I had tried the self healing mat and wasn't really impressed. Maybe because I just didn't want to keep trying to figure out how to get the dies to cut. I bought the magic mat and used it in my Gemini Jr today and it cut the intricate die amazing. I tried it in my big show and it didn't cut great. Not the mats fault I just need to figure out the shims or whatever I need. Someone said they use the metal shim so I am going to try that next. It is suppose to be a self healing mat but it sure made deep marks in it. Hoping those done start marking my cardstock.