If you’re building a home golf simulator or upgrading your current setup, the hitting mat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects realism, ball striking feedback, durability, and most importantly, your joints.
In this review, we’re taking a deep dive into the Carl’s Place HotShot Hitting Mat and its interchangeable hitting strips. While the HotShot mat itself has been around for a bit, Carl’s recently introduced new foam and gel hitting inserts, and those are what really change the conversation.
This article is based on several weeks of real use, not just first impressions. We’ll cover mat construction, sizing options, storage, feel at impact, injury prevention, and which insert makes the most sense depending on how you practice.
- 4×5, 5×8, 4×9, 6×10
- Choose standard, foam, or gel hitting insert
- Non-slip base available
Overview: What Is the Carl’s Place HotShot Hitting Mat?
The Hot Shot system from Carl’s Place is a modular golf hitting mat designed for simulator use. Instead of locking you into one hitting surface, Carl’s lets you swap out hitting inserts depending on your preference.
At a high level, you’re choosing between:
- A standard turf insert
- A foam-based insert
- A gel-based insert
All three fit into the same HotShot mat base.
Most golfers know Carl’s Place for their golf simulator enclosures. They’ve become a go-to option for home simulator builds because they’re durable, easy to work with, and available in a lot of different sizes.
The HotShot hitting mat feels like a natural extension of that lineup. It’s clearly designed for the same kind of golfer who wants a solid, reliable simulator setup without overcomplicating things.
HotShot Mat Construction and Storage
One of the first things you notice about the HotShot mat is that it ships rolled up. That may not sound like a big deal, but for a lot of home golfers, it absolutely is.
If your simulator lives in a garage, being able to roll the mat up and stash it in a closet or against a wall is a real advantage. Some premium mats use rigid panels that don’t move easily. This one is flexible and surprisingly easy to handle.
Thickness and Height
- Total height: 1.75 inches (measured)
- Slightly thicker than basic mats
- Thinner than ultra-premium, fully rigid systems
If you’re building a simulator floor to match mat height, this is something to plan for. Many people use 1-inch foam tiles plus turf, which gets you close but not exact. You’ll need to account for roughly an extra quarter inch if you want everything flush.
Turf and Base Feel
The mat uses a soft, spongy foam base with a thick turf layer on top. Despite being flexible, it grips the floor well in most setups, especially if it’s sandwiched between other flooring pieces.
If you’re worried about any movement at all, Carl’s also offers an optional rubber base tile system that locks everything in place. That’s the best solution if multiple players are hitting or if you’re swinging aggressively.
HotShot Mat Size Options
Carl’s Place offers several size configurations:
- 4’ x 5’ – Compact
- 5’ x 8’ – Offset with room for a launch monitor beside the ball
- 4’ x 9’ – Center hitting, ideal for lefty/righty shared use
- 6′ x 10′ – For BIG simulator spaces.
If you’re running a launch monitor off to the side with the 4×5, you’ll likely need to place your monitor on a separate platform next to the mat.
Standard HotShot Hitting Insert
The standard insert is what ships with the Hot Shot mat. It uses the same turf and foam as the mat itself.
Key Characteristics
- Long turf fibers
- Soft, flexible foam
- Accepts real wooden tees
- Light and easy to remove
Feel and Performance
The feel at impact is actually better than expected. Shots don’t feel harsh, and it absorbs shock reasonably well for a basic insert. That said, durability is the question mark.
After limited use, some turf shredding became noticeable. Because the insert is so flexible, aggressive downward strikes could potentially cause the turf to bunch or wear unevenly over time.
Who It’s For
The standard insert works fine if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want to try the HotShot system first
- You don’t hit a high volume of shots
For long-term use, though, the upgraded inserts are the real reason this mat stands out.
Foam Hitting Insert: The Best All-Around Option
The foam hitting insert is where things get serious.
Design Improvements
- Thicker, denser foam base
- Shorter, putting-style turf
- Air channels on the sides for compression
- Uniform support across the entire surface
Unlike older designs that used foam strips, this insert provides consistent feel no matter where you strike the ball.
Feel at Impact
This insert feels excellent. It allows you to hit down without punishment and absorbs impact in a way that protects your joints.
If you’ve ever hit off a high-end mat like the SigPro Softy, this foam insert is very close in feel. The transition from ball to turf feels natural, and there’s enough give to prevent shock traveling up the shaft.
Injury Prevention
For golfers with:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- General joint sensitivity
This insert inspires confidence. Even for players without injury concerns, it’s simply more comfortable for longer practice sessions.
Downsides
- Does not accept real tees
- Slightly firmer than gel (but safer for most players)
Verdict on Foam Insert
If you want one recommendation that works for almost everyone, this is it. It’s durable, forgiving, and realistic enough that you won’t feel like you’re giving anything up.
Gel Hitting Insert: Maximum Realism
The gel insert is the most unique option Carl’s Place offers.
First Impression
It’s heavy. Much heavier than the foam insert. Once it’s in place, it doesn’t move at all.
Visually, it looks similar to the foam insert, but inside is a gel layer that changes everything about the feel.
Impact Feel
This is one of the most realistic hitting surfaces available.
At impact, the club feels like it’s:
- Compressing the turf
- Displacing material forward
- Simulating a real divot without shock
It’s difficult to describe until you experience it, but it comes closer than almost any mat to that “ball first, turf second” sensation.
Comparison to Other Premium Mats
The closest comparison is the Player Preferred mat from Fiberbuilt, but the gel insert feels more forgiving. Fiberbuilt mats are extremely durable, but very firm. The gel insert has movement, which makes it easier on the body.
Joint Concerns
While the gel feels amazing, players with a history of elbow or wrist issues should proceed carefully. Even though it’s softer than firm mats, the resistance may still aggravate existing injuries for some golfers.
If joint health is your top priority, foam is the safer choice.
Real-World Simulator Use
All testing was done in a home simulator environment using GSPro, including full virtual rounds.
The inserts performed consistently during:
- Full iron shots
- Wedges
- Long practice sessions
One thing worth noting: while the standard insert accepts real tees, many users end up switching to rubber or plastic cone tees anyway. Real tees tend to fly everywhere indoors and quickly become more annoying than useful.
Which Hot Shot Insert Should You Choose?
Choose the Standard Insert If:
- Budget is your main concern
- You hit infrequently
- You want a basic, forgiving mat
Choose the Foam Insert If:
- You want the best balance of comfort and realism
- You practice often
- You’re concerned about joint health
Choose the Gel Insert If:
- You want the most realistic feel possible
- You don’t have existing elbow or wrist issues
- You prioritize feedback over everything else
Final Thoughts on the Carl’s Place HotShot System
The Hot Shot mat itself is solid, versatile, and easy to store. But the real value is in the interchangeable hitting inserts.
Carl’s Place has created a system that lets you:
- Start basic
- Upgrade later
- Customize feel without replacing the whole mat
For most golfers, the foam insert is the clear winner. It’s safe, durable, and feels fantastic. The gel insert is an impressive option for players chasing maximum realism, while the standard insert works well as an entry point.
If you’re serious about indoor practice, the Hot Shot system deserves a spot on your shortlist.
- 4×5, 5×8, 4×9, 6×10
- Choose standard, foam, or gel hitting insert
- Non-slip base available
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