This was my first yoga mat in this price category and so I did quite a bit of research before deciding on this mat, including talking to yoga instructors and students, reading blogs, correspondence with Manduka, as well as the reviews on Amazon. This mat is safe for those with latex allergies, has a lifetime warranty and good grip and support when using. The mat is easy to care for (don't put in a wash machine!) and can be left in the sunshine. I made the decision between the ProLite and the Manduka Pro based on weight and ease of transporting to and from the yoga studio; If you primarily practice at home or the mat would be stationary, then the Manduka Pro may be the better choice. Also if you can carry around 7 pounds and you have significant joint problems the Manduka Pro may be a better option...but for most people, the cushion and support of the Manduka Prolite is probably sufficient and the lighter 4 pounds is easier to transport. I ruled out the Jade mat as it does not have a lifetime warranty and from what I have read and been told, be prepared to replace it every 1-3 years. Manduka and Jade have the highest ratings overall and so those where the main contenders in my search for the right mat. I would have considered a rubber mat, but I have latex allergies.
My experience with using this mat is that at first it was slightly slippery as others have mentioned. But in my experience it quickly got "grippy" with just washing down after use with a mat cleaner and paper towel...I didn't not do the salt treatment or make any other extra efforts. I have had the "sensation" of slipping on this mat, but my hands and feet were secure and were not moving. This mat WILL be slippery in a Hot class as it is dense and the sweat doesn't absorb into the mat, but the very simple solution is to buy and use a mat towel; I recommend the Manduka eQua, wet down with water. I do not slip in Hot yoga classes using a mat towel and this mat. The mat gives more support (cushion) to joints than other mats I've used, but is dense (stiff) enough that I can do balance poses easily. I have had to adjust how I move on this mat as I can not slip my feet or hands around on it if they aren't in the position I want. This has taken some getting used to, but being more mindful of the placement of my body on the mat is probably making my positions better overall. As with all sports equipment, individuals will have difference preferences, but after much research and my own experience I would highly recommend this mat!
(One last note that I was initially confuse about...the Manduka Black Pro mat and the Manduka Pro colored mats are exactly the same except for the color.)
| Color | Midnight Blue |
|---|---|
| Brand | Manduka |
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Product Dimensions | 71"L x 24"W x 0.18"Th |
| Item Weight | 1.9 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | Manduka Matsource LLC |
| UPC | 846698000034 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00846698000034, 00633860999445 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 24.25 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Package Weight | 2.26 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 71 x 24 x 0.18 inches |
| Brand Name | Manduka |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Warranty Description | 90 Days |
| Model Name | Pro Lite |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | PL71-MIDNIGHT |
| Model Year | 2010 |
| Style | Lightweight |
| Included Components | yoga mat |
| Size | 71" x 24" |
| Sport Type | Exercise & Fitness, Yoga, Pilates |
