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Manduka Begin vs Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide Yoga Mat Comparison

Manduka Begin Yoga MatGaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide Yoga Mat
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Manduka Begin

The Manduka Begin yoga mat is a lightweight, 5mm thick mat that offers soft cushioning and solid joint support, with a reversible design and a helpful center alignment stripe. It’s comfortable, grippy (though not quite as much grip as high-end Manduka mats), and weighs only 2.5 lbs, making it great for home practice or travel. The Manduka Begin is an affordable, durable option that works well for beginners and experienced yogis alike.

MSRP: $62.00
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

68"

Manduka Begin

24"
78"

Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide

26"

Specifications

Manduka Begin
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide

MSRP
$62.00Check price at Amazon
MSRP
$74.98Check price at Amazon
Length
68" (172 cm)
Length
78" (198 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Width
26" (66 cm)
Thickness

5 mm

Thickness

5 mm

Weight
2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
Weight
5 lbs (2.27 kg)

Material
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Material
PVC
Made in
Taiwan
Made in
-
Warranty
None (30-day returns)
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 Manduka Begin 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 Manduka Begin yoga mat is slightly less expensive with a suggested retail price of $62.00, while the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide yoga mat retails for $74.98. That's a minor price difference of $12.98.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Manduka Begin 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 Manduka Begin is a standard mat, measuring 68 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 Manduka Begin yoga mat is moderately lighter than the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide by a difference of 2.5 pounds. With the Manduka Begin weighing 2.5 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 Manduka Begin or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide cheaper?
The Manduka Begin is cheaper at $62.00, compared to $74.98 for the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide — a difference of $12.98.
Which is lighter, the Manduka Begin or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide?
The Manduka Begin is lighter at 2.5 lbs, versus 5 lbs for the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide.
Which is thicker, the Manduka Begin or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide?
Both mats are 5 mm thick.
Is the Manduka Begin or the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide longer?
The Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide is longer at 78″, versus 68″ for the Manduka Begin.
What are the Manduka Begin and Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide yoga mats made of?
The Manduka Begin is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), while the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Long & Wide is made of PVC.

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