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You can feel the quality of a Manduka PRO Yoga Mat when you pick it up, almost like a metal credit card or a sturdy piece of furniture. Weighing in at roughly 7.5 pounds, this yoga mat will lay flat even after months of being rolled up.
The weight of the Manduka mat definitely screams quality, but it might also scream to leave it at home and buy something more lightweight for travel (even if we’re just talking longer walks to the studio). This is the mat that stays parked next to your peloton, not the one you take backpacking up the coast. Though, on second thought, the thick padding would probably be pretty luxurious under a sleeping bag if you can spare the weight.
These mats are certainly on the pricey side, but the lifetime guarantee helps to soothe the sticker shock. This Manduka mat would be an amazing mat for any yogi, whether you’re deep in your journey looking to upgrade your gear, or a newcomer looking for your lifetime mat. Let’s Dive In!
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Comfort – 6mm thickness -
Durability
-
Easy to clean
-
Length options
-
Longevity – 10 year warranty
Things we don't like:
-
A bit heavy; not the best for travel -
Sweat pools on mat
Specs & Features
- Material: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Thickness: 6 mm
- Length: Standard 71” – Long 85”
- Weight: 7.5 lbs.
- Care Instructions: Wipe down after every practice with Manduka All-Purpose Mat Wash, and occasionally use Botanical Disinfecting Cleaner to deep clean
- Warranty: 10 Years
Rating 4.9
- DiveIn Score: 4.9/5
- Quality: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Performance: 4.8/5
- Price/Quality: 4.8/5
Love at First Savasana
There is so much to love about the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, but the first thing we noticed was its impressive weight and thickness. It’s a tangible kind of quality you can feel just from holding it. Even after being rolled up for months, this mat will lay flat as a result of its dense, luxurious thickness.
The substantial 6mm mat is equally a soft, comfortable spot for Corpse Pose, and a firm, secure foundation for balance challenges. This is one of the most high performing, comfortable, high quality mats we’ve tried, and it all comes with the cherry on top of a 10 year warranty.
Manduka has maintained a near perfect reputation for high quality yoga gear, and this Manduka mat is no exception.
Quality
Quality is at the center of everything Manduka does – there is a clear attention to detail and commitment to durability and longevity. The Pro Mats are made from PVC that has been thoroughly tested by OEKO-TEX for harmful substances to ensure it is harmless to human health, plus bonus points for their zero emissions manufacturing process.
The sheer weight of the mat is almost enough to fully communicate its quality – you can tangibly feel the thick durability of this mat. The Manduka PRO is something like the Subaru of yoga mats, lasting for years and years while other mats are sometimes replaced annually. They are backed by a 10 year warranty, so you can confidently make the investment and really count on this mat to last.
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Comfort
This Manduka mat is one of the more comfortable mats out there, with a 6mm thickness and a smooth, closed-cell PVC, this is the kind of mat you want to land on when you lose your balance. We love that while the PRO has more than adequate cushion, it remains functional as a solid foundation and won’t sacrifice your stability.
Additionally, the Manduka PRO has something to keep everyone comfortable, with sizing options of the standard 71” or the long 85”. With this Manduka mat, taller yogis can experience the luxurious cushion without hanging off the edges of their yoga mat. Comfort and inclusivity is hard to beat.
The supple thickness of the Manduka PRO makes for a soft place to land, but not the best travel companion. The 7.5lb mat makes for a great home studio setup, but we wouldn’t recommend dragging it along on your next yoga retreat. We’d suggest the comparable 4lb Manduka PROlite or some of the other lightweight options available on our buyers guide.
Performance
The mats are designed with yogis in mind, providing luxurious cushioning for the joints as well as a superior grip to keep your practice safe and balanced. This product minimizes the need for repositioning and fidgeting so you can focus on your breath and stay present in your flow.
Depending on your preferred style of yoga, the thickness could be a deal-breaker. The 6mm Manduka PRO is on the thick side, providing a good amount of cushion for our joints while remaining a functional foundation for our balance. This yoga mat is great for most forms of yoga, but it is especially forgiving for more dynamic practices where you might be doing a lot of jumping into upper plank, or jumping up to forward fold.
This Manduka mat has a truly exceptional grip, although it may not feel that way your first couple of flows. This mat requires a couple sessions to fully break it in, so you might be sliding around during your first couple classes with it.
The Manduka PRO features closed cell technology, which seals out moisture and bacteria. This makes it fairly easy to clean, but may be a bit of a nuisance for hot yoga as sweat puddles on the mat. It may be worth investing in a yoga towel if you like your yoga hot.
Price/Quality
This yoga mat is undeniably pricey. It’s hard to justify a $129 yoga mat when there are so many options available, but we think the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is worth the investment for a few important reasons.
All of the materials are sourced responsibly, and have been tested to ensure safety. This mat also outperforms many other yoga mats on the market, and finally, it is guaranteed to last ten years or your money back. In theory, this means you won’t have to replace your yoga mat for at least ten years, saving you money on cheap mats that need replacing.
The price is high, but the quality is evident – and they stand behind it with their warranty.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Comfort – 6mm thickness
-
Durability
-
Easy to clean
-
Length options
-
Longevity – 10 year warranty
Things we don't like:
-
A bit heavy; not the best for travel
-
Sweat pools on mat
Frequently asked questions
Manduka PRO Yoga Mats are definitely on the tip-top of the price spectrum, ringing in at $129 for the standard model. However, these mats are high quality, high performing, long lasting companions to your yoga practice that we think is well worth the investment. To sweeten the deal, Manduka even offers a 10 year warranty on their PRO mats, making it basically a no-brainer.
If you’re looking for something a bit less expensive to test the yoga waters, we recommend checking out some other great options on our buyer’s guide.
All Manduka PRO Mats eventually have a phenomenal grip, but it takes some time and work to get it there. When you first receive your yoga mat, it will likely be a bit slippery, but it will improve with every repetition as you break it in.
Using soap to clean your Manduka PRO will exacerbate this issue, so be sure to clean your mat with the recommended products and procedures.
Depending on the frequency and intensity of your practice, it could take months to fully break in the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. You can also expedite the process by sprinkling sea salt all over your mat and lightly scrubbing with a wet cloth, and then wiping clean.
Manduka highly advises against using vinegar as it breaks down the closed cell surface of your mat. They have specific products and procedures that they recommend for cleaning and disinfecting your yoga mat,
You should wipe down your mat after every practice, though the frequency of deep cleaning will depend entirely on the intensity and location of your practice. You should clean your yoga mat once a week if you are practicing daily in a studio where your mat is exposed to more bacteria and germs. Once a month tends to be sufficient if your are practicing at home.
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