Playmats can be one of the most awkward accessories to store. They are big and take up a bunch of space. Whether you play Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, or Pokemon, a playmat tube is a great way to store and keep your playmats protected. You can roll it up, put it in a storage tube, and throw it in your backpack.
Playmat tubes can come in a wide variety of colors, quality, and sizes that can make it difficult to find just the right one. Some tubes are just better than others and we have done the research to help you decide what’s best for you.
In our comprehensive guide to the best playmat tubes for your playmats, we’ll show you the top storage tubes on the market and give you some advice when it comes time to choose. Let’s get started.
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
| Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Top Pick: Ultimate Guard Matpod | 5/5 | Click for Price |
| Monster Protectors Prism Playmat Tube | 4.5/5 | Click for Price |
| Ultra PRO Playmat Tube | 4/5 | Click for Price |
1- Ultimate Guard Matpod
The Ultimate Guard Matpod is our top pick in our top 5 list of playmat tubes. This is one awesome tube. At a quick glance, this tube or “pod” looks like it can withstand an explosion! The look and design of this product is amazing.
The first feature we will look at is the storage capacity. This playmat tube will fit one standard sized playmat which measures 24″ x 14″. It’s build quality is of a very durable plastic which makes it very strong and robust which is perfect for backpack storage.
A unique feature that this product has over its competitors is that it has a carabiner attachment. If you don’t want to stuff this tube inside your bag, then you can clip it on instead with its carabiner-ready attachment.
Another unique feature this product has is its cap. It actually has two different functions depending on your preference. You can unscrew the top of the lid, or use the pop-up style function to access your playmat.
Last, but not least, is that this pod is fully water-resistant. Overall, our rating on this product is perfect. Ultimate Guard really took it a few steps ahead of the competition by simply adding a few cool and unique features.
What we like
- Carabiner-ready
- Pop-up/removable cap
- Very sturdy and robust build quality
- water-resistant
- Fits all standard sized playmats
What we don’t like
- Could use more color selection
- Pricier than other playmat tubes
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2- Monster Protectors Prism Playmat Tube
The Monster Protectors Prism Playmat is another exceptional choice if the Ultimate Guard Matpod is not to your liking. At first look, this playmat tube has a unique tripod like design. This makes it exceptionally easier to grip, open, and close.
The storage capacity of this tube is pretty much as expected. It is able to fit one rolled-up standard sized playmat. It is 14 inches tall with a diameter of 2 inches.
Its triangular shaped cap matches the unique prism design of the tube. The Monster Protectors brand logo is also imprinted on the cap for some extra style points.
What we like
- Tons of different colors to choose from
- Good Price
- Durable, prism shaped design
- Fits one standard sized playmat
What we don’t like
- No extra features
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3- Ultra PRO Playmat Tube
The next playmat tube on our list is by Ultra PRO. The first noticeable difference with this tube is that the diameter is just a bit smaller than the other tubes we have reviewed today. It is still able to fit a standard sized playmat, but I would be weary if you have a playmat that has extra thickness as it may not fit.
One unique feature that this playmat has is two removable rubber cap ends. This feature doesn’t seem to add any extra functionalities, but you can remove both end caps if needed. These rubber ends fit very snug which is what they are expected to do.
The material that this playmat tube is made out of is a hard plastic which makes it pretty durable and resistant to being crushed inside of a backpack. Overall, this is a great playmat tube if you are looking for something that is a little smaller and more compact than the other designs on the market.
What we like
- Good price
- Fits standard sized playmat
- Rubber cap on each end for a snug fit
- Durable plastic
What we don’t like
- Noticeably smaller than other tubes
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4- Ultimate Guard Flip’ N ‘ Tray Playmat Case
We decided to add the Ultimate Guard Flip’N’Tray playmat case to our list because it is unique in its functions even though it isn’t technically a tube. When it is fully closed, it’s essentially a rectangular-shaped playmat tube or playmat case if you will.
The case itself uses Ultimate Guard’s XenoSkin texture on the outside which gives it a nice water resistant outer shell. The inside of the case is designed using soft microfiber lining that covers the entire interior of the case
This playmat case that will fit one standard sized playmat. It’s magnetic closure system keeps it firmly shut until it’s time for you to open it to take out your playmat. Another unique and awesome feature that this storage case has over its competitors is that it has a removable tray that can be used to store dice and other accessories.
Overall, this is a pretty cool unique option that other companies aren’t doing. It’s a very high quality carrying case, but it comes with a premium price that may not be suitable for everyone.
What we like
- Unique folding design
- Has a small compartment for dice storage
- Fits a standard sized playmat
- Uses Ultimate Guards “Xenoskin” outer material and a high quality microfiber interior material
- Magnetic closure
- Wide variety of colors
What we don’t like
- Very high price point
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5- Monster Protectors Dual Prism Playmat Tube
The last playmat tube on our list is none other than Monster Protectors. This playmat tube has a small twist though. It’s design is very similar to their single tube product that was already reviewed, however, they added a second tube to allow for dual storage.
This tube is more hexagonal shaped than triangular shaped like their single tube iteration. This shape helps make the tube easier to grip, open, and close. The storage space is great. Each tube can hold one standard sized playmat.
There seems to be one flaw in the design of this product. There are plastic tabs on the inside that connect the middle of the tubes together. These small plastic tabs can push up a small portion of the sides of your playmats while you are inserting and removing them.
If not careful, these tabs may deform or scuff the sides of your playmats. Keep this in mind if you play on purchasing this product. To help reduce this from happening, simply roll up your playmats tightly and slide them in the tubes while applying pressure to the sides near the tabs to help keep them from snagging on the tabs.
What we like
- Dual playmat storage
- Strong, durable material
What we don’t like
- Adding a second storage tube makes this item bulky
- Possible playmat damage if not careful when inserting and removing playmats
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
What to Look for in a Playmat Tube for Your Playmats
To find the best playmat tube for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.
Single Tube vs Dual Tube
If you have multiple playmats, then you may benefit from purchasing a dual design playmat tube. Just remember to take into account that this type of tube will be more bulky than a single tube design.
Length
Make sure that you know the measurements of your current playmat before purchasing a playmat tube to ensure that it will actually fit. Most of the playmat tubes are designed to hold standard 24″ x 14″ playmats.
Durability/Quality
Durability is something to take into consideration. A stronger material will help prevent accidental cracks or breaks when your playmat tube is stuffed inside of a backpack.
A high-quality durable plastic outside with a rubber cap is essentially the best type of tube to be on the lookout for. This type of tube won’t break inside of a backpack and the cap will also stay snug.
Style
There are many different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. If you don’t see a color you like, be sure to check if the manufacturer has other selections available.
Best Playmat Tube Brands
Monster Protectors
Monster Protectors is a fairly new brand in the game, but have been working hard the past 10 years. They have been a newcomer that has been raising the bar for quality, and bringing new ideas and products to the market for their customers.
Their team is comprised of dedicated members that have a passion for gaming that want to bring high-quality, new products to the industry. Their motto is, If it isn’t “Scary Good” we won’t put our name on it.
Ultra PRO
Ultra PRO has been around since the 1950’s and is one of the most tenured brands in the industry. They are well known almost everywhere in the world. They have been designing and creating high-quality products ever since.
They started off small as just a family-owned business. They have since grown into the huge brand we all know today.
Their product lineup is massive, and you can most likely find a solution to your trading card problem by looking at their store.
Ultimate Guard
A new kid on the block. Ultimate Guard has shown their presence in the trading card world and has definitely left a massive impact. Ultimate Guard has established themselves as a top brand and is located in Germany.
Their primary product lineup ranges from deck boxes and binders, to card sleeves and playmat tubes.
Ultimate Guard is a new face in the market when it comes to the trading card world. Don’t be fooled by their new kid on the block status though. Ultimate Guard is an established company in Germany and they offer very competitive products.
Their lineup ranges with a wide variety of products. They have binders, card decks, deck boxes, and even backpacks. They are becoming very well known and are growing at an unstoppable pace.
FAQs
Will My Playmat Fit in a Playmat Tube?
Playmat tubes are designed to fit standard size playmats that measure 24″ x 14″. Be sure that you have a playmat tube that is the correct size for the tube you are purchasing for proper fitment.
Can a Playmat Tube Fit Two Playmats?
No. Each playmat tube is designed to hold one playmat. There are however, a few products that support dual storage which can support up to two playmats.
Will a Playmat Tube Fit Inside of a Backpack?
Playmat tubes are typically about 15 inches long. So, as long as your backpack is larger than that, it should be able to fit.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Guard Matpod is our top pick due to its robust outer and inner design along with its unmatched closure system. You can untwist or use the pop-up function to access your playmat. If that isn’t enough, there is also an added carabiner attachment so you can hang it on a backpack.
The Monster Protectors Prism Playmat Tube is a close runner up. This playmat tube is another great pick as it comes in a ton of different colors, has a strong outer shell, and also has the option for dual playmat storage.
Whichever playmat tube you choose for your collection, we hope this guide has been helpful in your purchasing decision. Thanks for reading!