Flatpad teepads

[Doofenshmirtz]

Originally Posted by biscoe

There have been sets of baskets stolen in NC for the metal. A course local to me had a bunch of other stuff stolen for the metal that was slightly easier to access than the baskets would have been. I didn't just make it up.

So have people stopped putting in metal baskets in that area? I don't doubt that baskets have been stolen. I know of baskets that have been stolen in my area (two baskets that had been pulled and that were lying on the ground). The questions is whether this is problem in the sense that it would prevent people from purchasing baskets due to the risk of theft. That is what we are talking about with these tee pads.

It seems like, that if installed correctly, Flatpads might be harder to steal than a basket (bulkier, requires a tool to cut the carpet separating the modules, heavy, have to dump the sand off, etc.). One course in my area doesn't even worry about locking baskets into the sleeves because of the hassle of finding the keys when they want to move them to alternate positions.

I just don't see susceptibility to theft as being a factor weighing against using them considering that baskets are much easier to steal and no one seems to raise that issue against their use.

Maybe Flatpads will be successful in the U.S., but I don't think that they will steal the title away from concrete which seems to be a superior tee pad material in all respects except for places that are difficult to access with heavy equipment. BTW, concrete pavers give concrete much more modularity than these pads offer.

[DavidSauls]

I don't know how much theft of flatpads would be an issue. But in measuring against baskets, I see 2 distinctions:

(1) There's not a good substitute for baskets. There is for teepads. So we may accept more risk with the baskets, than flatpads.

(2) One flatpad cost as much as a number of baskets, so it's a bigger loss if stolen.

That said, in both cases it depends on locations. Theft is a realistic concern in some places, insignificant in others.

[Flatpad]

It's kind of nice that so many of you are worrying about possibility for theft. On the other hand it's directing the whole conversation on completely side track. We don't see that as a big problem in general. I'm sure that we can solve that in any case, if iy would become a problem.

Some details about Flatpad. Weight for one module is about 30kg (66 lbs). This is without turf and sand. We recommend to add 25kg (55lbs) of sand on every module. It will also suck in some water, so the overall weight will be between 55-100kg (120-220lbs) / module. When those modules are connected together + turf is fixed by screws, then the whole teepad is one solid set. So overall weight of Flat 4.2 Pro installed is somewhere between 300-500kg (660-1100lbs). I'm quite sure that it takes some effort from anyone to steal it.

Once more I'm going to comment about raised teepads. I just saw on youtube this 2022 PDGA Euro Tour from Alutaguse. https://youtu.be/yN14VS7fgKU
Practically all of those teepads are raised and seems like they don't have any issues what so ever. So my point remains that it's more of a preference issue than a problem.

[jakebake91]

Originally Posted by Flatpad

Once more I'm going to comment about raised teepads. I just saw on youtube this 2022 PDGA Euro Tour from Alutaguse. https://youtu.be/yN14VS7fgKU
Practically all of those teepads are raised and seems like they don't have any issues what so ever. So my point remains that it's more of a preference issue than a problem.

You are also using professional athletes, in a professional settings, with close perfect form, as the example.

Not random drunk chuckers. Big difference.


Pretending that the injury risk associated with raised pads isn't greater than ground level ones is completely asinine and ignorant, in my opinion. A raised surface obviously brings in additional variables for potential accidents. If I'm wrong, please show me the science. A few cherry picked glowing reviews mean absolutely nothing.

[txmxer]

Originally Posted by jakebake91

You are also using professional athletes, in a professional settings, with close perfect form, as the example.

Not random drunk chuckers. Big difference.


Pretending that the injury risk associated with raised pads isn't greater than ground level ones is completely asinine and ignorant, in my opinion. A raised surface obviously brings in additional variables for potential accidents. If I'm wrong, please show me the science. A few cherry picked glowing reviews mean absolutely nothing.

Jake, I think you are being a bit over zealous. There are plenty of traditional tee pads that are elevated.

Not saying there is zero risk, but it’s not unique.

[Flatpad]

I did a survey in local disc golf facebook group in Finnish so I need to translate it here.

Survey on the condition of the throwing sites.
During 2021, have you experienced any of the following on the tracks in the Oulu area regarding the fairway opening, i.e. the tee pad.

Slip 85%
Trip 9%
Some other hazard 0%
No hazard 5%

At least here were we are located slippery teepads are most common danger. It's mostly due teepads build on ground level and they will stay moist.

[ohtobediscing]

Originally Posted by Flatpad

This is exactly on point. Concrete can be cheap to built when done as explained. But... You need to have know how and time to go trough the process on making it to happen. Flatpad can be bought and installed without making it too difficult.

Think about basket's. How many of them is nowadays built from wood or concrete because it would be cheaper.

We are thinking of moving on from building teepads on site, to factory built and assembled / installed on site.

Addressing in reverse order :
Surely you don't mean you are fabricating these on site. That would obviously raise the cost greatly.

I've seen baskets made of everything but concrete, including wood. All were done much more cheaply than steel. They did require more effort.

This seems like a "bottled water " solution---instant convenience for those too lazy or impatient who can afford it.

And yeah, addicts will steal anything, even if it is locked down. Concrete doesn't get stolen, and I'm aware of some pads nearly 40 years old.

[txmxer]

The tee pads seem to work as promised.

The issues brought up here are genuine, but I think they are all pretty obvious and if someone chooses these pads, they’ve probably considered these issues and accepted them or found a means to nullify then.

Cost is what it is. If there are places willing to pay it, then it’s a solid choice.

[jupiterboy]

Yeah, let the market work.

We have some smaller 10" elevated tees at a course around here and people throw from beside them. You could crack ribs falling off the front, and leaping up in the middle of a run-up is dreadful. Everybody knows that. Obvious work around is to make the tees really big, and that seems to be their tack.

Thing about concrete is digging out the roots before you pour. These are going to be well suited for certain situations.

[ru4por]

As the sport continues to grow, more courses being put in the ground and more players, opportunities will grow for innovation and profit. I think this is just one product/service that is now being seen. Seems like there is a place for these pads. I am not sure parks and municipalities are the customers. We should embrace new products and innovations. All will come with advantages and disadvantages.

Flatpad has seemed to have heard concerns over price and elevation.