Customer Reviews manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71"

Save your money! Manduka claims (after you receive the mat) that there is some sort of film that makes the mat initially a little slippery, but that it comes off in a little while. Well, I tried using this mat in a DRY environment, and was not sweating in the least, and I was sliding all over this mat. Upon further research, Manduka claims that this film wears off . . . after daily usage of three months! I can't even practice for three minutes without my hands sliding across it in downward dog! And I see NO evidence of any sort of film. I bought this mat because I couldn't take my Lululemon with me, and they don't ship to APO addresses. I teach yoga to soldiers, and had to cancel my class because I couldn't use my own mat! And at this price, there is NO excuse. Zappos is fabulous, as always, but this mat is going back.

After much research, I bought this mat (though the extra long version) for a couple of reasons. 1- It is the standard or definitive mat that I kept seeing on blog after blog and under yogis and instructors in class. 2- The lifetime warranty (I had read that Jade and Lululemon's wear down rather fast). 3- The durability. 4- The cushion (I tore my ACL and MCL a year ago and so my knee is will never be quite the same.) I was very nervous about the many complaints about slippery surface upon initial use. I did find that when it first arrived it was a little slick, but I proceeded to break it in via the video they post on Manduka's website using a salt scrub and placing in the sun. I also purchased a Yogitoes towel to use because I sweat profusely during hot yoga sessions. The towel, combined with the break-in, work wonderfully. I can tell that each time I use the mat it becomes more "mine" and feels better and better. I can't imagine not using a towel anyway because I have sweat dripping off of me like a faucet during practice, so I think I will always use a towel despite breaking in the mat. Yes, I'm that sweaty. :/ It even runs UP my nose. While I do concede that it was an investment to purchase the mat and towel (I subsequently ordered more towels to reduce having to wash it every night), it really isn't much different that buying a quality pair of running shoes or something. I figure I have already earned my money's worth and none of the items have shown wear. I adore everything that I have purchased and feel like it was money well spent. I'm a true Manduka fan; I LOVE their stuff. Another concern I often see on the Manduka Black is the weight. While I will agree that the mat is heavy (especially since I wanted the long version), it's not a deal breaker by any means for me. I drive to my class so lugging it from car to class is not a big deal. I do see how others, with the Mat by Lulu or Jade mats have less bulk, for me and my knee, I'm grateful for my luxurious mat. I'm glad I decided on the mat I did. If you are walking a ways to class, taking the subway, or a bike, I can see how some would not like the bulk. For me though, I love my mat so much, I wouldn't change a thing.

Tried the salt scrub, dried thoroughly and slipped not even during regular practice but just when I'm working on a particular pose. During my hot vinyasa workouts even with the Manduka towel I was not grounded. I'm really torn about keeping it because it's beautiful and provides a lot of cushion. They say it gets better with time, but if I can't practice on it I'm not sure how that's going to work.

First, I cannot believe that I actually spent this much on a yoga mat. I was hoping that I would not like it so that I could use Zappos' great return policy and put my obsession with this mat to rest. I have been eyeing this yoga mat for a while and going back and forth between this Manduka mat and others like Lululemon's The Mat or Jade's Harmony. In my research of the mats, I learned that Lulu's deteriorated quicker than you would want an expensive yoga mat to. I chose this mat over the Jade due to the Lifetime Warranty offered by Manduka. As a disclaimer, I have only practiced on cheap Gaiam mats or the generic Walmart mats. I was a little worried about the slipperiness of the mat before it gets broken in that was expressed by some of the other reviewers. The top of the mat was slippery, but in my personal opinion, was not unbearably slippery when sweating. I can see where the Yogitoes slip resistant mat would be beneficial for use on any yoga mat. The bottom of the mat is super sticky and does not slide around at all. The mat itself is not as cushiony as I expected, but it does wonders on my joints. I would be interested in comparing this mat to the ProLite version as this is quite heavy. I cannot imagine carrying it to and from class, but it does work for my purposes at home, where I do most of my practice.

The Manduka PRO yoga mat was recommended to me by a yoga instructor. So I decided to buy it. At first I wasn't sure because it was a lot different than my other one that I had. But now that I've had it for about two weeks, I absolutely love it. The right mat is really important for yoga and I think I got the right one for me. There are a couple things about this mat you should know: 1) It is extremely hard to break in. Yes it is slippery at first. I bought a brush from Target and have been scrubbing it and I'm planning on putting it out in the sun when it gets warmer outside. As for right now I've been bringing a little towel to put at the front of my mat for downdog. I'm hoping over time the slippiness will fade. 2) I wish I would've purchased the longer mat. I am only 5'9 but I still think I would've liked the longer mat. But its not a huge deal, just keep it in mind. Over this is an amazing mat. If you like yoga and are serious abou it, spend the extra money, and you will be glad you did. Keep your old mat and compare it to this one and you won't believe the difference. I feel like this little mat is my treasured possession:)

I bought this recently. I love my mat. Super comfortable and secure. My feet don't slip around on the mat. I had ACL surgery about 9 months ago. With the padding and support my knee doesn't hurt as much as my old mat (from another company).

Bought this a week ago. Very comfy and has the right amount of cusion. Love the color. The only thing is when I sweat my hands slip and it's hard to hold a down dog position. So 4 stars instead of 5.

First of all the color is gorgeus. I mean, look at it. Okay.. I ordered this mat for my birthday and love it BUT I did not check the weight and assumed, due to it's price, that it would come with a some sort of carrier. MY BAD!! It is rather heavy for me so it quickly (and sadly) became "that mat that stays in the trunk" of my car. I've been using it daily for one week now and it's been very kind to my knees. Love that very much, thanks. However, it is ridiculously slippery. The first day I took it to vinyasa I could hardly hold my down dog and my class last night was more frustrating than relaxing, as I was constantly having to readjust my feet or wipe my hands dry. Now I'm back trying to buy a towel (so there was no point in buying a pretty-colored mat if it needs to be covered up). For the price, I believe these mats should at least come with a carrier! I don't like to complain and have never written a bad review on anything but, wow. I might as well have bought a miniature, padded slip n' slide. I've never dreaded a yoga class until now. If your core isn't strong, your face might meet the floor. I'm not talking about child's pose.

Bought this mat for my daughter who's a young beginning yogi. We Love the colour and thickness and quality. The only (biggish) downside is that we both appear to slip when we sweat, making it difficult to hold solid poses within our practice. We followed the recommendations of 24 hr salt treatment/cleaning method before use but it still doesn't do anything in the way of creating a nonslip, good grip mat. This is disappointing. Hoping this will improve with use and time???

I love the look of this mat but my hands slip with my first down dog. It's a bummer.

Manduka makes great mats. this will probably last forever.

I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20yrs. I was a wee bit miffed to think to spend that much on a yoga mat but 2 different people recommended in one week. I am so delighted to be stabilized so secured to the mat.

I was looking for a mat primarily to do various exercises and stretches I do regularly that need to be done on a hard surface like the floor. This mat was more expensive that other alternatives, but I liked the idea it is warrantied to not have issues for life. I have been very pleased. It provides a good level of comfort for the various exercises and stretches I do. Some people complained about slipping on the surface of the mat. However, I did one treatment with the sea salt, as suggested, and I have had not issues of that kind. I also wanted it to lay flat on the floor, as the prior mat I used curled up a lot at both ends. This mat curls very slightly at the end where the roll starts. However, as long as I roll the mat so the working surface is on the outside, that slight curling pretty much goes away when I lay the mat out on the floor. This seems like a mat I can use for a long time for a variety of things.

My yoga instructor recommended this mat and let me try hers. I couldn't believe how good my joints feel practicing on a Pro mat - highly recommend for arthritis sufferers. The practice has helped keep me more mobile, improved my flexibility, and my joints feel terrific! Money well spent for years to come.

I'm a hatha yoga practitioner 19 years, trained for RYT200. I shopped carefully & after first month am totally impressed. Great stability, fine thickness on very hard floor. It's not too heavy, either, & I never salted it. I LOVE THIS MAT.

My yoga instructor was considering this mat and was impressed with the quality when he saw mine. Others have been equally complimentary.

Its everythin you'll ever need from a yoga mat guaranteed!

Love this mat. It is fairly heavy though. I didn't have any issues with it being slippery as other reviews mentioned.

I struggled for months about which yoga mat to buy. Several people suggested this mat to me in a very sincere way. And I have to agree with them. This mat is amazing!!!!

Gave it as a gift and my yoga instructor of 20 years loves it.

I had been researching mats for a long time. I didn't think I was ready to invest in a Manduka Pro, but my sister, a yoga teacher, and a 4th of July promotion convinced me I was ready for the splurge. I am so happy I did! The mat is GREAT quality and so comfortable. It is also super beautiful. I purchased the spray and the mat cleans up beautifully. No initial smell at all -- performance of the mat is fantastic! Wish I'd purchased years ago. I also purchased a travel mat a few months prior and absolutely love that mat, too!

Love this mat as it is easy on the knees! Would highly recommend!

My knees and hips are usually sensitive when doing mat exercises but with this 6mm mat it's so comfortable!! A real game changer!!!!

Bought this mat last month and it has been amazing, hoping to use it for many years to come.

I bought this yoga mat about 3 weeks ago and have used it daily. I do Yoga, Pilates and general HITT classes using it. It has great grip on the bottom and never moves on me like my previous mats have. It has has great grip on the front, I have t had any problems with sliding. When my hands are sweaty I have had a few moments of sliding, but I've been told that is to be expected with a new mat and that once it breaks in on the top layer that will happen less. The greenish blue color is beautiful and has a mermaid like shimmer to it. Overall, I couldn't be more happy with this mat, and given its life time guarantee, I will be using it for quite some time.