If you own a sports entre, one of the prerequisites is ensuring the safety of participants. For adventure sport zones, crash mats are extremely important. When someone falls from a height, the crash mats will help prevent major injuries. They are also important for adventure enthusiasts who love climbing. However, It can be a tough task to choose the right kind of bouldering crash pad. Everyone’s needs are different, and so are their priorities. 

Here’s a look at some points that will help in choosing the right crash pad:

Size of the pad

It is one of the most significant factors that should not be ignored. However, bigger doesn’t always mean better. 

  • Thickness

The thickness of the pad matters as it will prevent injuries in the event of a fall. There are two main types of foam used in the creation of crash mats, namely, closed-cell and open-cell. The harder closed-cells protect you from hitting the floor. On the other hand, soft open-cell foam cushions might not offer optimum protection for falls from great heights. Most of the pads have at least one layer of each type of foam. In fact, some pads also have a third layer of harder foam for added protection, especially during big falls. 

  • Fall zone area

This is the place where the crash mat has the optimum role to play. Fpr this application, bigger is always better. You might feel that transporting bigger mats can be a challenge, but some brands offer pads that can be folded. This makes transporting the pads easier. 

  • Weight

A heavy pad is filled with top-quality foam. But even the best quality pad won’t help if you can’t carry them to the intended place. If you are keen on visiting outdoor locations or mountain boulders, a lighter pad will be an ideal choice. However, if you are not going to travel a longer distance, the weight of the pad should not be an issue. 

Questions to Ask

When choosing the right crash mat for yourself, you must ask the following questions:

  • Will the crash mat fit inside your car or bus?
  • Is the mat light enough to be carried?
  • Is the mat thick enough to be protective to the fall?

Folding Mats

Some bouldering mats are designed in a way that they can be folded in half. This enables you to transport them easily. There are different types of folds, and the most common of them are taco and hinge. 

The hinge pads are made of two separate sheets of foam. They can be folded flat in half. These mats are easy to store and durable. However, the mat has a downside which is the hinge itself. The pad can fold around you if you fall near the hinge.

On the other hand, taco pads are made of single sheet foam, which you have to fold to carry. There is no hinge in the middle of the pad, and many climbers find them safe. But what is to be kept in mind is that foam in taco pads can degrade faster, and hence they should be stored flat while not being used to prevent damage to the foam. Otherwise, the taco pads can develop a permanent bend. Hinge pads are neater and more convenient, but taco pads don’t have dead spots.

  • Carry system

You should also check the carry system of the pads so that you can carry them easily. Backpack straps are convenient for long walk-ins. You should try it before you make the buying decision. Detachable straps can be convenient, but they should be secure enough to stay attached. Small handles are also good to move the pad around. 

  • Additional features

You should also consider some additional features which might differentiate one pad from the other. 

– The pad must have rubberized outer fabric to prevent any kind of slipping.

– There should be covers to keep the rucksack straps clean

– Zip sides to change the shape of the fall zone

– Pockets to store valuables

– Built-in mats to clean your shoes 

Keeping the following factors in mind will help in choosing the right bouldering crash pad to meet  your specific needs. The decision should never be made hastily, as it can cost you in the long run. 

Bouldering pads have a tough life as they get dragged through the mud, abrasive rocks, etc. Thus, they need to be durable and made from a hard material so that they can sustain harsh conditions in the long run. Oversize mats can also be a great choice for optimum protection during falls.