I love this mat! I have been a yoga practitioner for eight years and I was going through mats like water. After my last mat caused a pulled muscle because it lost its grip I couldn’t take it and my yoga teacher recommended this mat.
The cushion is great, the grip is great... the one draw back is its weight, but I have a mat carrier so its fine. Love it!

I ordered my PRO mat over the summer, and its just been such a wonderful wonderful mat. It made SUCH a difference in my practice. No more ankle or knee pain. The support is just sooo amazing.

It's firm and supportive my entire practice, I just can't imagine how I survived prior to using it.

Just got my new mat yesterday and I am in love. I can hold poses twice as long without the strain on my joints. So worth the money. Yes it had a slight odor when I pulled it out of the box, but I just lied it out on the floor of my office for a few hours after washing it down with some mat cleaner and that took care of most of that problem. It does need broken in a bit more, but that is not surprising. Honestly, as it is now is 100% better than the cheap Target mat I was using before.

I have had my Manduka ProLite for nearly 6 years, but in the last six months I decided I wanted to try a different brand so I could recommend other ones to friends. I bought a Jade Harmony and wasn't happy (there is a review on it), and then decided I loved the Black Sapphire and wanted the Pro forever so I ordered. The mat *did* have a smell initially, from being outside in the sun in a shipping box. It was gone within I'd say three workouts, it (like my Prolite) is not terribly sticky but after my 5th workout it's fine. I don't scrub with salt as suggested, I just clean mine with water and a washcloth and once a week a vinegar solution with water mix, and it's tacky already. It's dense, but you don't "sink" into the mat so it's suitable for hotter yoga. I do use mine at home only and I do NOT crank up the heat to do so (although Texas in the summer--it's pretty dern hot) so it's not swimming in pools of sweat. It's a very pretty color, rolls up easily, doesn't bunch like the Jade Harmony (the Manduka ProLite I have has never bunched either), and it cleans easily (I had problems with the Jade that ANY piece of dirt just embeds itself and I have only had it like a month!). At any rate, if you are looking for a high quality mat this is it. The only thing I can see as a downside is it is heavier than a lot of travel mats so that is something to consider if you have your mat strapped to you a lot, in which case I'd get my ProLite anyway.

I have used many yoga mats and none of them hold a candle to my Manduka Black Mat Pro. This is a high quality mat that makes teaching yoga a dream, it never slides around during my classes. I used a Manduka for seven years of teaching and would never go back to a regular yoga mat.

I originally purchased this mat from the Lululemon store and I absolutely love it. I have had 2 other mats before and this one beats any other out there. The quality is amazing. I don't even think the rubber smell is bad at all, and after a few uses and a proper cleaning, its no longer noticeable. I carry my mat on a mat strap/sling and the weight does not bother me at all. I feel like the Manduka pro mat is a such a solid and sturdy mat because if the weight.
The lifetime guarantee is the best part because I do not plan to buy another yoga mat again. I actually had an issue the first Lululemon pro mat which was the store's fault (improper storage) but Manduka immediately replaced the mat since the store would not. (I had used the mat for a couple classes hoping the flaw would resolve itself but it hadn't, I was pretty upset the store wouldn't help). I literally had my replacement mat in 4 business days. Amazing! Manduka has the best customer service, and now I am a Manduka fan for as long as I continue to practice yoga!

I researched yoga mats for about 8 months before purchasing my PRO last summer as it was a big investment for me. Having already worn out 2 mats in 3 years, I wanted something that would really last. Over a year later, I am still absolutely thrilled with my choice! I use my mat almost every day, sometimes more than once, and it still looks brand new.

I never experienced any issues with "breaking it in" — I simply washed it a couple times with warm water and Vermont Soap yoga mat cleaner and it was pretty sticky from the start.

Yes, it is a bit heavy but I also bought a MatSak which makes it much easier to carry. I've brought my Manduka all over, including around and about NYC to go to different studios and to the Wanderlust Festival as well as on vacation... If I have a free shoulder it is always worth the extra effort to have my mat with me!

I am not usually one of those people that is "brand loyal" but I am so happy with my mat that I really do recommend it to anyone that asks, and as a teacher, I do get asked often. Thank you Manduka!

This mat is absolutely amazing! When I practice fist thing in the morning, this mat put up with any practice, even sweat. I hardly slip, except if I practice after a shower, when I've put on lotion, then I slip when I sweat. However, that is no problem for me. Black Mat Pro is my new favorite mat after I broke up with The Firm yoga mat. Better yet, I also feel more supported and it does NOT bunch up like K. Flynn mentioned. One happy girl here!

I am 5'11" and debated on getting this mat. I was attracted to it because the teachers and students at my local studio all raved about it, but I was a bit nervous to try something without using it first and having it right in front of me. I wasn't sure about the length to get, and I decided to go with the 84" (Long). When the mat arrived I wanted to give it 2 stars. Sure, it was comfortable, but it was soooo slick! My peers assured me that the mat and I would break in together- and suggested giving it two weeks. Each practice was easier and less slippery, and sure enough, my mat was perfect. I never slip, skid, or sink in this mat. Wrist and knee pain do not exist for me on this mat. I LOVE this mat. I do yoga at home, and in studio, and I also bring this mat for pilates. I adore the longer length and I am happy I decided to go with it. My mat doesn't slip around on the floor, and at the same time it doesn't "stick" to me. This mat is perfection!

Best mat you can buy. Period. It is the only mat you will ever need. If you are a hot yoga person, buy the non-slip hot yoga towel along with it, and you will never slip again while doing yoga. Together, it will make yoga an incredible experience for you.

The Black Mat Pro hands down in the best Mat I have ever practiced on and owned. I purchased the Black Mat Pro Long 85" last summer and have not looked back. I am 6'1" and when I roll out my mat some people say "WOW" that's a long Mat and I tell them and countless others that I ride an "85". Having a longer Mat for a tall guy has changed my practice beyond words....No more shifting around due to deep lunges, my head and feet hanging off the mat in corpse pose, and not having to worry about foot placement in my flow practice ANYMORE....How sweet is that. Anyone who is a serious yogi you can stop searching for that perfect mat. Black Mat Pro is the answer you have been waiting for so what are you waiting for...???? I have seen other company knock offs of the Black Mat Pro and upon further inspection they do not even come close and with a Lifetime Guaranty from Manduka it's a No Brainer. Many thanks over and over again to Manduka for making and taking my practice to a whole new level.

After using cheap mats and sliding all over the place, I bought a jade yoga mat. I loved it at first, but within the first year it started to pill leaving little orange rubber chunks on my clothes. My yoga instructor suggested the Manduka Black Mat Pro and gave me hers for a test run. I loved it and bought one of my own. Please be patient while breaking it in. It took me several months. There is a bit of a coating at first and I was slipping and sliding and getting frustrated. I was scrubbing it with baking soda, but that wasn't helping. A friend from my yoga studio said that she had read in the use and care tab (above) to use sea salt. I scrubbed with sea salt 4 or 5 times and it worked wonders! Now I can use the mat with no towel for the first half of a heated power class, and then when my hands get too sweaty, I put down the eQua standard towel (without spraying it down with water), and it works beautifully. I am very happy with the switch to Manduka and plan to be a customer for life!

I just got my long black mat pro in the mail the other week, and I can say I'll never use another mat. The black mat is big enough for me to have room to move left and right and back and forth which was important being 6 foot and a bigger guy. Provides plenty of cushion and support during my poses and I stay planted during the workout. Love it.

There is no substitution. As far as i'm concerned, no other mat can ever take it's place. I've had mine for 15 years. It's been all over India, Bali, Japan, Thailand, Australia & the US. It's well worth carrying it everywhere. I tried the purple travel mat once & left it behind in India. It's just not the same.

I've just completed my first practice on my new Black Mat Pro and I am in love with Ashtanga all over again. Your break-in tips were spot on. I completed one sea salt scrub, then used a scrub brush and Simple Green. I did not slip once!

*WOW* I had no idea what I was missing before my Black Mat Pro!!! I did use a little yoga chalk on my hands during Urdhva Dhanurasana, but I experienced less slippage tonight than with my well worn sticky mats.

I have owned my Black Mat for about 10 years and recently moved to China with a two suitcase limit and had to sacrifice it for space and weight and miss it terribly. My "made in China" substitute is just not the same. This is the only mat for a serious practitioner and when I am able to get back on mine it will be literally like coming home!

I cannot even begin to describe the awesomeness of this mat! I have it permanently rolled out in my bedroom so that I can get onto it whenever I feel like. Whether I am practicing a vigorous vinyasa or just have a pre bedtime stretch, this mat meets my needs for comfort & grip.

Sadly, this mat is incredibly heavy to lug around with me to classes or when I'm traveling. For that purpose, I own the Manduka eko mat and although it's fantastic, once you've experienced the Black Mat Pro, there is just never going to be a mat that is quite good enough!

Upon opening the box I knew that I had made a very good decision and that I would probably be using this mat for the rest of my life. Superior craftsmanship with obvious high quality material. I am very honored to have this as my first serious mat. I'm tall so I ordered mine long... Perfect!

After reading all the reviews I could find, I bought 2 Black Mat® PRO 85" Long mats for my wife and I to start a class with over a year ago. I now use mine 5-6 times a week along with my Long eQua Towel in a Hot Vinyasa Flow class. I forgot my mat the other day in her car and had to use a flimsy school mat and was just reminded all over again that I ABSOLUTELY made the right decision. I am getting a third as a back up so I never get stuck without it again.

Never a slip on a Manduka Black Mat no matter how hot and sweaty my Forrest class gets. Never need extra padding for bony elbows or shoulders, either. I've got two Black mats butted together in my home practice room, bought an olive lite mat for my wife's Rasamaya practice, and now a Black Magic for a daughter beginning her yoga study. Thoroughly reliable and trustworthy products sold and supported by a friendly and helpful company.

Just got it, the most comfortable pad I ever used for exercise. I was expecting this product to be made in china, but guess what? Made in Germany, i don't know about you guys, but well... it tells me something

I've been using the black pro mat for a couple of weeks at Bikram and at home. It makes quite a difference. In Bikram it's easier to balance because the mat is thicker than the previous one I used and it's got a better grip. The floor series feel a lot more comfortable because of the improved cushioning for my back. I use it along with the equa hot towel and I feel quite luxurious in a 105-110F room. Now, that's an achievement--for Manduka.

Yesterday my yogui friends gave me a Manduka mat as a birthday gift. Today im so happy because i will use it for the first time :)

Its gonna be a great experience!!!

This is the last mat you'll ever need to buy! Though it is heavy, it provides sufficient cushioning on wood floor practices and cleans easily. I love it!

Even though it is pretty heavy, it is the best mat ever! Great cushion, grip, and balance. Love it! :)

The black mat is the only yoga mat I'll ever need. I've already worn out two standard mats that I bought from a local sports warehouse. If you're an ashtanga yogi, I say you consider the investing in your life long practice. It'll bring you to a greater state of mind when you practice, since you no longer have to worry about getting bruises if you fall during practice.

I have owned my Black Mat Pro 85" for about four years now, and I must say, it has gracefully endured my wear and tear with vigor. At first, it was a bit slippery, and I was a little disgruntled. But after a few months of daily use, it's grip improved significantly, and then I really fell in love with it. The length is perfect and allows more personal space while practicing at a yoga studio. This mat is also terribly comfortable and supportive, so I can focus on my breathing and poses instead of discomfort and fear of slipping. Yes, the mat is on the heavier side, but I am not bothered by it. I look at it as weight training.

I own my Black Mat PRO 85'Long for almost an year by now and all I can say is I LOVE IT! I got it from Amazon ( sorry guys, slightly cheaper mat and no shipping fees) and I heavily use it 5-6 days a week. It still looks like new after so much use. I find the way you advance in your practice, you need a longer mat (especially when you are 5'9")and on top of that there is no slippage, adequate cushioning for the knees on hardwood floors and I can finally do my balancing poses on it (Wow! That's a first!). The only negative thing I have to say about it is the fact that it weights a ton, but I don't mind it knowing the benefits!

Some time ago I bought one of your signature mats. Everyone who already has one told me how fantastic they are and of course, now I too am in the know. Your mats have a unique gripping and supportive texture. Since using your mat I have been able to connect more with the mula bandha, and my breath- I don't know quite how to describe it but your mats provide a security or comfort level that allows me to let go and focus.

My Manduka Black Mat has been the biggest and most beneficial investment I've made in my life since I found out about Yoga. Nothing beats the Black Mat.

I absolutely LOVE my Manduka Black Mat PRO and eQua towel. I practice Bikram yoga regularly and can't imagine using any other mat! The mat is thick and firm and supports me in all of my poses. My towel provides a no slip surface that absorbs all of my sweat. Thanks for your amazing products. I’ll never use anything but Manduka!

This is the first and last yoga mat you will ever need. It's my personal portable yoga studio.

Been on this mat for 10 years now....it just keeps ticking

For my personal practice, my Manduka mat has been my best friend. The mat gives me a combination of stability and cushion that makes any surface (from concrete to carpeting) a joy to practice on. And, it has staying power - I've been using the same mat for years, and it's still perfect! To any serious student of yoga, or people with ankle or wrist issues, I recommend that they get a Manduka mat.

I was always into bodybuilding and running. I have just recently added Yoga as part of my daily workout routine. being new to Yoga, (three months) I started with a basic mat I acquired at a local sporting goods store. When I made the purchase of your Black Mat® PRO all I can say is that it made all the difference in the world! No folds, bends or bunching. The mat is easy to clean and now I would not part with it!

The Black Mat® PRO is awesome. It’s like the ultimate black dress. You never have to worry that it might ride up or bunch up on you. You don’t have to think about it. To me, the Black Mat® PRO is an affordable luxury. I’ve had other yoga mats, but I tell everyone I know to try the Black Mat® PRO. It puts other mats to shame.

Got it, I love it! although it is heavier than the PurpleLite...I do love its smooth surface, nonslip and firm, yet cushioned...I love it...can't wait to show it off! I don't think I have even seen any at the studio yet! I'll be sure to send folks your way.