14.3.2017

Pros:- Good balance of firm yet supportive. My knees don't hurt in kneeling poses, while at the same time in standing poses my feet aren't sinking in into too much cushion.- Stays put on the floor and doesn't move under my hands and feet like my cheap old mats used to do.- Longer and wider than my old mat - a perfect size for my height (5'8)- "Lifetime" warrantyCons:- Main: A little slippery if my hands get moist (more on that below)- Minor: Much heavier than my cheap old 3mm mat, but that's totally understandable given the much greater size and thickness and thus not a big deal.- Minor: Random stuff (hair, fuzzballs, etc.) sticks to it like glue.Light color highlights that.- Minor: Manduka recommends folding it with the top surface facing out, and it is a mild inconvenience having to turn the top side onto the unclean studio floor.Now more on the slipperiness topic since that seems to be a top issue of concern for many folks.First, a note about my sweating level and yoga style, so you can put my review in context: I sweat very little. In the past I have attended some very hot (90-100+ degrees) classes and always been fine with not having any towel on my cheap old Gaiam and Reebok mats. These days I do not attend hot yoga classes, but just mildly heated ashtanga and power vinyasa and I barely squeeze out a few drops of sweat here and there.After getting my new Manduka mat I went to a few classes before I had time to do the salt scrub. Slipperiness was not a big concern. I was completely fine for most of the class, except some slipperiness when my hands got a little moist towards the end. Nothing too bad though.I decided to do the recommended salt scrub. I put the mat out on the patio, sprinkled it generously with coarse sea salt, scrubbed it around a bit, and left it like that for a day (I live in Southern California, so freezing weather is not a concern). I used a wet rag to scrub vigorously and wipe the salt away. Here is a tip I found the hard way: Make sure to completely wash off the mat surface, not just wipe it with the rag, because salt will remain. The next time I used the mat I discovered that the little bit of salt film that was left on the mat triggered a bizarre reaction in my palms and feet - it made them sweat profusely! I don't know if it has to do with osmosis or what, but my palms and feet were drenched with water (while the rest of my body was completely dry) and I was slipping all over the place. Ironically the salt scrub made the mat far more slippery than it was previously! I couldn't wait to get home and thoroughly rinse it off with water to get any remaining salt off.After I did that, the mat returned back to normal. I can't tell if the salt scrub made any difference from the pre-scrub level. I use it just fine for most of my practice, and if my palms get a bit moist towards the end and things start to get a bit slippery, I move my hands to a different (dry) spot.I don't know how the mat would perform if I take it to a true hot yoga class - I suspect it may get quite slippery and perhaps I would need a towel. But like I said, for my purposes (non-heated or mildly heated ashtanga and power vinyasa) and my sweat level (low), it is largely fine.Also, I've only had the mat for a few weeks, so I may see improvement as time goes by.

15.2.2019

I went back and forth between buying a Manduka Pro or getting another mat that doesn't need to be broken in (aka a Jade Harmony). I am happy I took the plunge and bought the Pro. This mat is fantastic and I love that it has a lifetime warranty and is latex free (allergy).When I first tried it after it arrived in the mail, my hands succumbed to the slow, dreaded slip while in down dog. I read enough reviews and watched enough "how to break-in your manduka pro" youtube videos to know that I needed to start the process. Here is what I did and I found successful. It took a couple of days but I went into it with positive attitude. The end result: I just used the mat, ITS SUPER GRIPPY, and no down-dog slip!1.I placed the mat outside at 10am over a lounge chair. I live in AZ, so we have lots of sun.2. After it warmed up about an hour later, I sprinkled sea salt over the mat, made sure it was evenly coated by spreading the sea salt across the mat, and then I let it sit in the sun. This allows the oils to raise to the top of the mat. I am not completely sure about the chemical reaction or what transpires, but I am assuming the salt absorbs the oils/film from the manufacturing process.3. About 2 hours later (around 1pm when the sun is SUPER hot), my mat was hot. I then gently rubbed the salt into the mat using a damp dish towel. I didn't want to ruin the finish of the triumph mat (not sure if this is possible but wanted to play it safe), so I was pretty gentle. The salt would pile up as I rubbed it around, so then I dumped it off the mat, and then recoated with a new layer of sea salt and let it sit in the sun with the new salt for another couple of hours.4. After the sun was out of my backyard, I dumped the salt off the mat and took it inside. Next, I laid it out flat in my guest bathroom and put another layer of salt for 24 hours (around 9pm).Side note: At this point, you probably think this whole process is a pain. But truthfully, it really wasn't bothersome. It's like making homemade dough or breaking in a good pair of jeans. I was working from home this day so the breaks were nice. I was also excited for the end result. I watched so many videos and read so many articles and reviews. Given my research, I was hoping (and slightly confident) that I figured the process out.5. After 24 hours (9pm the following night), I wiped the mat down again with a wet dish towel and gently scrubbed in circles (salt got everywhere, just vacuumed it when I was done). Next, I dried the mat the best I could with another dry cloth. Finally, I hung it over a clothing drying rack. The following morning, I rolled it back up and placed in my yoga bag for future practice.6. Fast forward to tonight. I just used it with no slippage. Yay!Sure, when you buy a $120 mat you want it to be perfect from the start. Trust me, I get it. I'm a grad student so this purchase was as splurge. HOWEVER, this broken-in mat is comfortable, the color inspires my practice, and practicing on this mat over the cheap, $20 Gaiam mat I originally used is like night and day. I can't speak to the Jade Harmony but I do know that I will be using this mat for years.Yoga is about the process and less about the end result. I tried to incorporate that idea into this "break-in" process and it was a positive one.

12.7.2014

I have been practising yoga for many years and while the yoga poses can be done on any surface, it is preferred that the exercise should be done on a surface that holds its grip and does not slide around during exercise. The Manduka performs this function quite efficiently, once you lay it down it does not budge from its place.Another big advantage the Manduka has over its peers is in the area of cushioning. As I mentioned before, yoga can be done on any surface but prolonged exercise on a hard surface makes the practice very painful and is hard on hands, fingers and elbows. This Mat provides the cushioning that prevents any discomfort of this sort. I would say that this mat is thick as if two regular mats were molded together.The cushioning does add to the heft, about 7 pounds, but for most of us who practice at home, it is a minor peeve. If you carry it around, then Manduka has another mat designed specifically for this purpose.The mat is 71 inches long i.e. 5 feet 11 inches, which is suitable for me and should be fine for most folks. I would have preferred the longer length which is 85 inches but that is more of a wish than a genuine regret of buying the shorter one.I purchased the indigo colored mat at 90 dollars and that is a lot of money but it is worth it. Manduka mats come with a lifetime guarantee, there is a detailed explanation on the Manduka website on their replacement warranty. Basically they would replace the mat for anything except for the following reasons:Creases/Folds/Discoloration from improper handling and/or storing- it is best to lay the mat flat or keep it rolled upUneven color patterns or discoloration at the time of purchase or due to useDamage from excessive amounts of water or other liquids(i.e. submerging the mat under water)Improper cleaning (i.e. harsh chemicals, damage from a washing machine,vacuum cleaner, etc.)Damage from use other than yoga or similar fitness activitiesDamage from outside elements/factors that puncture the matExtended exposure to direct sunlightMats purchased before September 1st, 2008The PRO Squared is not included under the Lifetime GuaranteeTo store the mat, I would Roll your Black Mat PRO with the top side (fabric-finish) facing outwards. This keeps the corners of the mat flat when practicing. However you can just leave the mat in a spot where you exercise because that is the most preferred method of storage.Many users have complained about the stickiness that results from usage- Relax.Stickiness is common and afflicts all mats, it is just that the Mat is clean and no dust or other substances have made the mat its home. The stickiness does go away with time and the only way to make it go away faster is to use the mat regularly. If you do find the mat is becoming sticky, use a Manduka Mat Renew or any non-solvent household cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. Hang to dry in the sunshine. DO NOT clean your mat with a garden hose, put in the bathtub or shower, put it in the washing machine, or use a vacuum cleaner - it may break the machine and ruin your mat.This is the best mat that your money can buy and can provide the stability and support for Yoga practice. Highly recommended.

30.5.2012

As a serious student of yoga for a year and a half, I have now used 4 different yoga mats. The first two were very cheap mats that I found at a department store; I then upgraded to a Aurorae mat while also discovering Yogitoes. I stuck with this combo of Aurorae/ Yogitoes for a long time in my hot yoga practice, and it worked very well for me as a newer student. The Aurorae mat is made of a more cushioned feeling foam, and its bumpy bottom surface gripped decently to the floors so that it did not slip around in a energetic class; and needless to say, with a Yogitoes on top of it, I had found a great combo. The comfort and stability that these two afforded me helped bring my practice to a higher level.After more than a year of using this combo,I decided to buy myself an appropriate present for completing my teacher training and purchased the Manduka black mat pro. I researched a variety of mats by companies I trusted, asked a few teacher friends how they felt about the mats they had used, and came to the conclusion that the Manduka mat sounded like what I wanted. It does not disappoint. It is a dense mat, first and foremost. It is quite a bit longer and wider than most yoga mats, and weighs around 4 times as much as a typical mat. The density and material used are an interesting combo, where it just feels incredibly solid and easy to grip underneath you when you are on it. I can not imagine it ever moving during a vinyasa practice, and even without a Yogitoes towel under me, I can easily find traction in my hands and feet in any pose. It is a superior mat for a dedicated, serious student.I must say that heated classes still require me to use a Yogitoes towel with this mat. I sweat a lot in vinyasa classes, and having a towel down to absorb this sweat and give me added traction is a must. I have tried Yogitoes and Yogarat towels, and I am still looking for a towel that would compliment the Black Mat a bit better. My only complaint, which is a very minor complaint, is that because the Black Mat is so dense, the grippy underside of a Yogitoes is not as well absorbed into the mat below it; you can feel the bumps under your feet much more distinctly than you do when using a more cushioned mat. The complaint about the Yogarat/ Black Mat combo is that because there are none of these grippy bumps on a Yogarat towel, it has nothing to keep it from sticking completely to the top of the Black Mat, creating a suction with the sweat, towel and your body and sometimes resulting in embarrassing sounding fart noises when you get on to your back for abs/ backbends/ inversions etc. Usually I just laugh when this happens, but the first time it was very surprising and I could see people being embarrassed by their farty mat. Any recommendations for a better combo? I still have not tried the Manduka brand towels. Perhaps that will be next :)

23.2.2013

I researched mats for weeks before finally deciding to go with the top of the line Black Mat Pro.What I love: I really love the size of this mat. No more hanging off the mat. It gives you a fair amount of real estate with out looking out of place in the room. (I am 5'4", perfect for me). I love the density of this mat. Plenty of cushioning but with a good level of firmness which helps when balancing on the mat. This is a big improvement over my previous mat (Nike). This mat does not move on the floor. No shifting in Warrior 2. It has a nice feel to it. Slightly fabric-like. You have the feeling this mat is well made.About the color: I am in my grey phase as I like to call it so this color works for me.It is more of a charcoal grey than a true black. Personally, I get tired of the colored mats after a while, so this is nice an neutral color to look at. The downside of the color is that it does tend to show dirt but really, you are face down on the mat, it should be cleaned regularly anyway, right?About the smell: I was a bit surprised about the smell at first. I left the mat hanging over a half wall for several days and the smell quickly diminished to not noticeable. I can still smell it after 1 month but only when my nose is right against the mat and it really is not an offensive smell to me.About the stickiness: After reading some reviews about the slipperiness of the mat, I was worried, but I got through the breaking in period easily and a month into it, I find it is perfect. Just the right amount of stickiness.Regarding the break in period: The day the mat arrived, I washed it down with a gentle cleaner followed by the sea salt wash, waited a couple of hours and off to class I went. Well, that first class, I was slipping all over the place. I am not sure if it was the new mat or maybe I didn't wait long enough after the washings. Next I tried wiping it down with vodka (I read about this online) and that made a big difference. I left the mat open for a week+ on the floor and walked on it every evening in bare feet to try and break it in a little quicker. Next time I tried it at class, no slip. (Disclaimer: I don't sweat all that much typically, if you are a heavy sweater try rosin or a yoga towel)About the weight: it weighs 7 lbs. if you live in NYC, maybe this might not work, but if you are carrying this from car to class, this is no big deal. Honestly, the weight is no issue in my mind at all. You are going to class for a workout, right?Overall, after a couple of weeks of regular practice and just walking on my mat with bare feet, I got through the breaking period. I love the lifetime warranty. This is a great mat and a good investment. I think my mat and I will be very happy together.

26.12.2018

I'm 50+ and I bought this mat specifically because I was experiencing knee pain on my thinner mat. I've now had it for a few months and used it two/three times a week for normal power yoga. This is an expensive mat and I really scoured the reviews before deciding to make my purchase. I hope my contribution helps others in their own decision.The smell issue: I saw quite a few comments regarding the strong chemical smell of this mat and those reviewers are totally correct. However, I applied kosher salt as recommended, waited overnight, and the smell was mostly gone. I did it a second time and the smell was totally gone. I didn't think the salt thing was going to work, but it did!

30.8.2017

I practice yoga around 7 times a week, just to give you a sense of my context and experience. I practice vinyasa and hot yoga. I was very skeptical about getting a Manduka mat because I had seen sooooo many mixed reviews regarding slip. I did a ton of research, I read about the salting, went on yoga forums, and even after all of that I did not have a clear picture regarding whether the mat would be slippery. So, I'm here to paint as clear a picture as possible. Before getting in to everything I'll say this - I am VERY, VERY happy with my mat.Here's how I arrived at my opinion:Upon receiving my mat, I laid it out the sun and used an entire can of salt (regular iodized, not sea salt as recommended because...

12.4.2009

I've had the mat for about 3 weeks now. It did have a bit of a smell when I first opened it but that has disappeared completely now just through normal daily use. Most of the other mats I've used over the years from other companies have also had some sort of "new mat smell" (Hugger Mugger, Wai Lana, Gaiam--even a "Bally" my first mat before I knew anything about yoga). It's never really bothered me much, but everyone is unique. I practice in a very small room at home and once the mat was rolled back up each day after practice I couldn't smell it at all. I never did have to leave it out in the sun or use a cleaner on it.Originally my hands slipped on it a bit.

7.5.2019

First off, I love Manduka mats, more than Liforme. Why should you?1) They make the most long lasting mats out there2) Production is emissions neutral3) The PRO series is oeko-tex certified (skin safe, free of harmful chemicals)4) Lifetime guaranteeI have a few Manduka mats: the Pro, Prolite and Ekolite.Pro: the queen of all yoga mats. Offering great support and durability, this was my first Manduka mat. I've had it for years and it looks brand new. Although the grip improves I found the mat great from the start without using the salt method. Note that this is a heavy mat and is too heavy to take to class (as are many non-travel mats), it's my go to home mat.Prolite: The lighter sibling to the Pro,

15.7.2018

I know a lot of people have complained about how slippery this mat is, but I think they're maybe just going about it wrong.I've been practicing yoga for the last three years. I've been using my Manduka mat (my first!) at least a few times a week since I purchased it a few months ago, and I absolutely love it. I bought the longer version because I'm almost 6' tall. I highly recommend that even if you're of more average height just because it ensures that you don't have to worry about adjusting your positioning when you're mid-flow. I noticed that it was a little slippery at first, but I didn't salt my mat or anything and within a few uses I had adapted to it and it was fine. I don't practice hot yoga,

1.12.2016

I have owned a Manduka Pro Mat for many years and I love -yes it is big and heavy, but the result is great quality that lasts and lasts. However, it is time to replace it as it is finally starting to develop some “bubbles” due to extensive use, hot yoga classes and cleaning so when I saw this design, I knew I had to have it.The quality remains the same; this is a well made mat, durable and designed to last. It holds up well to hot yoga classes and I do not find it slippery as I always place a yoga towel on top (or even just a regular gym towel) , as after 90 minutes of working up a sweat, I would rather wash a towel than try to effectively clean a mat which will over time compromise its quality.

15.4.2019

I love my Manduka Pro Mat. I have the Black Magic color. Obviously I was worried about the slipping reviews so I'll address that first- out of the box it is "slippery" but almost like a thin layer of oil. As soon as I did one test pose and decided it definitely has to be broken in. I salted mine, not like the little bit of salt in Manduka's video, like I poured so much salt it was basically white. I left it for 24 hours and then used warm water and the green side of a sponge and scrubbed firmly in circles. It worked and it has been the best mat I ever used and it keeps getting better. I regularly clean my mat as well using a mat spray, this is key to maintaining the nice gripe.

14.2.2016

I purchased my 71x26 my Black Magic in May 2014. I love this mat. I love it so much, I got another Manduka Pro but just in a different color. One will be for my home practice and the other will be for the days I go into the studio and will stay in the car. When I first got this mat, I wasn't surprised with the weight, since a lot of reviews mentioned it. I am 5'3 and 145lbs. I have no problem carrying my mat from my car to the short distance to the studio. I have biked to my studio as well which is 3 miles away with the mat in a backpack and have not had any problems.When I first got the mat, I used it the same day I got it and that was a bad idea. I slipped a lot in my poses.

4.4.2017

Initial Review: My previous mat (Lulu's The Mat reversible) was taken out of my car. As I practice daily, I needed a mat to stand up to rigorous use and I like the idea of a lifetime guarantee. After much reading and the recommendations of various people, I settled on the Manduka Pro. In the intervening days, I was borrowing a Manduka Pro Light, so I knew sort of what I was getting.There has been much made about the film and initially slipperiness. I got my mat and followed Manduka's seasoning instructions prior to my first practice. It was by no means slippery. It may not have been quite as sticky/grippy as the pro lite I was borrowing, but that was an old broken in mat. So,

28.11.2011

I have had several yoga mats during the course of my practice and this will be my last. I bought it March 12, 2011 and love it. The Manduka black mat is superior to others for several reasons:-It's larger (longer and wider) than most mats I've encountered, so I'm not hanging off the sides. I'm pretty short (5'3") but have my hands a bit wide in downward dog. It's nice to have my hands actually on my mat in all cases. When I'm in crowded classes, I like having a decent sized piece of real estate under me.-I've had mats that are much softer in the past, and I like the stability this firmer mat offers. Soft also means less stability under one's feet. I feel more solid in my standing and balancing poses on this mat.

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat extra long 6mm - Reviews

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