In my opinion, a good looking set of slipmats on a set of quality decks can look superb.

I have seen the state of some of the slipmats in clubs and it has looked like a doberman has gone 15 rounds with it. That is why it is always a good idea to take a set of slipmats if you are playing just in case they are in a bad state. Remember the slipmat is there to do a job.

The slipmat sits between the deck platter and the record you put on it. The mat allows you to move the record forwards and backwards while the actual deck is turning. This is so you can cue your records in and also scratch the death out of them if you are in to that sort of thing.

I have heard it is possible to make your own mats using baking paper, cloth or a piece of felt. In my opinion there are loads of cool designs on the market so I think spending a small amount on some mats won't break the bank.