VPI felt mat vs aftermarket

"Mainly to avoid slippage when used without center weight"

dmk_hifi you probably know everything audiopyledom is subjective.

You're going against VPI philosophy.

Playing an LP without a center weight defeats idea of getting the LP flat against the platter. VPI believes playing without any mat ensures "best" possible SQ.

I happen to believe the screw down clamp with the rubber washer is the best attempt at getting the LP to lay flat, since the rubber washer dishes it, allowing the clamp to flatten it-a much better psuedo vacuum hold down solution than just using a center weight if you're not incorporating it with the outer peripheral ring.

Weight only is good for only perfectly flat LPs.

Auditorium 23 Turntable Mat and any other audiophool mat- waste of money that could be used for records.

Longtime Classic user here.

" I tried using VPIs stainless steel screw down clamp with rubber gasket, but I don't find it performing any better than HRX weight with warped records"

dmk_hifi - the amount of dish provided by the clamp/washer is limited by the degree/area of warp the LP has. 

I play used LP almost exclusively. I don't play LP's beyond what the clamp will fix.

A slightly thicker washer (for more dish) MIGHT help for those? 

There are some less costly  than VPI periphery ring solutions. None of Agon at the moment.