The pros are that it lays flat quickly and easily, it's the exact 36 x 59" size advertised, the thickness and texture are lovely, the ink is blue (not red, so more pleasing to eyes), the translucent background is great. The cons are that the cut lines are too thick (so good luck getting consistent perfect straight cut lines), the lines around the perimeter don't reach up to the edge line, there are no clearly marked 45- or 60-degree lines (and the diagonal lines that exist only face one direction), there are no indicators for 1/8-, 1/4, 1/2-yard, etc., plus there's a sizeable logo on it. And though the size of this mat could include measurement indicators to reach 34 x 58 at least, it instead leaves excessive blank space all around the perimeter. I have been searching high and low for a replacement for my current mat and this was the closest I can come, but I'm disappointed.