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Manduka eKO Long vs Gaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga Mat Comparison

Manduka eKO Long Yoga MatGaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga Mat
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Manduka eKO Long

The Manduka eKO Long yoga mat offers extra length for taller yogis or those who want more space to move. Made from biodegradable, responsibly sourced natural rubber, it provides solid joint support and stability with a 5mm thickness and weight of 8 pounds. The textured surface gives a reliable grip with some flexibility for smooth transitions. While slightly heavier and prone to a few marks over time, the Manduka eKO Long is crafted to endure years of regular practice.

MSRP: $124.00
Check price at AmazonOfficial website

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

Size Comparison

79"

Manduka eKO Long

26"
72"

Gaiam Essentials 6mm

24"

Specifications

Manduka eKO Long
Gaiam Essentials 6mm

MSRP
$124.00Check price at Amazon
MSRP
$22.13Check price at Amazon
Length
79" (200 cm)
Length
72" (183 cm)
Width
26" (66 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Thickness

5 mm

Thickness

6 mm

Weight
8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Weight
3.5 lbs (1.59 kg)

Material
Natural Rubber
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 eKO Long and Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mats, focusing on their key features, price, size, weight, and suitability for different users.

Price Comparison

Starting with price, the Manduka eKO Long yoga mat is significantly more expensive with a suggested retail price of $124.00, while the Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat retails for $22.13. That's a substantial price difference of $101.87.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Manduka eKO Long and the Gaiam Essentials 6mm, 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 eKO Long is a long mat, measuring 79 inches long by 26 inches wide, which is suitable for taller users who need a little extra length. In contrast, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm is a standard mat, measuring 72 inches long by 24 inches wide, making it ideal for most users and standard yoga sessions.

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 eKO Long yoga mat is significantly heavier than the Gaiam Essentials 6mm by a difference of 4.5 pounds. With the Manduka eKO Long weighing 8 pounds, it's ideal for stability in a home or studio setting, while the Gaiam Essentials 6mm weighs 3.5 pounds, making it perfect for portability and frequent travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manduka eKO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm cheaper?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is cheaper at $22.13, compared to $124.00 for the Manduka eKO Long — a difference of $101.87.
Which is lighter, the Manduka eKO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is lighter at 3.5 lbs, versus 8 lbs for the Manduka eKO Long.
Which is thicker, the Manduka eKO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is thicker at 6 mm, versus 5 mm for the Manduka eKO Long.
Is the Manduka eKO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm longer?
The Manduka eKO Long is longer at 79″, versus 72″ for the Gaiam Essentials 6mm.
What are the Manduka eKO Long and Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mats made of?
The Manduka eKO Long is made of Natural Rubber, while the Gaiam Essentials 6mm is made of PVC.

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