SIGPRO Golf Mats: Softy, Lite, or SuperSofty?
Introduction
For golf simulator selection, the choice of golf mat can significantly impact your training experience. As we've emphasized at Garage Golf before, it's crucial not to cut corners when choosing a golf mat. This is the one piece of equipment you'll interact with most frequently, making it essential for your practice experience.
Among the various options available, SIGPRO golf mats stand out for their quality and performance. These mats feel like real grass.
They are durable and comfortable. This makes them perfect for golfers who want to practice at home. Selecting the right mat is crucial not only for improving your game but also for ensuring a comfortable and safe practice environment.
SIGPRO Softy
Design and Construction
The SIGPRO Softy is engineered with a focus on softness and stability. It features a dense foam base topped with a turf overlay, allowing for a realistic hitting experience. This combination provides a stable yet forgiving surface that caters to golfers of all skill levels.
"The Softy insert is intended to be the easiest on your joints and, while I don’t have enough evidence to either support or dispute the claim, I will say it should be something you consider when buying a hitting mat," reviews have mentioned about the construction of the SIGPRO Softy. "There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that as indoor golf/simulator use has increased so, too, have joint injuries like tennis and golf elbow."
Key Features
Turf Density: The mat is designed to withstand daily use by golfers, ensuring longevity and performance.
Spongy Foam Underneath: A soft foam layer allows for a natural down-and-through swing motion while protecting joints. The three compression slots on the Softy Hitting Insert help absorb shock, reducing strain on elbows and wrists.This flexible barrier provides a pain-free experience. It absorbs the impact of the clubhead, helping to eliminate sharp vibrations or snags that often come with other hitting mats.
Available Sizes: The SIGPRO Softy comes in two sizes: 4' x 7' and 4' x 10'. This makes it suitable for various practice areas. Additionally, you can purchase the SIGPRO Softy Insert by itself for those who are doing their own DIY setup or subfloor.
Many golfer reviews are impressed with the SIGPRO Softy's realistic turf feel, stating, "This seems to be the closest to real turf for chips and pitches of the hitting strips/mats I've tried, which will hopefully pay some dividends on the course. It's a little thing but I really enjoy being able to use a real tee."
Pros and Cons
Pros: Comfortable and forgiving surface. Golfer reviews love this mat because of the long turf on top (which gives it a realistic feel), and the squishy foam underneath (absorbs the impact).
"I have the 4'x10' Sig Pro and the hitting strip (standard length) is without a doubt the best one," golfers acclaim. "The previous mat/hitting strip I had was too grabby and led to some soreness in my elbows/shoulders. I have had zero pain or soreness with the Softy."
Cons: Some users may find it too soft for their preference. Another drawback is that it is 2 3/8" high. This height may stop some golfers from using this mat.
That’s where the SIGPRO Softy Lite becomes a good option. The SIGPRO Softy may also be expensive compared to other products on the market, but again, you don't ever want to skimp on the mat.
As we've mentioned at Garage Golf before, the SIGPRO Softy is a go-to favorite, "It's durable, it's going to protect you, and it's going to allow you to hit true golf shots like you would outdoors."
SIGPRO Softy Lite
Purpose and Design Differences
The SIGPRO Softy Lite is designed with versatility in mind, particularly for those with limited space. It works well with 1-inch floors, which means you need less subfloor buildup for a level setup.
With a height of just 1-1/4 inches and a thinner profile compared to the original SIGPRO Softy, this mat offers golfers the versatility to align it seamlessly with any flooring of their choice. This is especially helpful when building a full simulator setup. It lets golfers extend the putting turf to the screen. This creates a smooth-hitting surface across the whole floor.
Comparison to the Original Softy
- Thickness: The Lite version is thinner than the original Softy, making it lighter and easier to handle. The Softy LITE measures 1-1/4" high whereas the SIGPRO Softy measures 2-3/8" high.
- Feel and Realism: It has a realistic feel, but it may not cushion as well as the original Softy.
- Turf: The Softy LITE features a turf that does not accommodate a traditional tee, while the SIGPRO Softy has a 1-inch thick Teeline turf that allows for the use of real tees.
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Putting Turf: The putting turf feels familiar like many other mats. However, it has a unique hitting strip that is different from the original SIGPRO Softy. While the original mat allows for a more pronounced interaction with its longer turf, this model provides a slightly different experience that is not as realistic.
Pros and Cons
Pros: This mat is ideal for DIY installations. Its reduced height means you'll need fewer materials to construct the subfloor, which helps cut costs. This design makes the most of the vertical space in your area. It creates a more comfortable swing plane from the floor to the ceiling.
Cons: Not as thick as the original SIGPRO Softy, which makes it lose some of its shock absorption. Because of this, some golfers prefer playing on the original SIGPRO Softy, stating,
"I enjoy the [SIGPRO Softy] mat and the main feature is that it feels pretty realistic while providing good shock absorption (my only complaint is that the stance mat is a bit squishy). The lite version loses the advantage of the shock absorption since it is half the thickness and it's selling for almost the same cost."
Ideal Use Cases
This model is perfect for homes with lower ceiling heights, as it requires less vertical space than the traditional SIGPRO Softy mats.
Overall, the key distinction lies in its reduced foam thickness and the incorporation of a thinner putting turf, as opposed to the longer artificial turf featured on the original SIGPRO Softy. This design makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their practice area while maintaining a realistic putting experience.
SIGPRO Super Softy
Unique Features
The SIGPRO Super Softy offers an extended hitting strip measuring 48 inches long, making it suitable for a wider range of swing types. Its rubber base construction adds extra weight and durability, making it ideal for more permanent setups.
"The three compression slots allow you to hit down and through and give you some phenomenal compression relief," said Roland, CEO of Garage Golf. "This is what helps your elbows, shoulders, and joints when you are hitting down and through on the actual mat."
Comparison to the Original Softy
The Super Softy provides enhanced durability compared to the original Softy, ensuring that it withstands rigorous use over time without compromising performance.
The hitting strip of the SIGPRO Super Softy matches that of the original SIGPRO Softy Golf Mat, but with a notable difference in length—48 inches for the SuperSofty compared to 28 inches for the original. This extended hitting area allows golfers to utilize the entire length of the mat, providing a more expansive space for practice.
Another distinguishing feature of the Super Softy is its rubber base, which encompasses the entire mat. This base is composed of multiple rubber tiles connected by interlocking pieces, ensuring everything stays securely in place.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The rubber base addresses concerns many golfers have about mats shifting during swings, offering enhanced stability and preventing movement while you play. Additionally, the SIGPRO Softy is equipped with an XL Softy hitting strip, designed to provide a deeper hitting surface that accommodates launch monitors with larger hitting zones.
Cons: On the same side of the coin, however, because the rubber tiles are intended for permanent setups, they lack the flexibility to easily swap out hitting mats. Once installed, the heavier rubber tiles can be challenging to move.
Golf Mat Comparison
Mat Base Comparison
Construction Materials
Each SIGPRO mat features unique construction materials that affect portability and stability during use. The original Softy has a lighter design, while the Super Softy's rubber base provides additional stability.
Portability
The SIGPRO Softy is easy to move because of its lightweight design, whereas the Super Softy's heavier construction makes it more stable but less portable.
Stability During Use
All models offer good stability; however, the Super Softy's rubber base enhances its performance during intense practice sessions.
Price Comparison
When considering value for money, the SIGPRO mats are competitively priced compared to other high-end options in the market.
Choosing the Right SIGPRO Mat
When selecting a SIGPRO mat, consider these factors:
- Available Space: Ensure you have enough room for your chosen mat size.
- Portability Needs: If you plan to move your mat frequently, consider lighter models like the original Softy or Lite.
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to invest in your practice equipment. We recommend investing in a good golf mat to protect your joints while playing at home.
- Intended Use: Differentiate between casual practice and serious training needs; this will influence your choice of mat.
FAQs About Sigpro Softy Golf Mat
What is the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat made of?
The Sigpro Softy Golf Mat is made from high-quality, durable, and weather-resistant materials designed to withstand frequent use. It typically features a soft yet resilient hitting surface to simulate real turf and provide a comfortable experience for golfers.
How does the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat compare to other golf mats?
The Sigpro Softy Golf Mat is often praised for its realistic feel and its ability to provide a true turf-like experience. It’s designed to absorb shock and minimize the risk of injury to golfers, making it a preferred choice compared to harder or less durable mats.
How do I clean and maintain the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat?
To clean the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris and dust. For tougher stains, a mild soap solution and a soft brush can be used. Regular maintenance includes ensuring the mat stays dry and storing it properly when not in use.
Can I use real golf tees with the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat?
Yes, you can use real golf tees with the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat. Designed to accommodate standard golf tees, the product allows golfers to practice their driving and tee shots effectively.
Does the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat provide realistic feedback on shots?
Yes, the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat is designed to give realistic feedback on shots. This helps golfers understand how they hit the ball. The mat's soft surface mimics the feel of natural turf, offering a more authentic practice experience.
Is the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat suitable for all skill levels?
Absolutely, the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Its forgiving surface helps new players develop their swings while offering experienced golfers a reliable practice tool.
Where can I purchase the Sigpro Softy Golf Mat?
The Sigpro Softy Golf Mat can be purchased directly from Garage Golf here. We appreciate your support!
Conclusion
In summary, each model in the SIGPRO lineup offers unique features tailored to different golfing needs. The SIGPRO Softy provides comfort and versatility; the Softy Lite is ideal for tight spaces; while the SuperSofty excels in durability and extended hitting area.
By considering your specific requirements—such as space, portability, budget, and intended use—you can make an informed decision that enhances your indoor golf practice experience. Whether you're a casual golfer or serious about training, there's a SIGPRO mat that fits your needs perfectly.
Need assistance choosing the right mat for your unique space? Schedule a free 1-1 consultation with us and we will help you decide.