First Thoughts on the TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning mats. The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black caught my eye for its promise of protecting firearms while adding a touch of patriotic flair to the workbench. TekMat is a well-known name in firearm maintenance accessories, and I was eager to see if this mat lived up to their reputation.
My old workbench was constantly marred with scratches and solvent stains. I needed a reliable surface protector that was easy to clean and wouldn’t slip around during detailed work. I’d considered rubber mats and even repurposed old towels, but they were either too bulky, too absorbent, or offered inadequate protection. The TekMat seemed to strike the right balance between size, material, and aesthetics, so I took the plunge. Initial impressions were positive; it looked well-made and the Old Glory design was a welcome change from the usual drab colors of similar products. I was hoping this would be the perfect upgrade to my gun cleaning station.
Real-World Testing: Putting TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black was during a deep clean of my AR-15. I set it up on my workbench in the garage, which can get pretty dusty, especially during the dry season. The mat stayed firmly in place, thanks to the neoprene backing, even when I was applying a bit of elbow grease to remove stubborn carbon buildup.
The TekMat provided ample space for disassembling the rifle and laying out the parts. I appreciated that the fabric surface didn’t scratch or mar the finish on my firearm components. I also spilled a bit of solvent (Hoppe’s No. 9, a personal favorite), and it wiped up easily without staining.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black, I’m impressed with its durability. It has survived numerous cleaning sessions with various firearms, from handguns to rifles, and shows no signs of wear and tear. Even after repeated exposure to gun cleaning solvents and oils, the fabric hasn’t frayed or faded.
Cleaning the mat is a breeze; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Compared to my previous attempts at protecting my workbench (old towels that ended up saturated in oil), this is a significant improvement. It definitely outperforms my expectations and I can see this being a staple in my cleaning process for years to come.
Breaking Down the Features of TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black
Specifications
- The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black measures 11″ x 17″. This size provides adequate coverage for most handguns and smaller rifles.
- It is constructed from fabric-covered neoprene. This combination offers a soft, non-scratch surface with a non-slip base.
- The mat is machine washable. Cleaning is incredibly easy.
- The design features the Old Glory flag. It adds a touch of patriotism to your workspace.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the mat’s performance and usability. The size ensures sufficient working space, the materials protect firearms from damage and prevent slippage, and the washability makes maintenance simple. The patriotic design is just a bonus!
Performance & Functionality
The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black performs its job admirably. It protects the firearm’s finish and the workbench surface from scratches, dents, and solvent spills. The non-slip neoprene backing keeps the mat firmly in place, even when working with small, intricate parts.
The mat’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The only real weakness is that the smaller size might not be ideal for cleaning larger rifles or shotguns, which require more surface area. Overall, it meets my expectations for a basic armorer’s bench mat.
Design & Ergonomics
The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black is well-built and lightweight. The combination of fabric and neoprene provides a comfortable and protective working surface.
There is virtually no learning curve; it is designed to be user-friendly, simple as that. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” tool.
Durability & Maintenance
The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black is designed to last. The materials are resistant to most common gun cleaning solvents and oils.
Maintenance is easy; a quick wipe down or a run through the washing machine is all it takes. I anticipate it will remain in great condition for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black does not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options beyond choosing from TekMat’s various graphic designs.
It is inherently compatible with virtually any firearm or cleaning tool. You could place lights or magnifying glasses around it to improve the cleaning/building experience.
Pros and Cons of TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black
Pros
- Protects firearm finish from scratches and damage.
- Non-slip neoprene backing keeps the mat firmly in place.
- Easy to clean (machine washable).
- Patriotic Old Glory flag design.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- The smaller 11″x17″ size may be too small for larger firearms.
- No integrated parts tray or organization features.
Who Should Buy TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black?
The TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black is perfect for:
- Gun owners who want to protect their firearms during cleaning and maintenance.
- Hobbyists who enjoy assembling and disassembling firearms.
- Anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use workbench mat.
Those who frequently work with large rifles or shotguns might find the 11″x17″ size too limiting and should consider a larger mat. It is also not a replacement for complex gunsmithing setups.
A must-have accessory would be a good set of gun cleaning tools and solvents.
Conclusion on TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black
Overall, the TekMat Old Glory Flag Armorer’s Bench Mat 11″x17″ Fabric/Neoprene Black is a solid and reliable product. It effectively protects firearms and work surfaces, is easy to clean, and adds a touch of patriotism to your workspace.
The price is justified for the quality and functionality it provides. For its size and the protection it gives, it’s hard to go wrong with a TekMat.
I would personally recommend this mat to anyone looking for a simple and effective solution for protecting their firearms during cleaning and maintenance. Upgrade your gun cleaning station today!