As a coach and a former gymnast, I’ve seen the spark of ambition in countless young athletes. It’s a powerful thing. That desire to practice a back walkover just one more time, to finally nail that back handspring, doesn’t switch off when they leave the gym. The living room floor, however, is an unforgiving training partner. I’ve heard too many stories from parents torn between encouraging their child’s passion and the very real fear of an injury from a slip on a rug or a hard landing on the floor. The challenge is creating a space at home that is both safe and effective for skill development. A pile of pillows just doesn’t provide the stable support needed for complex movements, and a standard yoga mat offers little more than a thin layer of foam. This gap in safe home-training equipment is precisely where a specialized tool like the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer comes into play, promising a bridge between the professional gym and the aspiring home athlete.
- Diametre: 25.6”, Height for each Pad: 10”, Include Set of 2
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What to Consider Before Buying a Gymnastics Tumbling Mat
A Gymnastics Tumbling Mat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for athlete development and safety. For gymnasts, cheerleaders, and martial artists, these mats provide the necessary cushioning to absorb impact and the stable support required to practice and perfect skills. Their primary benefit is injury prevention, allowing athletes to push their boundaries with confidence. They transform a potentially hazardous area into a dedicated training zone, fostering the repetition and muscle memory crucial for mastering complex movements like backbends, flips, and rolls. Beyond safety, these mats are developmental tools, with specific shapes like octagons or wedges designed to guide the body through the correct motions, accelerating the learning curve for difficult skills.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent of a young, developing athlete in a discipline like gymnastics, tumbling, or cheerleading. They are looking for a durable, purpose-built tool to supplement formal training and allow for safe practice at home. It’s also perfect for martial arts students practicing rolls and falls, or even for physical therapy exercises requiring firm support. Conversely, this type of specialized mat might not be suitable for those who simply need a soft surface for general play or a cushioned mat for low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates. For those users, a standard folding panel mat or a thick yoga mat would be a more appropriate and cost-effective choice. The firmness required for gymnastic stability can be a drawback for those seeking plush comfort.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before anything else, measure your available space. An octagon mat like this one has a specific footprint (25.6″ diameter). Ensure you have not only enough floor space for the mat itself but also ample clearance around it for safe dismounts and unexpected tumbles. Consider its height (10 or 20 inches when stacked) and where you’ll store it when not in use.
- Capacity/Performance: This refers to the foam’s density and resilience. A high-density foam, like the EPE foam used in the Matladin, is critical. It must be firm enough to support an athlete’s body weight without “bottoming out” (compressing completely to the floor) during skills, which would negate its safety benefit. It should immediately return to its original shape after use, a quality confirmed by users who note it can hold a good amount of weight and maintain its shape perfectly.
- Materials & Durability: The outer cover is your first line of defense against wear and tear. PU (polyurethane) leather is an excellent choice as it’s non-absorbent, tear-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. Look for reinforced stitching, especially around seams and handles, as these are high-stress points. The quality of the internal foam (EPE is a standard for durable performance) will determine the mat’s longevity and supportive capabilities.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good gymnastics mat should be low-maintenance. A wipeable PU leather surface is essential for hygiene—a simple cleaning solution is all that’s needed to handle sweat and spills. Consider its weight (10.6 lbs) for portability. If it will be moved frequently, ensure it’s light enough for you or your child to manage safely.
Choosing the right mat is a critical step in supporting an athlete’s journey. It’s an investment in their safety, confidence, and skill progression.
While the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Comprehensive Review of the Best Thick Exercise Mats for Tumbling and Home Gymnastics
- 【Safe Materials】Surface of gym mat is made of non-toxic, lead-free, durable, 18 ounce, puncture resistant, and non absorbent vinyl, which ensures safety and reduces the impact on the body during...
- ✔️ High-Density EPE Foam: Made of 2'' High Density EPE Foam, our Gymnastics Mat is soft and durable, giving you more support and keeping your knees, wrist and back comfortable throughout your...
- [ 4 Inch Thickness ] This folding gymnastics mat is filled with 4 inch thick high-density EPE foam that provides unmatched shock absorption and joint protection, giving you the confidence to focus...
Unboxing the Matladin: First Impressions and Key Features
The Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer arrived in a surprisingly compact box, given its function. Upon opening it, we were greeted by two vibrant, perfectly formed octagonal pieces, one blue and one purple. There was no assembly required; they were ready for action straight out of the packaging. The first thing we noticed was the quality of the PU leather cover. It felt thick and durable to the touch, with a slight texture that suggested good grip. The stitching was clean and tight, and the zippers were robust and well-concealed to prevent scratching floors or snagging clothing.
Pressing down on the surface, the high-density EPE foam core was immediately apparent. It’s firm—very firm. This isn’t a soft, squishy play mat; it’s a piece of athletic equipment designed for stability and support. When stacked, the two 10-inch pieces create a substantial 20-inch tall platform. The included large straps are a crucial feature, wrapping around both sections to lock them together securely. We found this system to be highly effective, preventing any slipping or shifting during use. The overall impression is one of quality and purpose. It feels like a piece of equipment you’d find in a professional training facility, scaled perfectly for home use. You can immediately see how its unique shape and solid construction are designed to facilitate the practice of complex skills.
Advantages
- Highly versatile two-piece design for stacked or separate use
- Superb high-density EPE foam offers excellent support and durability
- Tear-resistant and easy-to-clean PU leather cover
- Secure straps prevent slipping when the mats are stacked
- Purpose-built shape is ideal for backbend and walkover training
Limitations
- Foam density may be too firm for users seeking a soft, cushioned surface
- Octagonal shape is specialized and not suitable for long tumbling passes
A Deep Dive into the Matladin Octagon Mat’s Performance
A piece of training equipment is only as good as its performance under pressure. For the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer, this means evaluating its effectiveness in skill development, its durability over time, its versatility for various activities, and its core safety features. We put it through its paces with athletes of different ages and skill levels to provide a comprehensive analysis of how it truly functions as a home training tool.
Skill Progression and Backbend Training
The primary function of this octagon mat is to assist with skills that involve arching and rolling, particularly backbends, kick-overs, and back walkovers. This is where its design truly shines. When we had a young gymnast practice her backbend, the curved contour of the mat provided impeccable support for her spine. Instead of the fear-inducing drop to a flat floor, she could roll back smoothly, with the mat guiding her body through the proper arc. This builds not only muscle memory but, more importantly, confidence. The mat removes the “scary part” of the skill, allowing the athlete to focus on technique: keeping arms straight, pushing through the shoulders, and engaging the core. We saw firsthand how it transformed hesitant attempts into controlled, fluid movements. This experience is perfectly echoed by one user, who stated, “This is amazing for my daughters back bends and back walk over.” The mat acts as a spotter, providing a stable, elevated surface to push off from when learning to kick over. For more advanced skills like back handsprings, the octagon serves as a valuable drill station, helping athletes understand the feeling of snapping their feet over their head in a controlled environment before attempting it on the floor. It’s an exceptional tool for breaking down complex skills into manageable, safer steps, making it an invaluable asset for at-home practice.
Build Quality and Uncompromising Durability
Durability is non-negotiable for gymnastics equipment, and the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer is built to last. Our close inspection and rigorous testing confirmed that the materials are top-notch. The core is made of superb high-density EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) foam, the industry standard for impact absorption and resilience. We tested it with jumps, landings, and constant pressure, and it consistently sprang back to its original shape without any signs of indentation or compression. This backs up reports from users who found it “solid, well made” and confirmed that the mats “maintain their shape perfectly” even when holding a significant amount of weight. The PU leather cover is equally impressive. It’s tough and resilient, resisting scuffs and scrapes from shoes and movement. Critically, it’s also non-porous and easy to clean. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove sweat, chalk, or footprints, keeping it hygienic for multiple users. We examined the seams and found them to be double-stitched, a detail that speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s commitment to longevity. This isn’t a product that will fall apart after a few months of enthusiastic use; it’s a long-term investment in an athlete’s training. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the repetitive nature of drills and the dynamic energy of young athletes, making its quality a standout feature.
Versatility: More Than Just a Backbend Trainer
While its name highlights its function as a backbend trainer, the true genius of the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer lies in its versatility. The two-piece, stackable design unlocks a huge range of uses that extends its value far beyond a single gymnastic skill. We separated the two 10-inch pieces and immediately saw the potential. For younger children, a single piece becomes a perfect platform for jumping, a small obstacle to crawl over, or a seat for playtime. This was beautifully captured by a seasoned gymnast parent who noted her two-year-old loves climbing on it, “building his muscles and coordination.” For older athletes and even adults, the mats become excellent tools for conditioning and fitness. We used the stacked 20-inch platform for box jumps and step-ups, finding it incredibly stable and supportive. Separated, they can be used for elevated push-ups, tricep dips, or as hurdles for agility drills. This multi-functionality makes it a “staple in our house,” as one user aptly put it. The fact that “her friends can enjoy it as well since it’s two in one” highlights its value for playdates and group activities. This isn’t just a gymnastics mat; it’s a dynamic piece of active furniture that encourages movement, creativity, and physical development for the entire family.
A Note on Firmness, Safety, and Stability
Safety is the paramount concern for any piece of athletic equipment. The stability of the Matladin Octagon Mat is exceptional, largely due to the high density of its EPE foam core. This firmness is a feature, not a bug. It prevents the mat from wobbling or compressing unexpectedly under load, which is crucial when an athlete is inverted or in a vulnerable position. When stacked, the large straps provided are essential. We found they held the two pieces together without any wiggle room, creating a single, solid unit. However, this necessary firmness is also the source of the product’s main critique. One user reported that the “mat was too hard and hurt my granddaughter’s back.” This is a valid and important point. The Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer is a piece of training apparatus, not a soft tumbling mat for general lounging or crashing. The firmness provides the reactive, stable surface needed to push off for skills. For athletes accustomed to professional gym equipment, this feel will be familiar and desirable. For those expecting a soft, pillowy surface, it may feel unforgiving. Prospective buyers should understand this distinction: you are purchasing stability for skill execution, which requires a denser, firmer foam than a simple play mat. This trade-off is fundamental to its design and purpose as a serious training aid.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our hands-on testing, we delved into feedback from other users to see how our experience aligned with the broader consensus. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those with a background in gymnastics. An experienced gymnast with over 14 years in the sport praised its quality, stating, “the quality of the mat is great! I even use it to workout, it’s sturdy and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.” This highlights its robust build and crossover appeal for general fitness.
Multiple users echoed the sentiment of it being “Solid. Well made” and lauded its ability to “hold a good amount of weight and they maintain their shape perfectly,” confirming our findings on its exceptional durability and resilient EPE foam core. The versatility of the two-piece design was a frequently mentioned benefit, with one parent loving that it works for both her 2-year-old and 5-year-old, calling it a “staple in our house.”
However, the feedback isn’t without criticism. The single most common point of concern is the mat’s firmness. The comment that “The mat was too hard and hurt my granddaughter’s back” is a crucial piece of feedback. It underscores that the product’s firmness, while essential for stability in skill training, may not be suitable for all users, especially those who are more sensitive or are looking for a softer surface for play or light tumbling.
How the Matladin Octagon Compares to the Competition
The Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer occupies a specific niche. While it excels at what it does, it’s important to understand how it differs from other popular types of gymnastics mats. Your specific training needs will determine which style is the best fit for your home gym.
1. Polar Aurora 4’x10’x2 Folding Gymnastics Mat
- High Density and EPE Foam -- Polar Aurora 4'x10'x2" gymnastic mat is made of highly dense and environmentally friendly EPE foam. It is soft and highly resilient enough for anyone to train or do...
- Easy Storage and Carriage -- The whole mat consists of four panels that can be easily folded. The folding form can greatly save storage space. Two handles are sewn in both ends of the mat and are easy...
- Durable PU Leather and Easy to Keep Clean -- The entire gymnastic mat is covered with PU leather which is long-lasting enough to protect inner foam and ensure safe exercise. Besides, the surface is so...
The Polar Aurora mat represents the traditional, flat tumbling surface. Its primary advantage is its large, rectangular area (4’x10′), which is ideal for practicing linear tumbling passes like cartwheels, round-offs, and connected skills. It provides a cushioned, safe runway for movement. In contrast, the Matladin Octagon is a skill-shaping tool. You can’t practice a full tumbling pass on it. If your athlete’s main goal is to practice sequences on a flat surface, the Polar Aurora is the superior choice. However, if the focus is on mastering arched skills like backbends and back handsprings, the Octagon’s unique shape provides targeted support that a flat mat simply cannot offer.
2. BestMassage Folding Gymnastics Mat
- MAKES CLEANING A BREEZE : The gymnastic mat is covered with high-quality PU leather, which can directly clean the surface of the gymnastic mat with water, Save time to clean gym mats.
- LIGHTWEIGHT&PORTABLE :The folding incline mat is only 11lbs，include sturdy handle,You can carry the gym mat anywhere you want to go, the exercise gym mat suitable for indoor sports, outdoor sports,...
- DURABLE INCLINE MAT :The folding gymnastics incline mat made of high-quality EPE, High-density EPE provides a comfortable experience, the incline mat is durable but soft.
This BestMassage product is an incline mat, often called a “cheese mat.” Like the octagon, it’s a skill-shaping tool, but for a different set of movements. The wedge shape is perfect for teaching forward and backward rolls, as the downward slope helps generate momentum. It’s also invaluable for conditioning exercises like press handstands and uphill sprints. The choice between an incline mat and an octagon mat depends entirely on the skill being developed. For rolls and foundational tumbling, the incline is king. For backbends, walkovers, and handsprings where spinal support in an arch is needed, the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer is the specialized tool for the job.
3. Matladin Folding Gymnastics Wedge Mat
- REINFORCED STITCHING AND COMMERCIAL GRADE: Reinforced edge stitching craftsmanship will not tear and crack easily. Commercial grade incline mat is a perfect choice for gymnastics studios or home use
- SUPERB 840D VINYL ANTI-TEAR SURFACE: To achieve anti-tear and long life span, folding gymnastics incline mat uses superb high quality 840 Denier vinyl. It will not break, crack and fray easily due to...
- DURABLE EPE FOAM AND LIGHT WEIGHT: Folding cheese mat for gymnastics tumbling uses superb high density EPE foam, which achieve durable and better resilience, not easy distorted. This gym mat is light...
This alternative from Matladin itself is another excellent incline mat. Comparing it to their own Octagon mat highlights the brand’s understanding of diverse training needs. This wedge mat serves the same function as the BestMassage incline—facilitating rolls and conditioning drills. A family might choose to own both the Matladin Octagon and the Matladin Wedge to create a more complete home training setup. The wedge helps build the foundational rolling skills and strength, while the octagon helps apply that strength to more complex arched and circular skills. They are not competitors but rather complementary pieces of equipment for a well-rounded home gymnastics environment.
Final Verdict: Is the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Matladin Gymnastics Octagon Mat Tumbling Backbend Trainer is a resounding yes, but with a crucial qualification. This is not a general-purpose play mat; it is a high-quality, specialized piece of athletic training equipment designed to build specific skills safely and effectively. Its high-density foam, durable PU leather cover, and versatile two-piece design make it a standout product in its category. The stability it provides is second to none, giving young athletes the confidence they need to master challenging skills like backbends and walkovers.
Its primary strength—the firm, supportive core—is also its only potential drawback for those unaware of its purpose. It’s built for performance, not for plush comfort. We wholeheartedly recommend this mat to the parents of dedicated young gymnasts, cheerleaders, tumblers, and martial artists who need a reliable tool for at-home skill progression. It’s a durable, multi-functional investment that can grow with an athlete and even serve the fitness needs of the entire family. If you’re ready to create a safe and effective training space in your home and help your athlete reach their goals, this mat is an exceptional choice. You can check its current price and see more details right here.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API