Edit to add I didn't see anyone talking about this mat here because I just found people talking about this mat on the Store section the forum I've never noticed :slap:
I was browsing the main page looking for the next event dates in Alabama when I happened across the store and saw there is a shooting mat for sale for just $29.96 in the Appleseed store. Since I plan on taking my 10yo son to the next Appleseed I needed a 2nd shooting mat anyways and decided to give this one a try. I had not seen it mentioned in the forums so I thought I should show it off.
Thickness, materials, and fit and finish are all very similar to my Widway USA Pro series competition shooting mat. I wouldn't be surprised to hear if they were made by the same contract manufacturer. First thing you notice (besides the very nicely embroidered Appleseed logo) is that Appleseed mat is designed to fold in half first before it is rolled so it's about 1/2 the length but double the diameter. Not sure I can really say one is better than the other for my needs. Just different.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33935387408_5df88feb14_c.jpg)
The Appleseed mat does do away with several features the Midway mat has to get to the price point. The non-slip areas are just small rectangular points at the elbows and knees instead of the wide patch covering the front 1/4 on the midway pad. The Appleseed mat doesn't have the bipod support straps nor the extra pockets and pen holders found on the Midway mat. IIRC the Midway mat came with stakes while the Appleseed mat did not. The Midway mat's bottom does feel slightly rubberized and waterproof while the bottom of the Appleseed mat fees just like the top. Probably not waterproof. Thickness and squishyness is about the same I can't tell a difference off hand. The Appleseed logo is on both the front and back of the Mat so you can see it when rolled and unrolled which is a nice touch. For an Appleseed specific mat I think it's a great value eliminating some of the features you don't really need for Appleseed. Shipping to Alabama was $11something so it was just over $41 shipped. My son think's it's super cool so I guess that's the most important part right?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32868720817_4def747f77_c.jpg)
Yes. You are correct it is not a water proof bottom. Still a good deal and looks good. Thought about getting one myself and using that as the loaner mat for shoots. A Harbor Freight tarp would provide waterproofing.
Got mine for Christmas. It has already had a hard life for me and as a loaner. The padding is much better than the Midway; of which I have several of both models. For our purposes, it is great.
Nice review of the mat and it's details.
Pictures show it well.
I like the grommets for staking in wind, and the logo looks great.