Manduka PRO Long vs Gaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga Mat Comparison

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

The Manduka PRO Long Yoga Mat offers 6mm ultra-dense cushioning and a fabric-like surface for excellent grip. With 14 extra inches of length, it's perfect for taller yogis. Featuring a non-slip bottom and closed-cell construction for stability and cleanliness, it’s eco-friendly, OEKO-TEX certified, and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

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.

Size Comparison

85"

Manduka PRO Long

26"
72"

Gaiam Essentials 6mm

24"

Specifications

Length
85" (215 cm)
Length
72" (183 cm)
Width
26" (66 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Thickness

6 mm

Thickness

6 mm

Weight
9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Weight
3.5 lbs (1.59 kg)

Material
PVC
Material
PVC
Made in
Germany
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 Manduka PRO 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 PRO Long yoga mat is significantly more expensive with a suggested retail price of $164.00, while the Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat retails for $22.13. That's a substantial price difference of $141.87.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Manduka PRO 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 PRO Long is a long mat, measuring 85 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 PRO Long yoga mat is significantly heavier than the Gaiam Essentials 6mm by a difference of 6 pounds. With the Manduka PRO Long weighing 9.5 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 PRO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm cheaper?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is cheaper at $22.13, compared to $164.00 for the Manduka PRO Long — a difference of $141.87.
Which is lighter, the Manduka PRO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is lighter at 3.5 lbs, versus 9.5 lbs for the Manduka PRO Long.
Which is thicker, the Manduka PRO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
Both mats are 6 mm thick.
Is the Manduka PRO Long or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm longer?
The Manduka PRO Long is longer at 85″, versus 72″ for the Gaiam Essentials 6mm.
What are the Manduka PRO Long and Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mats made of?
Both mats are made of PVC.