Slipmat Scratch Pad Felt for 12" LP DJ Vinyl Turntable, Custom Graphical - Explosive 1 Review (2026)

Who this slipmat is for

This is a felt slip mat built for 12 inch LP turntables used for DJing, mixing or scratching rather than pure hi-fi listening. It sits on the platter under the record and lets the vinyl spin independently while the platter keeps turning underneath, which is the whole point of slip cueing. Bedroom DJs practicing beatmatching, hip hop and turntablist scratch DJs, and anyone running a two-deck setup for mixing will get the most obvious benefit. Someone who only plays records straight through on a belt-drive home turntable does not need this kind of low-friction mat, and in fact a slippery felt mat can be a downside on a deck meant for undisturbed playback. The Explosive 1 graphic also gives the mat some visual identity on stage or at a party, which matters to working and hobbyist DJs more than to a living room listener.

Material and how the slip works

The mat is cut from felt at roughly 2mm thickness and sized to match a standard 12 inch platter, so it drops straight onto any turntable built for full-size LPs. Felt is the classic slipmat material because its fibers offer very low friction against both the platter and the record, letting a DJ hold the vinyl still with a fingertip while the motor keeps the platter spinning beneath it. According to the listing, the Explosive 1 artwork is worked into the surface of the felt itself rather than printed on top, so normal hand contact and scratching should not wear the graphic away the way a surface print can. The underside carries a glazed finish that is meant to grip the platter mat or platter surface so the mat itself does not skate around during aggressive scratching.

Using it day to day

Setup is just placing the mat on the platter in place of, or on top of, the stock rubber mat; no tools or adjustment are involved. Because it is felt, it also carries a mild anti-static benefit, which can cut down on the crackle and pop some records pick up from friction against a bare platter. Care is simple: shake off dust and hair regularly and avoid food, drinks or oily hands near the surface, since felt holds onto grime more than a smooth rubber mat would. Owners of DJ gear generally treat slipmats as a wear item that gets swapped every so often as the felt compresses or picks up permanent dirt, rather than a one-time purchase, so budgeting for a spare in a similar style is reasonable if this becomes a regular part of your setup.

Trade-offs and how it compares

The listing does not state an exact felt thickness or weight, so buyers who want a denser, more cushioned mat for vibration control should look elsewhere. Within the same slipmat guide, the 12 Inch Felt Vinyl Record Player Slipmat with a 3mm high-density anti-static build scores higher, largely because a slightly thicker, denser felt tends to hold its shape and slip consistency longer under heavy scratch use. A same-series alternative with the Flag USA Seal graphic scores identically to this one, so the choice between them really comes down to which design you want on your deck rather than any functional difference. Printed and dyed felt mats in general trade some scratch resistance on the graphic for a lower price than woven or leather DJ mats.

Verdict and who should look elsewhere

For a DJ or hobbyist who wants an affordable felt slipmat with a bit of graphic flair for a standard 12 inch turntable, this Explosive 1 mat does the basic job of enabling slip cueing and light scratching at our score of 7.1 out of 10. Listeners who just want to play records on a home turntable without any scratching are better served by a stock rubber or cork mat that prioritizes speed stability and vibration damping over slip. DJs who scratch heavily and want a mat built to hold up longer should weigh the thicker, higher-density 3mm option in the same guide, or plan on treating any felt mat, this one included, as a part that gets replaced periodically.

Frequently asked questions