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Gaiam Essentials 6mm vs Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide Yoga Mat Comparison

Gaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga MatGaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide Yoga Mat
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Gaiam Essentials 6mm

The Gaiam Essentials is the budget end of Gaiam's own line, a plain 6mm PVC mat with the same textured sticky surface as the pricier Premium and none of the printed styling. At 72 by 24 inches it runs 4 inches longer than Gaiam's standard 68 inch cut, and its 3.5 pounds make it heavy for a budget mat, though it does ship with a cinch carrier strap. It still carries Gaiam's lifetime guarantee, which is unusual at this price, and like the rest of their PVC mats it needs two or three days of airing out before the first session.

MSRP: $22.13
Check price at AmazonOfficial website

Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide

This is the Long & Wide cut of Gaiam's Performance Dry-Grip, adding 10 inches of length and 2 inches of width over the standard mat for a 78 by 26 inch footprint. Everything else carries across: the same 5mm PVC build, the moisture-wicking topcoat meant to grip harder as you sweat, and Gaiam's lifetime guarantee. The extra size brings it to 5 pounds, about three quarters of a pound over the standard version, and Gaiam lists it at a $5 premium, though it sells for considerably less at Amazon.

MSRP: $74.98
Check price at AmazonOfficial website

Size Comparison

72"

Gaiam Essentials 6mm

24"
78"

Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide

26"

Specifications

Gaiam Essentials 6mm
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide

MSRP
$22.13Check price at Amazon
MSRP
$74.98Check price at Amazon
Length
72" (183 cm)
Length
78" (198 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Width
26" (66 cm)
Thickness

6 mm

Thickness

5 mm

Weight
3.5 lbs (1.59 kg)
Weight
5 lbs (2.27 kg)

Material
PVC
Material
PVC
Made in
-
Made in
-
Warranty
Lifetime
Warranty
Lifetime

Which Mat is Right for You?

Choosing the perfect yoga mat depends on your needs, preferences, and how you plan to use it. In this guide, we’ll compare the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide yoga mats, focusing on their key features, price, size, weight, and suitability for different users.

Price Comparison

Starting with price, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat is significantly less expensive with a suggested retail price of $22.13, while the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide yoga mat retails for $74.98. That's a substantial price difference of $52.85.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide, it's essential to consider both the length and width of each mat, as well as their suitability for different types of practice. The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is a standard mat, measuring 72 inches long by 24 inches wide, which is ideal for most users and standard yoga sessions. In contrast, the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide is a long mat, measuring 78 inches long by 26 inches wide, making it suitable for taller users who need a little extra length.

Weight Comparison

Weight is a key factor in choosing the right yoga mat, especially depending on where and how you plan to use it. The Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat is slightly lighter than the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide by a difference of 1.5 pounds. With the Gaiam Essentials 6mm weighing 3.5 pounds, it's perfect for portability and frequent travel, while the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide weighs 5 pounds, making it ideal for stability in a home or studio setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide cheaper?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is cheaper at $22.13, compared to $74.98 for the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide — a difference of $52.85.
Which is lighter, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is lighter at 3.5 lbs, versus 5 lbs for the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide.
Which is thicker, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is thicker at 6 mm, versus 5 mm for the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide.
Is the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide longer?
The Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide is longer at 78″, versus 72″ for the Gaiam Essentials 6mm.
What are the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide yoga mats made of?
Both mats are made of PVC.

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