0404 Drop Mats

DROP MATS – Mattresses for the Barbell Drop

The Drop Mats are a pair of mattresses made to absorb the fall of the loaded barbell, dimensions 100 x 60 x h15 cm, with double layer internal padding, PVC cover and ventilation eyelets.

For some years typical weightlifting exercises, snatch and snatch, alongside other strength exercises, deadlift, Strongman Smash D-Ball lifting, etc., have become part of athletic training and functional fitness. With them has spread the dropping, i.e. dropping the barbell, or other equipment, after completing an exercise.

The practice, sometimes abused, has led to vibration and noise problems, especially in gyms dedicated to multiple activities or very busy. For this reason we have produced the Drop Mats, or weightlifting crash mats, or landing barbell pads, specially designed to absorb the fall of the balance wheel or heavy tools, reducing vibrations and noise.

The main feature of these mattresses, in addition to the strength of the PVC cover, is given by the double layer of internal padding. A slab of high density EVA, combined with a 10 cm thick block of medium density polyurethane foam, guarantee the best balance between absorption capacity and rebound. A difficult balance to achieve in general, as usable weights can range from a few kilograms to hundreds of kilograms.

Information often requested is that relating to the density, kg/m³ of the foam. It is a value in itself not significant to indicate the characteristics of the product, indeed misleading with respect to the functionality of the same because it leads to think that a higher density corresponds to a higher quality. Drop Mats perform their function well if they cushion, soundproof, do not move and make the weights bounce as little as possible, even weights other than discs, such as the Atlas Stones for example.

The main problem, however, is given by the evaluation of the reference weight. It is one thing to calibrate the Drop Mats for 50 kg, it is one thing to calibrate the cushions for 200 kg, it is one thing to build it so that it can perform an effective action with the widest range of weights. The elastic yield of polyurethane is not strictly related to the weight per m³ but to the type of foam used. Add to this the important role played by the type of cover, PVC in our case, and by the size of the vents for the elimination of air during compression. After various tests, considering these factors, we combined 10 cm of complex spong polyurethane with a 5 cm block of EVA placed at the base of the cushion. The polyurethane has the function of absorbing, letting the weight sink, while the EVA, which has different elastic characteristics, has the function of stopping the transfer of energy once it has passed the polyurethane.

Drop Mats can also be used on Wooden Jerk Plyoblocks or as raised supports for deadlifts in combination with the Wooden Step code 9114.
See video below.

Dimensions: 1000 x 600 mm
Thickness 150 mm
Weight : 8 x 2 kg