Yoga Mats and the Search for the Perfect Fit

 So I have been researching and testing mats for the last month:


1) Because I needed a new one after ruining my Jade mat in Bikram class. It absorbed so much sweat from the hot classes that it is now too slippery on the floor. Surfs up!!!


2) Because while I love Jade mats for their size and grip, they aren't great for Hot Yoga, and after a year it hasn't held up to my level of use and multiple styles of practice.  (Open cell rubber while it is sticky also absorbs sweat, even through your hot yoga towel)


3) Because I need more than one mat and my Pro is pretty heavy to lug around and... my eldest daughter took my only other "decent" one to college with her.


So...Here are my two new favorite mats based on my particular preferences and on my research:


Revolution by PrAna -
I am sooo excited about this mat! I like a wider/longer mat so I can stretch out and so my hands are always fully on the mat in arm balancing poses... this mat is really big 30x78 (Jade Harmony is a nice 74" long but it is still only 24" wide) and while probably not the best for running from class to class (it weighs 7lbs) for most people, it will definitely be great for home practice!


eKO by Manduka -
Close to the Black Mat Pro also by Manduka but not as slippery (after testing it at Lulu Lemon) and most likely my new Bikram mat. It is 100% made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber.  It's a closed cell surface which keeps sweat from seeping into the mat! 


I LOVE the Manduka Pro for every day even though it seemed a little short after being used to the added length of the Jade.  I will follow up on the review of these two mat's at the end of the year, after I have had a chance to use them on a daily basis! 


FOLLOW UP: 2013/2014:

Jade Fusion Yoga mat still one of the best mats on the market! Reasonably priced and extra thick, which is great, especially if you are a gym yogi practicing on a non sprung, hardwood floor or worse... concrete. Great mat for daily practice and easy to travel with! Love Jade!
@JadeYoga


  The Manduka Pro has become my go to mat, except when traveling.  It is like an old friend, reliable and there for you every pose, every time!  I now have three in constant rotation (just because I can and because they now come in an array of colors that even support various charitable causes).  One in my car, one at the studio, and one at home for when I want a change from my PrAna Revolution mat (still my favorite home mat). Manduka, hands down makes some of the best mats and props ever!  @mandukayoga

  
The Kulae

Fairly new to the yoga mat arena but with some great options is Kulae.  The Kulae is a great hot yoga mat!  Kula makes an Elite Hybrid yoga mat towel that combines the function and support of a traditional mat with the absorption of  a yoga towel. Perfect for Bikram-ites and Ashtangi's. They also make a pretty great PVC and rubber free lightweight tpEco mat!


My recent test is one of the new Plank Designs Yoga mats I just received.  

The Plank mat is heat activated, so that the more you sweat the stickier its suppose to get.  Well, let me tell you, once you are breaking a sweat this mat works fine.  The designs are fun, but,  and there is a but...I  personally prefer function over form.  Those first few salutations on this mat are a little sketchy and while it hugs the floor just fine you might as well be on a surfboard slip sliding away!  For a heated practice this might be a good option if you are on a budget and don't want to shell out the cost for one of the bigger brands.  However if you are practicing in a cold room (gym yogis) or have a slower, gentler practice this mat is not for you. 


For my money Manduka still takes the win!  I've never had a problem with any of my Manduka's... I have their Pro's, Pro-lite, the Eko and the travel (which I accidentally left in Thailand), every one of them performs the way I expect it to and like I said earlier ... always there when you need it! The Pro is also the only mat my cats don't try to shred. 


Next up on the review list is the Sequence StillMotion mat...  the price point is high so it's going to really need to out perform my Prana and my Manduka for the $$$.  Stay tuned ...


#musingsfromthemat
#yogastine