Crystal velvet is engineered for a soft touch and visual appeal, often incorporating tight weaves and durable fibers to resist fading and staining. While specific abrasion resistance data isn't provided, its composition suggests it's designed to withstand thousands of ball rolls typical for home practice. Unlike natural greens susceptible to weather, this synthetic surface maintains consistency, and its easy-washability aids in long-term care. Expect performance akin to high-quality, low-pile synthetic carpets, suitable for repeated use over several years with proper maintenance.

The automatic ball return system relies on a gravity-fed ramp integrated into the mat's base, guided by a raised baffle along the edge. The baffle prevents balls from veering off the mat, and the ramp directs them back towards the start. While it doesn't have complex motors, its effectiveness depends on the mat's consistent incline and the ball's momentum. For optimal function, putting strokes should generate sufficient speed to reach the end of the 114-inch length and trigger the return, avoiding excessively soft putts that might stall.

The PGM mat is designed for rapid deployment, typically assembling in under 5 minutes. Its foldable base turf is engineered to minimize creases, allowing it to lay relatively flat upon unfolding. While minor wrinkles might occur initially due to the folding process, gravity and the mat's material properties usually resolve these within a short period of use. The entire unit weighs 2.76 kilograms, making it manageable for one person to set up and store by simply rolling it up.

The crystal velvet surface offers a consistent, low-friction roll suitable for practice, simulating a moderate putting green speed. While it cannot replicate the exact Stimpmeter reading (which can range from 8 to 12+ on professional courses), it provides a reliable texture for honing stroke mechanics and distance control. The 114-inch length allows for practice putts up to nearly 10 feet, providing valuable repetition for developing feel and accuracy on a predictable surface, unlike the variable conditions of outdoor greens.

The dual hole system is a tiered training approach. The larger 3.1-inch hole offers a forgiving target, ideal for beginners or for warming up, helping to build confidence and groove a consistent stroke. As proficiency increases, transitioning to the smaller 2.4-inch hole demands greater precision in aim and speed control. This progression is a common practice method, similar to using progressively smaller targets in other sports, to systematically enhance a golfer's ability to hit the center of the cup from varying distances.