I wanted to wait a while before writing the review as I've read many reviews and was aware of the slipping at the beginning.
Unfortunately, I have sweaty palms and feet. I have a strong daily ashtanga practice which requires grip as I move a lot.
When I first got the ProLite I was so excited. Initial grip was fantastic as my palms and feet were dry but after 2 sun sals, I began to slip in down dogs. It was like being on a plastic water slide after 10m into practice. I salted it for longer than 24 hours, rubbing the salt in before and after, trying to 'exfoliate' the mat. It helped a bit but not that much.
I've been practising a long time so I understand that mats are very personal. A mat that suits one won't suit another. This mat is great for my hubby who has dry palms and hates my suede and rubber mats because he slips on them.
But for sweaty palms me, it's been a few weeks now and it's still slippery. I'm giving this mat a 3 for now and will update it when/if the grip gets better. Martin from Eco Yoga Store who was very helpful and friendly, have warned me about it and suggested using a towel initially which works fine. I'm still confident that the mat will grip more as time goes by but I'm a little disappointed that it's taking longer than I thought.
So my recommendation is, if you have dry palms and feet, this mat is awesome as it grips, feels great and has good cushioning. Weight is great as it's not as heavy as the Pro but still feels solid. I have plenty of friends who rave about their Mandukas so I trust that the brand is good. If you have sweaty palms, you have got to be prepared to put in the hard yards breaking it in. If you're a beginner with sweaty palms, prob give this one a miss.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Jojo, and you are right that the PROLite yoga mat does require a break-in period to allow the grip to evolve, and this will differ from individual to individual exactly as you have found with the difference in grip between you and your husband when using the same mat. The PROLite is designed as a medium grip mat to allow you to flow between poses but with heavy perspiration this can mean that it feels slippery for some people, and hence our suggestion to pair with a yoga towel, although this can just be a hand towel, and only used when you feel yourself slipping or as required. For those who prefer not to use a towel then the GRP Adapt yoga mat is designed to absorb perspiration and maintain grip. If we can be of any further help please get in touch. Enjoy your practice.
I have had the same mat for the past 10 years and it is perfect for my practise. This mat has kept its surface in the same condition and I have never had any issue with it. If the puppy hadn't eaten chunks from my old one I wouldn't of bought another as it still had plenty of life in it.
Thank you Dave and Dave's Puppy, obviously we're sorry that your puppy facilitated you having to replace your PROLite yoga mat, but happy to hear that you liked it so much you replaced it like for like!
I’m in love with my mat. Such a joy practicing on it so far. I did the salt method to help break it in and I have found it perfectly grippy from the get go.
I am thrilled with my choice. Thank you.