Architect

Dear Architect:

Thanks for the opportunity to inform you about the Mat Hoist® storage system. I am an ex-wrestler who started a wrestling mat business in 1976. For 32 years, I have done my best to make the wrestling mat better and safer because I love and care about the sport. The idea of the ceiling storage for wrestling mats came from coaches who needed to put a mat in the gym but lacked space to store it. When it comes to hoisting, storing, and transporting a large competition wrestling mat, my Mat Hoist® 1000 is the best specification to use. Why?

Load tested! April 1986, I installed my MH1000 in the Nebraska Testing Laboratory building exactly as I would in a school gymnasium. It was equipped with six supporting ¾" B7 grade threaded rods plus six of our universal CL-7 clamps. I can and will furnish you with documented test results. Can any other gym equipment manufacturer show proof that they have tested their entire system for safety? Over the years, I’ve refused to private label for large equipment companies. I decided to offer the Mat Hoist® to all gym equipment dealers at the same dealer discount price. Our number one priority is safety and we make certain that installations are done professionally.

My first system was installed by me personally in April of 1978. So as you can see, I’m the most experienced person manufacturing and installing mat storage systems. I have over 700 mat storage systems installed and have a 100% safety record.

Now that the Mat Hoist® is a needed product, companies are manufacturing two (2) motor hoisting systems. Some are even using pullies to obtain a mechanical advantage because their winches are NOT powerful enough or tested. I thought of a two (2) motor/hoist when I started 30 years ago. The problem was then and is now, synchronizing the motors to lift at the same speed. The only way to make sure the mat load is in balance at all times, is to use a high efficient hollow bore helical geared box directly coupled to one motor with a fast action overrated 14 lb. brake and have a solid 20’ long shaft with three (3) cables, not only two (2).

Some manufacturers are even trying to sell an expensive "safety" strap-locking gadget that they use for basketball backstops rather than make a safe/load-tested system! Also beware of remote control systems, what if a limit fails? These add-ons are unnecessary and actually hinder the safety of the storage system.

Over the years, I have done my best to perfect the Mat Hoist® systems and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks for taking the time, if you need anything call 1-888-54-HOIST. School references are always available.

Sincerely

Al Nacin
President/Owner
NGE, Inc.
Mat Hoist, LLC

Mat Hoist®  Drawings as downloadable PDF's

Trademark Problems

Dear Architect/Spec Writer,

We are the oldest company manufacturing wrestling mat storage and transportation systems. Many wrestling coaches, athletic directors and school administrators are calling us with problems concerning their mat storage system. They think their system is our Mat Hoist® and it is not!

Please be careful with specifications concerning the Mat Hoist® wrestling mat storage system. Our Mat Hoist® name has been advertised nationwide for thirty (30) years now and is registered in the United States patent office. I do not private label nor manufacture the Mat Hoist® products for anyone or any gym equipment manufacturer! I do allow all gym equipment dealers to market, sell and install. They must follow our suggestions, knowledge and guidelines. We offer our Mat Hoist® product to everyone but they must be in our dealer locator.

Some gym equipment manufacturing companies are using our U.S. registered trade name but NOT supplying our load tested for safety Mat Hoist® 1000 system. Please help to avoid future trademark infringements.

We do not:
  • Manufacture a two (2) motor lifting system (see our 20’ shaft specifications)
  • Need a motor-to-motor “synchronizer” to keep the load bar level
  • Use only two (2) cables on a 20’ length system
  • Use pulleys on a load bar to double mechanical lifting power
  • Use or need a pricey, untested “safety” strap gadget-I have tested my system

I do allow gym equipment dealers to use my Mat Hoist® trade name, however they are not allowed to mislead the customer and clone/copy with a cheap system. This product needs to be safe period! We are storing 2000 lbs. to 4000 lbs. of wrestling mat overhead. This product needs to be made to last a lifetime and be trouble free. I have Mat Hoist® systems that are over 20+ years old (see testimonials) with no maintenance or problems.

Many of our loyal dealers have asked us to manufacture a two motor lifting system to meet other specifications. I will NOT manufacture a two motor lift system because each motor will lift at different speeds and will not be in balance at all times. Companies that are manufacturing two motor systems need a motor synchronizer for adjustment. What about the future? Will this adjustment need to be done each year? What happens when the motor starts to weaken and fatigue? I have manufactured over 700 Mat Hoist® systems nationwide for 30 years and have a 100% safety record!