GrogHeads Forum

Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Role-Playing & Adventure Gaming => Topic started by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 07:32:19 PM

Title: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 07:32:19 PM
Anyone have experience with these things?  I know that you only use water soluble markers, but do they really remain stain free over a long period of time?  Seems like a great gaming investment.  Are there any other brands to consider instead?
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 03, 2016, 07:50:36 PM
Our old local GM here used the crap out of his all the time.  We used it for 3-4 years at least w/ no stains from any of the markers
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 07:53:01 PM
Cool.  I think $20 for a 36"X24" mat is a pretty good deal for something with that sort of longevity.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: mirth on March 03, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: bbmike on March 03, 2016, 07:57:13 PM
What would you use them for? RPG combat maps?
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 07:59:44 PM
Yeah to draw out for example the dungeon/building interior primarily for combat but the visual aids help the kids too.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 08:01:03 PM
They sell a larger mat, but it's also twice the price and you'd need a table to accomodate basically a 4'X4' mat plus all of the papers, books, and dice.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: MetalDog on March 03, 2016, 08:20:57 PM
I made a 27" x 22" for under five bucks that takes dry erase markers.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 08:24:49 PM
Really?  What did you use? 
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: MetalDog on March 03, 2016, 08:31:58 PM
I used a thin posterboard and some laminating paper.  I had to draw the lines out myself with a magic marker on the posterboard and then cut and cover the lamanite.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 08:33:08 PM
Good idea.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: MetalDog on March 03, 2016, 08:34:03 PM
I had already laid out a c-note for the books.  Money was a little tight ;)
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 08:36:56 PM
Yeah I was looking at the DMG, PHB, and MM but the price was a bit much.  So I've reembraced Pathfinder for the time being.

I was considering getting some 1"X1" gridded graph paper and doing so thing similar.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: LongBlade on March 03, 2016, 08:42:28 PM
I have one of these.

Bigger is usually better, but if you can't fit it on your table then that's that.

Make sure you use *wet erase* markers on it. Dry erase are almost permanent on them. There is such a creature as a wet erase marker, but look carefully as most of the world uses dry erase.

I have bought them at Wal-Mart, though of course Amazon carries them, too. I'd recommend you buy several colors as it's quite convenient to use a blue marker for water, black for structures, green for trees, etc.

The reverse hex grid is great for laying out a larger scale map of the countryside/world. Again, color is your friend.

To erase them just wet a paper towel and wipe them down. Typically have a dry one to clean up whatever residual colored moisture remains.
Title: Re: Chessix grid/hex mats
Post by: Bison on March 03, 2016, 08:43:28 PM
Good info.  Thanks LB.