DROP MAT
Pair of mattresses (dimensions 1000 × 600 – height: 150 mm) with double layer internal padding and PVC outer covering with vent eyelets, created to absorb the loaded barbell drop’s impact.
In the latest years, the typical weightlifting exercises like the snatch or the press, together with other strength exercises like the deadlift or the Strongman Smash D-Ball lifting, are increasingly playing an important role in athletic conditioning and functional fitness. Along with these exercises, the “dropping” movement is becoming more widespread (letting the barbell or other tools fall on the ground after completing the action).
The barbell drop, or drop snatch, sometimes overused or misused, can cause vibration and noise issues, particularly inside crowded gyms or fitness rooms. For this reason, we have added to our Catalogue the DROP MATS, specially designed to absorb the drop of a barbell or other heavy tools and to limit the vibrations and noise.
Besides the sturdiness of the PVC outer covering, another essential feature of these mats consists of the double-layered internal padding. One layer comprises high-density EVA, combined with a second layer of medium-density polyurethane foam (10 cms thick). This blend of materials guarantees the best balance between absorbing and rebounding capability, which is generally difficult to obtain, as a load of weight can vary from a few kilograms to hundreds of kilograms.
Information often required is the density data, kg/m3 of the foam. This is not in itself a significant value to indicate the properties of the product. On the contrary, it confuses the product’s functionality because it leads to thinking that a higher density corresponds to a higher quality. The drop mat performs well if it absorbs, soundproofs, does not move, and makes the weights bounce as little as possible, even weights other than discs, such as atlas stone. The main concern, however, is the evaluation of the reference weight. It is one thing to calibrate the cushion for 50 kg and another to calibrate the cushion for 200 kg. It is quite another to build it to perform a useful action with the broadest weight range. The polyurethane elasticity is not strictly related to the weight per m3 but the type of foam used.
Add the critical role played by the type of cover, PVC in our case, and the size of the breathing vents to eliminate air during compression. After several tests, considering these factors, we combined 10 cm of complex polyurethane sponge with a 5 cm block of EVA placed at the Drop Mat base. The polyurethane has the function of absorbing, allowing the weight to sink. In contrast, the EVA, which has different elastic qualities, stops the transfer of energy once the PU has passed.
The Drop Mats can also be used on the Wooden Jerk Plyoblocks or as elevated supports for deadlifting and detachments from the floor combined with the Wooden Step cod. 9114. Please watch the video below.
Dimensions: 1000×600 mm
Thickness: 150 mm
Weight: 8 kg (each mat)
