Back in 2008, I was shopping around for a new yoga mat. My practice was getting more serious and I wanted a mat that would last. The general consensus was that I should either buy the Jade or the Manduka. But being stubborn, I didn't invest in the Manduka because they were so "popular". I know, reverse snob anyone? Two years later and lots of crumbles, I wish I had bought the Manduka.
Now I finally own a Manduka. I've opted for the PROlite which is the equivalent to the Jade Harmony in terms of size and weight. I carry my mat around a lot to classes on public transport so the Manduka PROlite fits nicely into my Saka bag, best birthday present ever.
Manduka also offer a lifetime guarantee! I was concerned about the crumbling of the Jade Harmony but was assured that I could send the PROlite back and get it replaced if it ever broke down like that. Really? I guess I'll believe that if and when the time comes. But for now, I love my PROlite. I've practiced on a Manduka PRO mat before and I know they're the "Rolls Royce". I just had to get over my reverse snobbery.
Big shout out to Skippetty for her reviews on the Manduka which ultimately made me realise I just had to bite the bullet and do it. prAna was also another mat lots of yogis are mentioning at the moment but it was time, Manduka baby. They're popular for a reason.
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13 comments:
I'm like that with the reverse snobbery too but sometimes the reason something is popular is because it is the best (and because they have the best marketing budget).
Congrats on your new mat! I love mine. After over two years of daily practice (and Astanga is hard on mats!), my Manduka is still looking good.
@kathrynoh gotta agree. with this kind of thing, popular is just the best. and I know that deep down.
@Kaivalya you recommended it as well when I first asked. if only I listened to you back then! stubborn. learn from my mistakes.
I jumped to your link about the bag and am very excited. You see, I actually own a yoga mat (not sure of brand - oopsy) but have no bag or stappage for it so at the moment it lives under my bed. I think your bag is amazing and is exactly what I spent days Googling for! OK - I don't exactly use my mat for Yoga but it sure beats doing push ups and burpies on the cold tiled porch! :)
Congrats on the new fab mat. xx
Oh, and did I tell you I was blogging again - lol
I'm having mat issues. I don't know what mat to buy. I have holes in my old mat and I know the only reason it's lasted so long is it's made of something horrible like PVC. Part of me wants to go matless! Is that even possible?
@Margaret! So cool that you're blogging again. I've been pretty random with when and what I post about but it's nice to have the outlet. The bag is unreal and I think the new model is a lot better. I still dig my baby and it's lasted the distance, even New York!
@Rachel you just reminded me of something one of my teachers told me. Back in the day, there were no mats! Yogis would lay out cow dung and straw and practice on that. Hmmm, don't know how true that is but they sure didn't have the Manduka's or Jade's. I kind of figure whatever you buy, the aim is to not have to keep replacing it. I try to live as sustainably as I can. I bought the Jade beacuse I thought it was eco friendly but not if I have to keep replacing it every two years. I've heard so many good things about the Manduka, and so far so good. We'll see. There are loads of mat reviews around...check out Eco Yogini, Skippety and Daily Cup of Yoga blogs.
Thanks hon... I wonder what Himself would say if I just rolled out some cow dung on the lounge floor?? :D
congrats on the fabby new mat! i'm looking forward to hearing your reviews of it once you have it in full use :) i have a jade encore that i leave at the studio and really love it. also have a jade travel mat for around the house & when i, uh, travel ;) have a good weekend sweetie! hugs!!
I totally agree about the crumbling Jade: mine only really gave me two years. While that's not bad for heavy daily use, my sh*tty plastic first mat has lasted a decade and is still in working order. You know?
I got one of those lululemon The Mats: so far I really like it. Also, it was free, so there's that.
Oh, and? COME TO MELBOURNE!!!
love your blog.. happen to find it from Suburban Yogini's page. Manduka all the way for me. I've had my pro for 2+ years. Everyday in a hot yoga room, two yoga bootcamps, and workshops all over. No marks yet. I have the lighter one for travel too (I know, I know..snob!) but it doesn't compare to the Pro. I lug it on the plane to the beach, everywhere. It's so worth it.
@Rachel, somehow I don't think Himself would be impressed. I know Dan wouldn't be and neither would my kitties ;-)
@Melita, so far so good. I loved the jade too before it crumbled as well and it was great in regards to sweat/slipping. admittadly I had the harmony so that is thinner. I believe the encore is thicker, yeah?
@Nadine, my first mats have lasted for 10 years but I finally recycled them by giving them away. Funny that they lasted. My friend Mich is using a lulu mat and she does power yoga, loves it. Oooh, and love a freebie LOL - I am so trying to come to Melbourne but now that I am getting tattooed in November, my finances are tied up. It's costing me $1500 minimum...ouch, but good ouch :-)
@liveloveyoga, hello! can't wait to check out your blog as well. I am really loving the Manduka PROlite and would love the PRO for home now. I'm glad I got over my reverse snobbery, haha. Catch you around blogland...
Oooh I love it when you recommend things because I know it will be good! I like the lifetime guarantee!
I'm thinking I'll get a mat soon. The one from my class last night wasn't pleasant... LOL
SO as always I'm way behind and always "catching up" on posts. I do love posts like these though - I've been thinking about getting a new mat for a while but hadn't any idea where to start. I need to start going to yoga more than once a fortnight though, don't I? I agree with Nadine, come to Melbs :)
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