I've practised on the Black & Purple Lite mats and this mat is right up there with the rest of them. The Black mat's too heavy for me as I travel frequently, and I find even the Purple Lite too heavy for shorter trips like hauling to & from the yoga studio. This Eko Lite's great for transporting/ travelling but still retains its heavy feel.
After a week of practice I can safely say it doesn't buckle like the other thin 3mm mats do. It sometimes looks as if the mat is uneven and doesn't sit flat on the floor smoothly, but when you're practicing you don't even feel it - it feels like a flat and solid mat. I practice in a heated room and after warming up, you do need a towel or yogitoes coz it gets slippery when wet (like most other rubber/ PVC mats too). But it grips well when doing a regular not-too-sweaty practice.
While researching this mat I couldn't find more close-up shots of what it looks like up-close, so I've taken some pictures here: http://skippettystreet.blogspot.com/2008/08/eko-lite-where-have-you-been-all-my.html
Overall, a highly recommended product, especially if weight is a consideration. Manduka eKO Lite Yoga Mat (Poseidon)
I purchased the thicker 5mm eKO mat by Manduka and I love it. I then purchased the light 3mm eKO mat to take to classes and I was very disappointed. I expected the mat to perform similar to the purple lite Manduka. Unfortunately, it didn't provide any support for my knees during poses. It is thinner than most "average" mats and actually provides less support. I was really disappointed. Lately, I've been using a studio mat under the 3mm eKO mat but I find it extremely frustrating and cumbersome. I've broken down and purchased another mat, the purple Manduka mat to take to class. I totally feel like I've wasted $40 on this purchase. I highly recommend the 5mm mat or the purple (lite) mat by Manduka, but not this one. It definitely missed the mark compared to other Manduka products. I gave it two stars because I don't slip....
I had a cheap $20 mat for yoga that started to fall apart. In particular the wear points of successive downward dogs, etc. I decided to spend a bit more and get this mat. The smell of rubber is quite strong but not too bad. The biggest problem is that the surface is too slippery. Even at the start of my workout before I begin to sweat I cannot maintain a downward dog because my hands slowly slide. Frustrating that I wasted my money. I may have to go back to a cheaper mat. I have tried washing it but no difference.
Prior to obtaining the Manduka eKO Lite, I practiced for years on a thin, inexpensive yoga mat that I had received as part of a kit. I always thought that I had no need of a pricey yoga mat; my old mat was a familiar friend, and it suited me fine. But from the moment I rolled out my new eKO Lite, I knew I had been wrong.
First of all, the eKO Lite, although about the same thickness as my old mat (1/8") had a much weightier feel; despite having been rolled up in a box for shipment, it immediately lay completely flat, virtually hugging the floor, with absolutely no lumps or buckling of any kind. Several other reviewers have mentioned that this mat has an odor; this is something that Manduka discusses on their web site, as it is related to the natural products which are used to create the mat. And yes, my mat did have a fairly strong, natural rubber scent when I first received it. However, I didn't find this scent to be particularly unpleasant, and it didn't stop me from using the mat the day after I received it. Furthermore, as instructed by Manduka, I left my mat unrolled for a few weeks, and now, after owning it for about a month, I can barely discern any smell at all.
Now, on to the most important issue: practicing with the eKO Lite! I am so impressed by the degree to which the surface of this mat grips my hands and feet during asanas--although I had thought my old mat was fine, the difference is astounding. Furthermore, my former mat tended to shift around under my feet a bit while performing certain standing postures, such as the warrior poses, but the eKO Lite does not--as mentioned above, it gripes my feet AND the floor, so I stay in place and the mat does too. I am not sure why others mentioned problems with sliding on this mat, as I have not had this issue at all, although I admit, I am not much of a sweater (perhaps those who sweat profusely would be happier with Manduka's original Black mat, which is much thicker and supposedly good for this purpose; I haven't tried it myself).
Finally, in terms of aesthetics: my eKO Lite is green (my favorite color!), and the Moss truly is a pretty shade, yet another thing to like about my new mat. The only (minor) downside about this mat is the size. I realize that because it is the eKO "Lite," it is designed to be the smaller, thinner, lighter, more travel-friendly version of Manduka's original eKO mat, which comes in at 71" x 26" and 7 lbs. (the eKO Lite weighs only 3.5 lbs.). Still, for this price, I still would've liked to have have seen a slightly larger than standard-sized mat, even if it was only to add a single extra inch all around. I should also note that at 1/8" thick, this is not a particularly cushy mat--that is fine with me, but if you like a thicker mat, you may want to go with the original eKO, which is 3/16".
Overall, however, I am extremely happy with my Manduka eKO Lite mat--it has definitely made practicing yoga even more pleasurable! I wouldn't hesitate to recommended trying the eKO Lite (or the eKO if you need more cushioning) to anyone wanting a high quality, high performance, and attractive mat that's environmentally friendly too.
Manduka eKO 3mmYoga Mat
The yoga mat is exactly as described in the catalog. When you get it you will need to unroll it and let it breathe for a week at least. The rubber smell is very powerful. After it breathes, it is quite good and works very well. Not a lot of cushioning (if you need/want that) but a very good, non-slip surface for pilates or yoga. - Manduka - Mat - Manduka Yoga Mat - Yoga'
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