MandukaPRO Yoga Mat 6mm

Overview

The PRO has been Manduka's flagship since 1997, made in Germany from latex-free PVC that is certified to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. The standard size is 71 x 26 inches and 6mm thick, with 68-inch short and 85-inch long versions, and it weighs about 7.5 lb. Its closed-cell surface is designed to keep sweat and bacteria from soaking in, a dotted underside grips the floor, and Manduka backs the PRO series with a lifetime guarantee.

What reviewers say

Yoga teachers and long-time practitioners are overwhelmingly positive. Wellness Reviewed, a teacher with more than a decade of experience, titled her review the best yoga mat you'll ever buy, and Mind Body Now's Tamara says plainly that she loves hers. The consistent praise is dense cushioning that protects knees without feeling mushy, rock-solid stability in balance poses and durability measured in years rather than months. The consistent caveats are weight, since 7.5 lb makes it a home mat more than a commuter mat, and grip for heavy sweaters. Manduka itself notes the closed-cell surface can feel slick if you sweat a lot and recommends a hand towel or mat towel for heated classes. Heather Monthie's PRO vs. PRO Lite breakdown is useful if you are weighing cushioning against portability.

Who it's for

Daily practitioners, teachers and anyone mixing vinyasa, strength and floor work at home who wants one mat to last. Hot-yoga regulars should plan on a towel, and commuters may prefer the lighter 4.7mm PRO Lite.

Bottom line

It is expensive upfront, but spread over years of daily use the PRO is one of the best values in yoga. If you practice often and can live with the weight, buy it once and be done.