MAPS

[valetutto]

Incase you didn't know I do a lot of the leg-work for Gary's Map Printing, that being said I've got a few questions\comments.

If anyone here has bought one of the maps would you care to post a reply with feedback please? I'm always looking to improve the quality of the product and feedback is the best way, good or bad.

If you are/have considered buying a map but have not done so yet, would you mind posting why?

Gary and I are toying with different ideas and one thing we were considering doing was "Line Art". Basically it would be a non-full color map for a cheaper price. Anyone interested?

Also, the paper I use is a limited quantity so it will be changing soon to 6.6mil versus the 10mil. Most folks probably won't notice and I've already been told that the current paper might actually be too thick. If you need a thickness comparison, a glossy photograph is most comonly sold on 7.2mil Are you guys ok with that or should I consider other options?


Thanks!

[j0lt]

I've looked over the maps a couple times, but haven't planned on buying any just yet. As far as thickness goes, I think a glossy photo's thickness is too thick for a battle map, so the 6.6 should be good. I've got a few thicker ones, and when you fold them, they don't lie flat anymore.

[valetutto]

Thanks for the update.
The folds are certainly a concern for us. We tested a few and were able to smooth them out as well as any other map but I think you're right, the thinner paper might smooth out easier, I'll certainly test that. Ideally I'd prefer to ship all maps rolled so folding isn't an issue but its just too expensive to buy and ship using the tubes without passing that cost on to the consumer.

[GMSarli]

Thanks for the update.
The folds are certainly a concern for us. We tested a few and were able to smooth them out as well as any other map but I think you're right, the thinner paper might smooth out easier, I'll certainly test that. Ideally I'd prefer to ship all maps rolled so folding isn't an issue but its just too expensive to buy and ship using the tubes without passing that cost on to the consumer.

Also, the rolled maps take a little longer to unroll the first time -- if you're pulling them straight out of the tube, they want to curl up when you put them on the table. Folding might not be perfect, but on balance it's probably the best approach.

[j0lt]

If you were to go the other way and do super high quality maps, you could go with a folding boardgame style. Of course, those would be prohibitively expensive...

[valetutto]

If you were to go the other way and do super high quality maps, you could go with a folding boardgame style. Of course, those would be prohibitively expensive...

Interesting idea. The photo quality is a non-issue for us because our quality is as high as is needed. The trick in making something like a folding gameboard would be the board material, as I just don't know where they get it. I could fake it by printing on a contact sheet and then pasting it over the folding board but it would probably end up looking cheap. I could print on posterboard but those boards don't use normal posterboard. Neat thought, thanks!

[wandringaround]

If the paper is too thin the folds tend to wear out with repeated folding and storage causing tears in the map. 6.6 mil will probably work nicely.

I've got a few thicker ones, and when you fold them, they don't lie flat anymore.

Also, the rolled maps take a little longer to unroll the first time -- if you're pulling them straight out of the tube, they want to curl up when you put them on the table. Folding might not be perfect, but on balance it's probably the best approach.

As a brief aside My group uses plexiglass sheets to lay over top of battle maps. The weight lays them flat and provides a clear wet erase surface to write on or handitack tiles and other accessories to.