Liforme & Manduka Yoga Mat Review
The Liforme or Manduka yoga mat review……
Dear Readers, I hope you find this yoga mat review helpful but if you have any other questions please do so in the comments section below.
In the last few months I have been spending increasing amounts of time practising yoga (as you may have noticed here at VYM it’s pretty much a staple of our lives). And so my dear mat is bearing the consequences. But bearing it well it is. A few scuff marks here and there; when a ‘floating’ foot back has become more of a dragging foot who knows where, and a ‘mindfully rooted’ hand has quickly become a gripping for dear life kind of hand. But you know, other than that it’s stood the test of its owner well. Which leaves me wondering what’s the big deal with all these all singing all dancing versions? Mine was an affordable £17 from Yogamatters and does all that I need, at least I thought it did until I began reading more into what else was out there. Below is a yoga mat review of what I found.
Of course there are many mats out there, but I thought i’d do a yoga mat review on what I identified as the two leaders of the yoga mat world; the Manduka at £50-£70 (depending on what version you go for) and Liforme, priced at a whopping £100.
The Manduka yoga mat, packaged as ‘chosen first by yoga teachers worldwide,’ sells its self to the eco warrior in us all. It’s not only committed to ensuring every material used is eco friendly and sustainably sourced, but also promotes a community ethos, inviting people to join their community where they promote non-profit yoga charities, such as yoga gangsters, and share their experiences of giving back to communities via programs like Heal the Bay. They also allow people to share their yoga experiences and become ambassadors of the Manduka mat. This all results in a feeling that not only are you investing in an earth friendly product but also being invited to join a group of like minded souls who all just want to share, give and do yoga. To use, well it definitely has that good quality feel, and as I move to Chaturanga there are certainly no whiffs of plastic, (something I hadn’t noticed with my current mat until now). It holds me well too, not too much slippage with the hands in downward dog but I think I will still need to keep my chalk to hand. A main minus point for me in terms of this yoga mat review is it’s durability; although it claims to be life time lasting mat it just feels exactly as strong as my £15 yogamatters mat, which granted still has a lot of life in it, but I’m just not sure how the Manduka offers more…
Next for the yoga mat review, Liforme. Now this really claims its worth, titling it’s self as ‘the revolutionary mat.’ I have to say I was impressed with it’s story, 5 years development time and the brainchild of yogi who was on a quest to create the perfect mat. But is it worth the hefty price tag. Well, it definitely ticks a lot of boxes. Firstly it, (like the Manduka yoga mat) claims to be eco friendly, but unlike the Manduka, this isn’t it’s primary selling point. In fact it almost suggests that being eco friendly was just an easy, might as well, given it does everything else kind of after thought. The main selling point which really makes it stand out from the crowd is its design; you have the alignment lines to help you really perfect that warrior pose, and then of course the general size of it, being wider and longer than your average mat. But for me what really caught my eye was the ‘grip for me’ material. I’m one of those that slip and slide all over the place in downward dog and so consequently my chalk has become essential, but to have a mat that does it all for you, well that would be handy. After having had a go on this mat, it’s grippyness is pretty amazing I have to say and it’s no wonder given I’ve been told it works the same way as tennis racket handle material by getting even more resistant when in contact with sweat. Who knew a mat could get so technical. It’s a lovely design and the alignment lines are definitely a bonus, plus it really does feel like a mat that would last a life time. But I guess it could feel like too much of a barrier between yourself and the floor if you like the oh natural feeling; plus the price tag is (…swallow…) heavy.
All in all both it’s definitely a close yoga mat review…they are clearly good products; The Liforme seems a yoga mat for those of us who love to know we have the best technology money can buy. Whereas The Manduka yoga mat seems more of an earth mothers choice, full of eco love with a hefty sprinkling of quality and performance thrown in too. For me, I feel if your going to fork out you might as well get something that guarantees to give you an experience worth paying and so its got to be the Liforme; but for now I’m going to stick to the mat i’ve got, secretly hoping someone with deep pockets and love for me will read this blog 🙂
Namaste
Nathalie, VYM x
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Hi Nathalie,
I am also researching yoga mats, and I am a bit surprised by your conclusions.
In particular, regarding the life span of the mats: Manduka has a lifetime guarantee, and apparently gets better with use, while the developer of the Liforme mat says it lasts for 300-500 practices before losing its grip – which is one year, if you practice daily.
Also, regarding technology and eco-friendliness: Manduka uses PVC, which is more technological, but less eco-friendly, and much more durable. While Liforme uses rubber, which less technological and more eco-friendly, but degrades quickly.
Hey Sappetta,
Well that’s really interesting. I have to say in terms of durability I haven’t practised on either for longer than a few tries so am going on what I read and have heard from colleagues and friends who have used them more permanently. But I would say that in general my experience with PVC mats is they do wear slightly thin after a while esp. if you have a dynamic practise such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa….and the Liforme just feels a lot more durable to practise on… Don’t you think?
In terms of material, the manduka is advertised as the eco friendly mat due to the manufacturing process they go through which ensures no toxic emissions (unlike other PVC mats). Plus they attempt to use renewable materials where ever possible. I agree with you re liforme (I think I did put this in my write up?) but yes from what I have heard the liforme also attempts to be as eco -friendly as possible (although unlike the manduka, that’s not there primary selling point).
I think it’s really down to which mat feels right for you. I actually have just purchased another mat but from a completely separate company and decided to go for more independent company rather than these big ones, but that’s more about me personally liking to support the smaller fish 🙂
Thanks for the reply, Nathalie!
Yes, in the end it boils down to personal preferences.
I am a bit put off by the fact that a £100 mat is supposed to last just one year: maybe thiswould be the perfect choice for yoga teachers who use it as their primary work instrument and are willing to spend accordingly, or for very dedicated and avanced students who want the best possible mat and do not mind forking out £100 a year..
For me, the lifetime guarantee of the Manduka is very appealing, as it still is one of the best mats out there.
May I know which Independent companies you like? I too like the idea of supporting smaller fish 🙂
Hey Sappetta, couldn’t agree more, and I am coming from a yoga teacher point of view hence my swaying more towards liforme…
The company is Lavieboheme- Similar kind of mat as the manduka in the way it’s made but with gorgeous designs and inspirational quotes- If you want a glimpse of my new mat take a look at my instagram or facebook account @valueyourmind for a picture I posted this morning. Good luck in your search. Nathalie x
The Liforme is NOT a durable mat. In less than six months of daily use, my Liforme is peeling really bad. So much of the rubber has peeled off in the foot area that the inner white material is visible. Every single time I use it, more little rubber pieces get peeled off. The grip is still good but I don’t like how the mat is disintegrating in front of my eyes.
I also have a Manduka PROlite that I’m in the process of breaking in. I don’t like that it’s very narrow compared to the Liforme but if after the break-in process I find that it has a good grip, I might get the regular Manduka Pro because it’s wider than the PROlite. Then I will test if Manduka mats are as durable as they say.
Sorry to hear that you’ve had that experience. For me I have to say both my travel liforme and original liforme mat have last years! Both are in great condition. I would suggest contacting liforme directly because maybe there was something about that particular batch that were manufactured.
Thank you for a great review of the Liforme mat! I have a Manduka now and I do love it. I practice Ashtanga pretty frequently (5 to 6 times a week). I do sweat a lot and have slipped on it. So I am wondering if I should give Liforme a try! Thanks again! Namaste.
Hey Claudia, no worries at all. Yes I feel your pain re slipping about, esp. frustrating in Downward dog. On the plus side it definitely encourages us to engage all those bandhas in order to stay in place 🙂
VYM, Nathalie x
I had a Manduka mat and after practising an hour every day faithfully for a month (and doing several salt scrubs etc) I was STILL slipping heavily. I was so frustrated, I sent it back (through amazon) and bought a liforme mat, I have NO regrets! It’s amazing! No slip at all, and the alignment lines have made a world of difference for my practice! Hope this helps
Hey! Ahh I feel your pain. Glad you’ve got something that works now. I have the liforme now too and have had it for about a year! It’s still working brilliantly 🙂 x
I was just at a workshop and another teacher had the liforme mat. She says it has an unbelievable grip. I have used my manduka pro for a long time and I love it. I have the extra large one so it is a bit cumbersome to take along with me. I record the travel mat for the pro this past christmas. I am having the hardest time breaking it in. It’s to the point that I barely use it anymore and resort to carrying around the big one. I do have to say, I, like you, am hoping someone loves me very much this holiday to spend the extra money to get the liforme mat…
Hi Sue, You may be interested in the article I am writing right now actually, it includes a review of the latest liforme travel mat. I am putting it out on Sunday so please do check back here then or follow us on facebook where you will be kept up to date with any new reviews or articles.
I have my fingers crossed that someone you love is reading this and you get your wish this christmas 🙂
I would like to know where you read this use/wear information for liforme. I have yet to see that anywhere.
Hi Ashley, my reviews are based on my own use of products. I’m not sure if this answers your question; if not perhaps you could clarify what information you are yet to see anywhere that you are referring to?
Many thanks
Nathalie
This is such a wonderful review Nathalie! I wonder if anyone here could give me some thoughts…
There are many sweaty yogis but it’s quite different to specifically having the condition of sweaty palms and feet. Mine sweat to the extent that it’s not uncommon for them to drip sweat when I’m just sat at my desk. If I’m sitting at a table with my elbows propped with hand stacked above propping my head up for example, little puddles sometimes form at my elbows. I often tell people, “if you cannot start a water colour painting from the palm of your hand on a regular day, you don’t have sweaty palms…”
Liforme is the only mat I’ve used so far (at classes) that allows me to practice without 2 towels absorbing sweat. However, GBP 100 is so steep for 1y practice!
Does anyone know if Manduka will be good enough for hands and feet like mine?
Hi Melissa, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed the review. Have you looked at the liforme travel mat? Its slightly cheaper. I’ve actually written a little review on it in my wellness gifts blog http://www.valueyourmind.com/2015/11/22/health-and-wellbeing-gifts/
The other thing that I know some people use is the yoga towel over their mats… I’ve heard good things. Lastly have you tried chalk? I find it so helpful to use esp. When using rubbishy yoga studio mats, really helps create some grip.
X
Hello Nathalie,
First, thanks for the review. I’m know im late to the party but I’ve been reviewing yoga mats for a few weeks now and until this review had pretty much sold myself on the Manduka eKO mat. Would you mind telling me which Manduka mat you used for this review?
thanks!
Hi Larry sorry for the delay. I’ve been busy retreat planning 🙂
Thanks for your message. It was quite a while ago but if I remember rightly it was the Manduka Pro. I’ve heard the Manduka eKO is pretty good though so do let me know how it goes.
Thanks
Nathalie
I have a liforme Matt and it’s worth every penny. The grip is amazing even when covered in sweat. I don’t need to use a towel so my feet can really grip and push against it. It’s made a huge difference to my practise.
Hi Gillian, thanks for your message.
Yes completely agree with you! I wrote this post a while ago and now have a liforme travel mat which I wrote about in another blog http://www.valueyourmind.com/2015/11/22/health-and-wellbeing-gifts/
It’s been over a year now and it’s still going strong
Hey Nathalie – I think the entire purpose of a review is telling someone your own experience. You have talked
Of manduka and lifeforme and mentioned their facts, which are all stated on their respective websites.
Yes, later while answering questions, you mention that you have purchased lifeforme etc.
so this article was simply no review based in your experience.
m
Hi, bit confused to where this has come from as I clearly talk about my experience of both mats within the review and I then back up what I’m saying with info I have found through research on both mats….This is how articles are often written; You provide a combination of opinion and fact. I have talked about my experience of using the manduka, how it feels, my experience of it in comparison with cheaper mats and what I like about the companies ethos. I have also done the same with the liforme. Again talking about how it feels when practising on it and what I like about the companies ethos. These are all what I consider important factors when buying a yoga mat. But of course reviews are subjective summaries and so if readers want any other information that is where commenting and asking questions can be utilised. If you have any questions you would like to ask do let me know. Many thanks, Nathalie
Gracias desde México! Compraré un Liforme ¿have you heard about Heathyoga mats?
No I haven’t. Tell me more? Worth me reviewing?
hey Mariana i’m also from mexico, did you buy the liforme or Heathyoga? 🙂 gracias!
thanks for sharing nice post with us.
Thanks for your review. I will share my experience over the past few years with the Manduka Pro, Manduka Ekos and the Lifeforme.
I was attracted to the eco friendly factor of all 3. The Manduka Pro is the only one with lifetime warranty. I love the thickness of both Manduka mats, great for knees without compromising stability. My Manduka Pro is great for non-hot classes and while I have had it longer than the ekos and lifeforme it is in better condition. So, I was gifted the ekos by a student after mentioning I was thinking of giving it a try to use in hot classes, however I found I still needed towel, even though the grip was a bit better than the PRO. I have had the ekos for about 3 years and looks a bit worn compared to Pro. Frustrated that I was still having to mess with a towel, I took the plunge and purchased the Lifeforme based on the claims regarding stickiness and nonslip feature. I have been using it for 3 years now and it is the only mat I use for sweaty classes now, I actually spray the top and bottom before class and it gives more traction. My only complaint is that it is surprisingly thin and I have never had a problem with knees, but I feel I like it would be perfect if it were a bit thicker. The other difference is that the Lifeforme uses open-cell technology (so it absorbs sweat) so it can get smelly if not careful about airing out after use, while both Mandukas are closed cell, so bacteria and sweat sit on top. My Lifeforme looks pretty beat up, but it is still my go to for hot classes (3-5x/week). I use both my mandukas when I teach and take non-hot classes (10x/wk). Hope this is helpful.
Hey Nathalie
This is a great article. I need to buy some mat for my own.
But I cant know which is best mart and how can I find it.
In your article you listed question, price, stickiness and other. That’s a great idea and it help people.
I follow your tips and idea to buy a mat and its tremendous.
I got a comfortable eco mat. If people need to know how can they buy mat they must come to this link.https://www.floormatreviews.com/best-yoga-mat-for-bad-knees/
Thank you for shear this significant info.
Hi,
Thanks for writing this in-depth review. Actually, I am also searching for information on
best yoga mat for bad knees.
But there is a lot of reviews on the web that makes me confused which one I should buy.
If you haven’t decided yet get the Manduka Pro for knees. It’s much thicker than the others and will last a lot longer. Mine looks new after 5+ years of frequent yoga. You can also purchase additional items to specifically pad the knee. I practice with my knees lifted E.g. High lunge rather than low lunge to avoid excess pressure
Impressive! Thanks for the post
Click here for Manduka Yoga Mat
Awesome information about MANDUKA VS LIFORME YOGA MAT review.
I really enjoyed…. thanks
You are very welcome