Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I recently had to replace a worn-out desk chair mat and settled on this one. My previous mat was also an item I had purchased from Amazon. It lasted about two years before it began cracking and shattering. By the time I threw the mat away, it was full of holes. That particular mat (which I DO NOT RECOMMEND), may be found here for comparison: Universal 56806 Cleated Chair Mat for Low and Medium Pile Carpet 36 x 48 Clear. I was drawn to this particular item due to three primary reasons: 1.) The high number of positive reviews from Amazon customers. 2.) The words "Heavy Duty, Thick, and Sturdy – Non-Breakable" in the product's description. 3.) The reasonable price ($49.99). Naturally, I was skeptical (you never know until you get the item and can judge for yourself), but I thought I'd take the chance. As of the date of this review, I've now had the mat for ten days, and it's serving me well. It is indeed "Heavy Duty, Thick, And Sturdy," just as the product describes. My former chair mat (that's now retired to a landfill somewhere) began bowing and cupping under my chair casters nearly immediately. This mat, on the other hand, is nearly as hard as glass, and easily as smooth. There's no bowing, dents or cupping beneath my casters (I weight about 155 pounds). This mat does not have a beveled lip around the edge, however. My old mat did, and I liked that. I thought that that would be a detraction, but it's not. NOTE: The mat is used on loop pile Berber carpeting, so its base is firm, and not overly plush like cut pile carpets. Time will tell if this mat is indeed "non-breakable." So far, it has met my expectations and stood true to the description of the product. UPDATE: It has now been over five years (yes, I said "five years") since I first wrote this review (it is now December 2022), and I'm pleased to announce that this product has TRULY withstood the test of time. I use this mat for several hours daily, and there has been no bowing, buckling, or cracking under my chair casters, whatsoever. None at all (and I've, no doubt, put on a few pounds since the initial purchase). If you're looking for a dependable desk mat, I believe I can say with confidence that your search is over. 5-STARS – Recommended!