Quick answer

If you play standard BattleTech or Alpha Strike on a kitchen table, the BattleMat (Alpha Strike) is the practical pick: two 34" x 22" neoprene maps give you a 34" x 44" battlefield that stores flat. If you regularly host large-scale games and have permanent table space, the BFM Volcanic/Glacier delivers a roughly 4' x 6' double-sided surface with lava and ice themes. Buy the BattleMat for flexibility and the BFM for maximum area.

What each mat actually gives you on the table

The BattleMat (Alpha Strike) is a 34" x 22" double-sided neoprene map. Two of them side by side create a 34" x 44" play area, which matches the standard two-map footprint for most BattleTech and Alpha Strike games. The neoprene is thin, so it rolls up and slides into a bag or shelf without much fuss. The BFM (Battalion Forces Mat) Volcanic/Glacier is a much larger single mat, approximately 4' x 6', with a lava-filled wasteland on one side and an ice-cover expanse on the reverse. It is built for games that need room for multiple lances or companies, and it does not combine shipping with other items because of its size.

Storage and transport: the hidden cost of size

A 4' x 6' mat is not something you casually toss in a backpack. The BFM is best for a dedicated game room or a club that can store it flat or rolled in a large tube. The BattleMat's two-map system is easier to transport: you can bring one map for a small skirmish or both for a full game, and the thin neoprene folds or rolls into a compact shape. If you play at a store, a friend's house, or a kitchen table, the BattleMat wins on portability. If your table is always set up and you want a dramatic, immersive surface, the BFM's size is an asset.

Visual impact and theme

The BFM Volcanic/Glacier gives you two very different environments in one purchase: a lava-filled wasteland and a large ice-cover expanse. That doubles the narrative variety for campaigns or scenario play. The BattleMat (Alpha Strike) is high-resolution with strong color quality, and its double-sided design offers versatility, though the specific terrain themes are not detailed in the catalog description. If you want a specific dramatic theme like volcanic or glacier, the BFM is the clear choice. If you want a neutral, flexible surface that works with many scenarios, the BattleMat is the safer bet.

Cost and value

At catalog prices, the BattleMat is USD 24.79 (compare at USD 39.99) and the BFM is USD 99.19 (compare at USD 159.99). The BattleMat costs roughly a quarter of the BFM, which makes it an easy entry point if you are building your first dedicated play surface. The BFM costs more, but you get a single mat that covers approximately 24 square feet versus the BattleMat's two-map area of roughly 10.4 square feet when combined. If you measure value by area, the BFM is about twice the surface for about four times the price. That trade-off is about space and storage as much as money.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • BattleMat (Alpha Strike): Two 34" x 22" neoprene maps combine to 34" x 44". Thin, double-sided, and easy to store or transport. Lower cost at USD 24.79. Best for most players who want a flexible, portable surface.
  • BFM Volcanic/Glacier: Approximately 4' x 6' double-sided mat with lava and ice themes. High visual impact but large and heavy; does not combine shipping. Best for dedicated game rooms and large-scale battles.
  • Space and storage: The BFM needs a large flat surface or a big tube; the BattleMat rolls up small and fits on a shelf. Measure your storage before you buy the BFM.

Product facts

  • BattleTech: BattleMat (Alpha Strike): Each map is 34" x 22", the perfect "two-map" size for most games, and the neoprene is thin for ease of storage and double-sided for versatility. You can start with one map and add a second later, and the thin material makes it easy to bring to game night.
  • BattleTech BFM: Volcanic/Glacier: This map is approximately 4' x 6' high-resolution lava-filled wasteland on one side, and large ice-cover expanse map on the reverse. NOTE: This item does not combine shipping with other items. You get a massive double-sided surface for large games, but you need dedicated storage and should expect separate shipping.

Which should you buy?

Best for

  • Players who mostly game at a kitchen table, store, or friend's house and need a portable surface.
  • New players building their first dedicated BattleTech or Alpha Strike play area on a budget.
  • Anyone who wants the option to use one map for small games and two for full games.

Not for

  • Players who regularly host large multi-company games and have permanent table space—choose the BFM instead.
  • Those who want a single dramatic themed surface and don't mind the storage footprint.
  • Buyers who need combined shipping with other items, since the BFM does not combine shipping.