fiberbuilt golf mat, on the other hand, offers a more cushioned surface to hit off of, which can help to reduce the impact on the joints and minimize the risk of injury. This is especially beneficial for golfers who are looking to practice for long periods of time or for those who may be recovering from an injury

This means you can hit balls all day without worrying about joint pain or getting hurt.

Rubber Base

Fiberbuilt uses a rubber base with most of their mats. Their philosophy is that when you use cheaper materials, golfer pay the price–with the negative impacts on their practice and their joints.

With a rubber backing, golfers will see some real advantages:

  • Stability – the mat won’t move around while hitting
  • Comfort & Injury Protection – it just feels better hitting on a cushioned surface and this also protects from injury
  • Performance – rubber backing can prevent unwanted club bounce which negatively alters metrics
  • Made from Recycled Materials – as an extra benefit, the base in made from recycled rubber products.
Why We Like Fiberbuilt 
Many manufacturers choose inexpensive materials to keep the costs down on golf hitting mats. Fiberbuilt's business strategy is focused on quality vs price.

Their goal is to make the best mat you can buy and that requires premium materials.

Use Real Tees

You hear a common complaint with practice mats in that you cannot use a real tee with them. Golfers go on long searches for special plastic tees that sit on top of the turf. It is generally agreed upon that these are not as good as a real tee.

Some Fiberbuilt mats allow you to use real tees right in the mat. You can practice exactly how you play!

Durable Construction

Fiberbuilt golf mats are made for durability. They use a premium rubber base on their mats. This leads to higher prices, but the benefits are numerous; longer-lasting, better impact absorption, safer on joints, less slippage, and more!


What is the Right Golf Mat For You?

If you already know what type of golf mat you want, feel free to skip this section. However, if you need more help narrowing down your mat type, we can help.

Below are some questions to ask yourself to help you identify the correct mat. There is no right or wrong answer–this all about what fits your needs the best.

  • What type of golfer are you? Are you a single digit who needs the best conditions possible to practice? Or are you a golf fanatic that just loves to play? Or some other type?
  • Have you been injured before? If so, look for the best injury protection. Inexpensive mats do NOT have good cushioning and you will feel it in your joints.
  • How much will you practice? If you practice a lot, look for durability & injury protection. Hitting off a mat sitting on a hard surface puts more wear on your body that hitting off grass.
  • How will the mat be used? Are you using this indoors or outdoors? Does it need to be portable, or will it be semi-permanent? Do you want to putt on the surface?

Fiberbuilt Golf Mats Summary

Fiberbuilt offers 3 series of golf mats, (in addition to putting mats which we cover below). Below is a summary of each series of mat.






CATEGORY
fiberbuilt-preferred-golf-matPlayer Preferredfiberbuilt-grass-golf-mat-doubleFiberbuilt Grassfiberbuilt-performance-golf-matPerformance Turf
Starting Price$1,349$799$459
Who is this for?Serious golfers who want maximum feedback in feel and sound, with the feel of real grassGolfers who practice a lot and want durability with maximum injury protectionGolfers who want a uniform surface that still outperforms most other brands & use real tees in the turf
Use any tee?Yes (with holder)Yes (with holder)Yes
Realistic Ball FlightBestPremiumGood
True Fairway FeelBestGoodPremium
Fat Shot FeelBestGoodPremium
Injury PreventionPremiumBestGood
Shot Guarantee150k300k200k
Fiberbuilt Golf Mats Compared

Player Preferred Series Overview

The Player Preferred Series from Fiberbuilt is the perfect choice for golfers looking to improve their game. The Pure Impact Turf hitting panels are designed to provide accurate launch conditions and a realistic fairway grass feel.

In addition, these panels feature a Vibration Absorption Layer that helps to replicate the feedback and sound of hitting on real turf. This technology allows for a more authentic hitting experience and eliminates the bouncy “mat effect” often found in other artificial turf products.

The Player Preferred Series is built on sturdy, tool-free rubber bases for easy assembly.

Fiberbuilt Grass Series Overview

The Fiberbuilt Grass Series is designed with durability and injury prevention in mind. Its unique fiber construction provides the longest-lasting hitting surface available, and they offer a 300,000 shot guarantee to back that up.

This construction also helps to virtually eliminate the effects of “turf shock,” making it ideal for golfers who are dealing with injuries.

It provides excellent feel and performance, while being gentle on the joints.

Performance Turf Series Overview

The Performance Turf Series is perfect for golfers looking for a simple and cost-effective solution for their practice needs.

These mats feature a uniform surface for both standing and hitting, as well as a tee-in-turf design that allows for the use of real tees for any type of shot. The surface is comfortable underfoot and won’t crease or roll.

The Performance Turf Series offers the most economical options in their premium mat line.


Fiberbuilt Player Preferred Series

fiberbuilt-preferred-combo-mat-putting

Starting at $2,629

Who is this for? Golfers who want the best Fiberbuilt golf mat available with the most realistic hitting surface. This is their best mat & will provide excellent feel & sound.

  • Most realistic feel & sound
  • Best performance
  • Premium injury protection
  • Launch monitor tested

There are two models in this series:

  • Fiberbuilt Preferred Combo – includes a hitting strip and a putting green
  • Fiberbuilt Preferred Mat – mat only

Putting Features

Fiberbuilt’s Putting Turf has an embossed rubber backing that eliminates creasing or curling and will provide a true roll right out of the box.

Fiberbuilt Putting Turf runs at a 9 on the Stimpmeter and can also receive chip shots with realistic check and roll.

fiberbuilt-preferred-combo-mat-putting-golfer-putting

fiberbuilt-preferred-golf-mat

Starting at $1,349

Realistic Feel

Its proprietary Vibration Absorption Layer absorbs 94.7% of the clubhead vibration, providing realistic feel and sound better while providing premium protection from injury (Fiberbuilt Grass has the best injury protection).

Use Your Own Tees

The Friction-Fit Tee Holder fits in the base holes allows you to use your own real tees.


Features

  • Pure Impact Turf – Premium hitting surface that delivers the most accurate simulation of the launch conditions of real fairway grass.
  • Realistic – Use a real tee with the mat with the friction-fit tee holder
  • Rubber Base – Provides a solid foundation with unmatched shock absorption characteristics and the mat will not slide underfoot
  • Launch Monitor Tested – Provides realistic launch metrics for game improvement
  • Safe – Features a proprietary Vibration Absorption Layer, which absorbs 94.7 percent of the club head vibration

Fiberbuilt Grass Series

fiberbuilt-grass-combo-mat-putting-golfer

Starting at $2,999

Who is this for? Golfers who practice a lot and want durability with maximum injury protection.

  • Most durable surface
  • Best injury protection
  • Launch monitor tested

There are two models in this series:

  • Fiberbuilt Grass Combo – includes a hitting strip and a putting green
  • Fiberbuilt Grass Mat – mat only
  • Fiberbuilt Grass Mat (hourglass) – mat only in a smaller hourglass shape

Injury Protection

Fiberbuilt’s Grass mats use a low-friction turf that is built so golfers can hit down and through the ball without risking pain or injury. The grass still has a premium level of performance.

Putting Features

Fiberbuilt’s Putting Turf has an embossed rubber backing that eliminates creasing or curling and will provide a true roll right out of the box.

fiberbuilt-grass-golf-mat-impact

Starting at $1,149


Durable

Fiberbuilt Grass is guaranteed for 300,000 shots! They are engineering to avoid the jarring impact of traditional mats while still being extremely durable.

Use Your Own Tees

The Friction-Fit Tee Holder fits in the base holes allows you to use your own real tees.

Hourglass Model

Knock-down base design sets up and breaks down in under a minute with no tools


Features

  • Low-Friction Turf – Great hitting surface that delivers premium performance
  • Realistic – Use a real tee with the mat with the friction-fit tee holder
  • Rubber Base – Provides a solid foundation with unmatched shock absorption characteristics and the mat will not slide underfoot
  • Durable – The most durable mat that Fiberbuilt makes
  • Safe – Engineered with low-friction turf and an impact absorption base to offer their best protection from injury

Fiberbuilt Performance Series

Who is this for? Golfers who want a premium mat at a lower-price point.

  • Most economical
  • Use tees without a holder
  • Rubber backed turf

There are two models in this series:

  • Fiberbuilt Performance Combo – includes a hitting strip and a putting green
  • Fiberbuilt Performance Mat – mat only

Putting Features

Fiberbuilt’s Putting Turf has an embossed rubber backing that eliminates creasing or curling and will provide a true roll right out of the box.

Fiberbuilt Putting Turf runs at a 9 on the Stimpmeter and can also receive chip shots with realistic check and roll.

fiberbuilt-performance-golf-mat-tee

Rubber-Backed Turf

Constructed on a grippy rubber base for the ultimate in traction and utility. Provides great stability and comfort underfoot.

Use Your Own Tees

Use any tees right into the surface without requiring an adapter.


Features

  • Premium Turf – Dense pile turf allows practice from tight lies and still has good interaction
  • Economical– Still a premium mat at a lower price-point
  • Rubber Base – Provides a solid foundation with cushioning and the mat will not slide underfoot
  • Tee in Turf – Use your own tees right in the turf

Fiberbuilt Home Putting Green Series

Fiberbuilt Putting Greens deliver true, natural roll with a superior feel underfoot. With metal cups to provide accurate targets and authentic sound.

  • Premium surface
  • Metal cups
  • Rubber foundation
  • Use indoors or outdoors

Putting Features

Fiberbuilt’s Putting Turf has an embossed rubber backing that eliminates creasing or curling and will provide a true roll right out of the box.

Fiberbuilt Putting Turf runs at a 9 on the Stimpmeter and can also receive chip shots with realistic check and roll.

Chipping

You can chip onto this turf and it delivers realistic check and roll on chips.

fiberbuilt-putting-golf-mat-golfer

Features

  • Putting Turf with 3 Hole Cutouts
  • 3 Metal Cups
  • Exclusive Tool-Free Modular Rubber Foundation with Easy-Lock Fasteners

Alternatives To Fiberbuilt Golf Mats

If the Fiberbuilt golf mats do not meet your needs, there are a couple of other options for a premium mat. In reality, all of these mats are of the highest quality so you can’t go wrong with any of them.

TrueStrike makes a great line of golf mats with a modular design. They use an innovative gel insert to create realistic feel while providing safety for your joints. See more info in our TrueStrike Golf Mat Review.

SIGPRO Golf Mats offer a realistic feel, excellent cushioning for joint safety and come with replaceable inserts. Check out our SIGPRO Golf Mat Review for more info.


Golf Mats Info

We have done many golf mat reviews that you can find more details on at our Golf Mats page .


Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to golf simulators (or just hitting balls into a net), the golf mat is a key component. A golf mat not only sets the stage for a realistic golf simulation experience but also provides cushioning and protection for golfers as they practice their swings.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your golf simulator, it’s important to purchase a quality golf mat that meets your golfing needs.

Durability

When shopping for golf mats, there are a few key features to look for. Durability and longevity should be at the top of the list – you want a golf mat that will stand up to wear and tear over time. Inexpensive mats will wear out quickly and need to be replaced.

Or, they will break in places if you hit the ball fat. Unfortunately, I know this from experience.

Golf Mat Replaceable Inserts

Premium golf mats typically include replaceable inserts in the mat. This is a section of turf about 2′ x 1′ (2 feet long by 1 foot wide) that can be replaced.

This means that if you wear out your hitting area you don’t have to throw away the entire mat and buy a new one. You just buy a new insert and it is as good as new.

Flexibility (Safe on Joints)

Most golfers will be using a mat on top of a hard surface (such as a garage floor). The impact of an iron on a mat without proper cushioning will eventually cause joint pain. It is vital to get a mat that has proper cushioning to prevent injuries.

Without proper cushioning, you will get pain and could get injured. This means time off golf which is never fun.

Look for mat designs that have at least 3/4″ foam backing and some type of compression system to handle the descending blow of an iron shot.

Premium mats can handle chunked shots without causing any sort of pain or injury.

Surface Compositions

Another factor to consider when purchasing a golf mat is its surface composition. Different golf mats offer different levels of cushioning, which affects how realistic it feels when hitting the ball off of it.

Generally speaking, higher-end golf mats provide a better golfing experience and longer-lasting performance. Especially if you are using your mat with a simulator, you don’t want the surface to cause too much drag and lower your actual metrics.

Simulator Performance

If you are using your mat in a golf simulator setup, you want a mat that does not interfere with your swing so you have the most accurate metrics. Premium mats have turf that limits interaction with the club face. This results in more accurate readings by your launch monitor as the club is not slowed down as much when interacting with the turf.

Fiberbuilt Golf was founded in 1995 when they developed their first golf mat using proprietary bristle technology.

More than 5,000 ranges and practice facilities around the world use Fiberbuilt products.

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john-hudson
Founder, Author, & Golf Enthusiast at TheLuxeGolf | Website | + posts

Founder of TheLuxeGolf, I am an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap with over 20 years of experience playing golf. I use my analytics education from Georgia Tech to help me research and write the best articles on luxury & premium golf products! I love how analytics has seeped into every aspect of golf and how it can be used to provide incredible insights into your game. In my time, I’m either writing about golf, watching golf, or playing golf!

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