Pros
Extremely durable, with 8-year positive feedback
Highly dense and supportive, providing excellent cushioning
Eco-conscious with Oeko-Tex certification
Provides a stable foundation for balance poses
Maintains grip well after the break-in period
Aesthetically pleasing with a professional look
Easy to clean and disinfect
Lifetime guarantee
Suitable for various surfaces (indoor and outdoor)
Encourages increased yoga practice due to comfort
Cons
Heavy and bulky, which may be inconvenient for travel
Initial slipperiness requiring a break-in period
More expensive than other yoga mats
Main Product Advantages
10 Durability
Reviewers note that the mat has held up incredibly well over several years, even with frequent use. One user mentions using it from 2012 to 2020 without any significant wear.
10 Density and Cushioning
The mat is praised for its thick, dense cushioning, which provides excellent support for joints and stability for various poses. This is a key highlight mentioned across multiple reviews.
9 Size and Dimensions
The larger size options (standard 71 inches and longer 85 inches) provide ample space for practitioners, making it especially suitable for taller individuals or for those who prefer more room.
8 Grip and Non-Slipperiness
While the mat offers superior grip in regular and slightly heated conditions, some users note a period of slipperiness initially and during very sweaty sessions, which can be mitigated with a towel.
8 Eco-Friendliness
The eco-conscious nature of the mat, backed by Oeko-Tex certification and chemical-free construction, is appreciated by environmentally conscious users.
8 Ease of Cleaning
The mat is relatively easy to clean, and users appreciate that it doesn't retain bad odors.
8 Price
Although considered expensive, most users find the value justified due to its durability, lifetime guarantee, and overall quality.
7 Aesthetics
The mat's sophisticated appearance, particularly in deep, neutral colors, is noted as a positive feature. However, the color can show dirt more easily.
6 Weight
The heaviness of the mat is a minor drawback for some users. It weighs about 7 pounds, which can be cumbersome to carry around, especially in dense urban environments.
Product Review: PRO Series Mats
We’ve spent more than 20 years sweating every detail of the PRO Series mats to ensure top performance. Our ultra-dense cushioning helps protect your joints and provides extra comfort. A favorite amongst yogis, Pilates aficionados, and fitness gurus. Closed-cell technology blocks dirt and moisture from sweat. We recommend pairing with one of our performance towels to increase grip in sweaty sessions.
Amazon.com
The legendary Black Mat PRO (formerly known as the Black Mat) is celebrating 12 years as one of the world's finest yoga mats. There's a reason the Black Mat PRO inspires such passion in its users; with its denser, thicker form, unparalleled comfort and cushioning, superior non-slip fabric-like finish, and simple, elegant design, the Black Mat PRO will revolutionize your practice. And best of all, it now comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.
The Manduka Black Mat PRO is chosen first by yoga teachers throughout the world, and by yogis of every experience level who value not only their individual practice but also their surrounding world. The proprietary dot-pattern bottom on the bottom resists sliding and is engineered for long-lasting use with high quality materials that won't peel, flake, or fade. The fabric-like surface finish offers superior slip-resistance, even with light perspiration. This longevity and Manduka's Lifetime Guarantee reduces consumption and landfill waste by guarding against wear and tear.
Features & Specifications:
Zero-waste in manufacturing; Oeko-Tex certified, emissions-free manufacturing
Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee
Superior wear and longevity
Comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors
Slip resistant, yet non-sticky, even when wet from light perspiration
Provides stability on hard or soft surfaces
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 26 by 71 by 1/4 inches (W x L x D)
To Clean:
We recommend using Manduka Mat Renew or any non-solvent household cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. Hang to dry in the sunshine. Do not put your mat in the washing machine- it may break the machine and ruin your mat.
To Store:
Roll your Black Mat PRO with the top side (fabric-finish) facing outwards. This keeps the corners of the mat flat when practicing.
To Break In:
The surface texture of the Black Mat PRO improves with use. Our customers have found that the best way to break in their mat is to use it on a daily basis. Another trick is to sprinkle coarse sea salt over your mat, scrub it down with a sponge, and air dry in the sunshine.
Manduka's Green Mission
Manduka PRO series yoga mats, designed to last a lifetime (or two), curb the amount of PVC mats that enter landfills every year and reduces overall mat consumption. Also, during the manufacturing of most PVC products, toxic emissions may be released into the air. However, PRO series mats are manufactured through a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. The Black Mat PRO is certified safe for human contact by OEKO-TEX, an environmental certification agency in Europe for the textile industry.
Conclusion
The PRO Series Mats, particularly the Black Mat PRO, offer unparalleled durability, comfort, and non-slip performance that has garnered praise from fitness enthusiasts and professional yogis alike. Its eco-friendly manufacturing, backed by a lifetime guarantee, makes it a sustainable choice in the yoga mat market. With features like ultra-dense cushioning, a non-slip fabric-like finish, and closed-cell technology to block moisture, it's an investment in both your practice and the environment. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the Black Mat PRO is designed to elevate your experience.
