Choosing yoga as a physical fitness activity can offer lots of benefits; that is why many individuals have decided to join in and try it out. There are many things that you must consider when you finally decided to delve into your curiosity about yoga, like choosing which yoga mat is perfect for you. How do you decide which yoga mat you should purchase and use? In this article, we will be discussing Manduka Prolite vs. eKO. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be able to have an informed decision when deciding which yoga mat is perfect for you and your yoga practice.
Manduka is known for making world-class, high-quality products and yoga accessories, and they come with a lifetime guarantee making you feel secure and confident about their products. Although the products are not the cheapest you can find in the market, you can be assured of their quality, and they perform great and are usually durable that can last forever, making it a worth it buy just in case you decide to buy from them. Also, learn about the differences between the Manduka Prolite vs Pro.
What are the benefits of purchasing Manduka yoga mats?
- They offer a lifetime guarantee.
- Yoga mats are dense and offer a lot of comfort and support on your joints, and last longer than other brands in the market.
- It is made from sticky material.
- Do not smell – The yoga mat is made from a material designed not to absorb sweat or moisture.
- Manduka is a well-known company with an excellent reputation.
Manduka is a leading yoga mat company that aims to provide a better yoga mat for yoga practitioners, whether beginners or experts. Peter Stereos designed the first-ever Manduka Mat, and he gifted them to his mentors and teachers. Manduka comes from the word Mandukasana or Frog Pose. He chose this name to honor his teacher, who always uses the Mandukasana or Frog Pose in her teachings.
Manduka products are crafted with eco-responsibility and sustainability in mind. Most of the products are created from biodegradable, natural-made, recyclable materials. If you love Mother Earth, Manduka products are perfect for you, and they will make your yoga practice more enjoyable knowing that you are doing your part and being responsible in taking care of the world we live in.
Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat
Manduka Prolite measures 24 inches wide, 71 inches long, and 4.5 mm thick. It weighs 4 lbs and is made from biodegradable, eco-friendly non-amazon tree rubber, and it is latex-free. It is manufactured with an eco-friendly process, meaning no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere during the manufacturing process.
It has a closed-cell surface, which means it prevents absorption of moisture, water, sweat, and bacteria build-up.
Manduka Prolite is a high-performance and durable yoga mat. This yoga mat is long-lasting, and it is worth every penny that you will pay for it. It is available in different colors, and you can choose your favorite to enjoy your yoga experience more.
It is made with slip-resistance fabric to prevent you from slipping and sliding when performing vigorous yoga poses. Individuals who have sensitive joints will benefit from its 4.5 mm thickness. Remember to break in your yoga mat before using it, as it can be slippery initially. You can quicken the break-in process by rubbing the yoga mat with salt and apple cider vinegar mixture. It is made from closed-cell structures, which prevent it from absorbing moisture, water, and sweat, and it is easy to clean after every use. It weighs 4 lbs., a bit heavier than other yoga mats available in the market.
What are the Pros and Cons of Manduka Prolite?
Pros:
- It is durable; it lasts longer than the other yoga brands in the market
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Extremely sticky
- Firm and has excellent grip – Improves stability and balance when performing different poses
- It does not smell – its closed-cell surface does not allow absorption of moisture
Cons:
- Slippery in the beginning and needs to be broken in (needs to be used for a few months every day or rub sea salt mixed with apple cider vinegar on its surface)
- Slightly heavy but manageable
- Does not have enough grip for intense hot yoga, sweaty practices
Manduka Prolite is a high-quality yoga mat, and although it needs a break-in period, it will be worth it because it is guaranteed to last for a very long time, and it will not let you down. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a yoga mat that will be your trusty companion throughout your yoga experience.
Manduka Eko Yoga Mat
The Manduka Eko mat is an excellent choice for environmentally friendly individuals. It is made from biodegradable materials. It feels squishy but at the same time gives comfort when you are practicing yoga. It is 71 inches long and 5 mm thick. It also comes in an extended version which is 79 inches long. The Eko weighs 6 lbs. 8 oz. It is amazingly sticky, and it can help individuals who prefer sticky yoga mats. This can help prevent sliding when in the transition from one pose to another.
It is a two-layer rubber mat – the top layer is a closed-cell surface which makes it impermeable or non-absorbent, and it helps increase the durability of the yoga mat. The bottom layer, on the other hand, is an open-celled surface. Manduka Eko mat tends to become slippery once you start sweating. This is not advisable for individuals who tend to be too sweaty, so if you do Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, and Ashtanga, this mat is not for you.
The Eko mat is an excellent choice for individuals who prefer the feel and traction of a rubber mat, as the EKO mat has a separate top layer that resists wear and keeps the moisture, sweat, and water out of the inner mat. However, this aspect affects the traction ability of the mat; it still works ok and adds durability and overall comfort. It is a bit heavy, but it can be rolled and transported easily, especially for individuals who travel often.
The Manduka Eko has excellent dry traction, and everything stays where it’s supposed to as Manduka mentioned that this mat had been developed for more than 4 years by yoga teachers. It seems they know what they are doing, especially when they know having traction makes a yoga mat safe from any accidents and makes the practice more enjoyable.
Manduka Eko Mat is 5 mm thick, and it gives added cushion when you need to protect your joints and knees when doing complicated poses such as Downward Dog. It helps absorb pressure, especially when practicing on hardwood floors. Although it weighs 7 lbs. it can be a bit heavy to lug around when going to yoga studios or when you have to travel a lot.
What are the Pros and Cons of Manduka Eko?
Pros:
- Most durable rubber yoga mat
- PVC free
- Made from biodegradable, non-Amazon natural tree rubber and non-toxic foaming agents, and non-Azo dyes
- Latex-free
- Zero-waste manufacturing process
Cons:
- Have naturally occurring ridges in the surface that can make some stains and sweat to be stuck in there and can be a bit hard to clean and get it out
- A bit on the heavy side when compared to its counterparts in the market
If you decide to buy an eKO Mat, you know that this mat will last long. There are yoga mats in the market that usually lasts for a few months, and they tend to be on the expensive side as well, which makes it a big no-no if you want to save money. If you have a limited budget and you love Eco-friendly yoga mats, this one is for you. It is very durable; make sure to clean yours regularly. You can clean it with a soft cloth and vinegar/water mixture. Using harsh cleaning agents can affect the rubber mat, and it can be bad for your health.
Prolite vs. eKO: Specifications
| Manduka PROlite | eKO | |
| Weight | 4 lbs. | 6 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Length | 71 or 79 inches | 71 or 79 inches |
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whichever yoga mat you prefer, it will all depend on your application and personal preference. Always remember that your yoga mat serves as a companion for your yoga journey. It depends on your decision which one you think will help you enjoy your experience and at the same time improve your overall comfort, therefore, making your yoga journey a successful experience.
After reading this article, we hope you have decided between Manduka Prolite vs EKO, and you can choose whichever feels suitable for you. After all, every yoga experience differs from one person to another. You can decide for yourself, and we are glad that we will be helping you make a decision. We hope that you will be enjoying your yoga experience no matter what yoga mat you decide to purchase; it will make a huge difference in your life as a yogi, whether you are a beginner or a long-time practitioner.