this post got way out of control....if i could just offer some advice, although i dont want to step on anyones toes here. i have had technics for about 2 years now and i feel that i am fairly knowledgable aobut them and i also have friends that have had them for years aswell. 1200s and 1210s make no difference at all...just the 1210s are black...cuz my friends has 1210s and i have used them and they are exactly like mine. i do not use the rubber mats, i personally dont like them, but im not saying its better or worse, but i think the slipmats i have are fuckin awesome, i have no problems with them at all....i bought them at rock n soul in the city....they are numark slipmats and they feel like a wetsuit...i dont know how to describe them other than that...dont even feel anythign close to felt technics mats or anything....they are soft and u can pretty much fold them up and put them in ur pocket, thats how flexable they are...i just think they are great slipmats and i would recommend anyone to get them.... i think thats all i gotta say for now...if i think of anythign else ill let u know peace out gianni