Performance

The mat was tested with mice incorporating the following sensor technologies: optical (Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0), infrared (Razer DeathAdder), laser (Razer Orochi, OCZ Equalizer). Needless to say the mat performed brilliantly with all, and proved to be the medium sensitivity gamer's delight. Paired up with a good medium sensitivity mouse this mat delivers excellent precision and a good balanced glide that enables you to be effective. The surface provides you with a better more controllable gliding experience than the old S&S or the SP for that matter, which is on the rough side. The surface texture and glide reminds me a bit of QPAD because it is so finely grained, however, the glide and control with the 9HD is far superior compared to any remotely comparable hybrid mat like QPAD, NOIDpad, Razer hybrids.

Due to the fact that the mat combines great glide and control it is a thrill to use under almost all circumstances - if you are the kind of gamer that tolerates a little vibrational feedback from the surface. Some really low sensitivity gamers might feel a bit cramped space wise, but with a width of 32 cm you have to use a really low sensitivity or employ an odd movement strategy in order to need more space.

One thing I noticed by coincidence after using it for a long time was that it is marginally thicker than the S&S, with about 1 mm. Another small thing about the 9HD is that the edges are slightly less rounded than what is found on the S&S. Price/performance wise this mat does well, but because of its steep price you really have to want a close to perfect glide experience in order for it to be worth it.

Durability

It seems that SteelSeries has learned from past failures and finally beefed up the base to such an extent that I dare say this is one of the best performing and most durable solutions out there. The surface seems to be a bit more scratch resistant than that of older types of plastic mats like for instance Func F10s, and the SteelSeries S&S which is neat.