YogaCompare

Manduka PRO Squared vs Gaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga Mat Comparison

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

The Manduka PRO Squared yoga mat offers a spacious 78" x 78" surface, perfect for creating a home yoga sanctuary. With 6mm ultra-dense cushioning and a fabric-like grip, it's designed for solo or partner practice. Closed-cell construction resists moisture and bacteria, making it easy to clean. Eco-friendly, OEKO-TEX certified, latex-free, and vegan.

MSRP: $350.00
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

78"

Manduka PRO Squared

78"
72"

Gaiam Essentials 6mm

24"

Specifications

Manduka PRO Squared
Gaiam Essentials 6mm

MSRP
$350.00Check price at Amazon
MSRP
$22.13Check price at Amazon
Length
78" (198 cm)
Length
72" (183 cm)
Width
78" (198 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Thickness

6 mm

Thickness

6 mm

Weight
26 lbs (11.8 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 Squared 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 Squared yoga mat is significantly more expensive with a suggested retail price of $350.00, while the Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat retails for $22.13. That's a substantial price difference of $327.87.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Manduka PRO Squared 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 Squared is a long and wide mat, measuring 78 inches long by 78 inches wide, which is great for taller individuals or those who want more space during their practice. 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 Squared yoga mat is significantly heavier than the Gaiam Essentials 6mm by a difference of 22.5 pounds. With the Manduka PRO Squared weighing 26 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 Squared or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm cheaper?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is cheaper at $22.13, compared to $350.00 for the Manduka PRO Squared — a difference of $327.87.
Which is lighter, the Manduka PRO Squared or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is lighter at 3.5 lbs, versus 26 lbs for the Manduka PRO Squared.
Which is thicker, the Manduka PRO Squared or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm?
Both mats are 6 mm thick.
Is the Manduka PRO Squared or the Gaiam Essentials 6mm longer?
The Manduka PRO Squared is longer at 78″, versus 72″ for the Gaiam Essentials 6mm.
What are the Manduka PRO Squared and Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mats made of?
Both mats are made of PVC.

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