Customer Reviews

Harmony - A Natural Yoga Mat

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The real pleasure of this mat is its dense cushion. I have a bony spine, and I have yet to be uncomfortable in poses on my back (like Happy Baby). As far as stickiness is concerned, it is excellent until you start to break a heavy sweat. I still need a towel at the front of my mat if I'm doing several Sun Salutations in a heated room. A much better value than the expensive famous "black mats." Those are ice skating rinks for me too, but are heavier and cost at least $20 more. It may be that as I continue to use it the surface will become stickier - that's happened with other mats I've had. I'll see!

When I started yoga I bought a mat I thought was pretty- but it was thin and slippery. After that was a plain mat that was thick, but I sunk into the mat and balancing was really difficult. Then I found this mat.... This mat provides great cushion, but its high density so no sinking in. Its sticky (gets stickier with use) so no slipping. I also like that the mat is light weight. I bought the orange one and I love looking at this color while I practice- for some reason it makes me happy. The only bad thing about this mat is that it smelled horrible for the first couple of weeks. If you can get over the fact that the mat will smell in the beginning you will be rewarded with one of the best mats on the market.

Not only did I get a Manduka pro mat, but I got this one too. I was still looking for something really sticky, and once I felt the Jade in its wrapper, I was sold. I know, that is a ridiculous way to judge a mat's grip or function, but knowing it was their top of the line, surveying yogis with this mat and their satisfaction, and the little gnome in my head telling me the grass is always greener...I used up a gift certificate and got a second mat.

While not as long as the Manduka, it has turned out to be a bit stickier. I still slip during really hot classes, as I tend to sweat quite heavily. I just always bring a hand towel with me. I like that there is a tree planted with the purchase of the mat. Compared to the "black mat", it is indeed much lighter and rolls up quite small.

I would have given this a full five stars, but the strong rubber smell from its components is almost not worth taking it to yoga, so I am glad I have the Manduka. In fact, the odor is nauseating at times. I have washed the Jade with various soaps, but I guess the only remedy will be time-and fresh air making the odor dissipate (I hope!)

I purchased this mat because I was told it is "stickier" than most, i.e, meaning that even with excessive perspiration, one wouldn't slip. The mat is sticky, alright, but I find that halfway through class I am still slipping. However, it seems to be a great mat otherwise - the natural rubber gives it a sturdier, different feel than most other mats I've tried. I like that they plant a tree with each yoga mat purchased.

This is my favorite yoga mat. I have tried Manduka mats (both the black and travel) as well, and still prefer the Jade Harmony. I recently bought one for my mother as well.

If you are deciding to upgrade from a cheaper mat, my advice is go for it. This mat is well worth the difference it will make in your yoga practice. You will not think about the mat getting in your way as you would with cheaper mats!

If it is between the Jade Harmony and Manduka, I would go with the Jade Harmony. It is less expensive than the black mat, and also MUCH less heavy to carry! I have tried both for extended periods of time and am much happier with the Jade Harmony mat.

Pros:

1. No slipping! The natural rubber grips very well. This means your form will not be compromised due to a slippery mat! As compared to manduka, you can use your mat right out of the box. There is no scrubbing away the top layer like manduka mats.

2. Padding. The rubber provides some padding for the knees, much more comfortable than other mats.

3. Nice colors. There are a nice variety of colors (not the most important, but nice)

4. Not heavy.

Cons:

1. On carpeted floors, bunches up a little. Not too bad though, most mats would do this.

2. Be prepared to spend $50. The quality is well worth the price.

This is by far the best mat I have ever used. I am a yoga teacher and have tried many many different yoga mats over the last 10 years, and I have found this one to be heads above the rest. Even the Black Mat, which is dense and stable, is sometimes a bit slippery, and is exceedingly heavy to carry around. The Harmony mat is very dense, very sticky without being squishy, and is relatively light weight. The only problem I've found with it, is that the bottom of the mat underneath where your hands and feet would be in Down Dog, for example, becomes worn and rather non-sticky after about a year or so of daily practice. I have gone through three of these in the last few years, but it is still my top pick. Several of my students have gotten one too, and they love it. Some reviewers were bothered by the intense rubbery smell, but I found this usually goes away after about a month or two of frequent use.
Overall the best mat on the market, and well worth the extra $.

It took a long time for the mat to arrive. The smell of it was unbearable for weeks. But it works really well and I appreciate that it is eco-friendly.

I just got this mat and I love it. It is heavy compared to your run-of-the-mill Gaiam mat and because it is so grippy, it really stays in place on carpeted floors. Also I love that it's heaviness keeps it from curling up on the ends; once it is spread out, it lies totally flat right away. The place mine was purchased from didn't have them wrapped in plastic, they just have a paper label around them, so mine must have had time to air out; there is almost no rubber smell unless you put your face right up against the mat. It feels really thick but it is bouncy, you don't feel like you are sinking in, it is really stable. I got the orchid color and it is just gorgeous, it is a cross between a lavender and a rose color. Highly recommend this mat, it feels like it is going to last a long time!

I just purchased this mat and I've been working it in every day for a week. It had a strong rubber smell when I first unpacked it. Some people complained but I think the odor is quite understandable as this product is made entirely of rubber! I washed it with dish soap and I've been airing it out for the week, and the smell is definitely dissapaiting. I will not be rolling it for some time, however, to give it more of a chance to release the smell. The mat is wonderfully sticky and is already wearing in, in a good way. I tend to have sweaty palms and downward dog can be very slippery, but not with this mat! Just the right amount of cushion. I am really happy with this purchase. If you need a new mat, this would be a great choice, as long as you are up for taking the time to air it out for a few weeks.

The Jade Harmony mat provides good grip. I feel really secure during practice, no sliding at all. I don't detect any overwhelming odor like other reviewers had described. If you get really close to the mat, yeah, it smells like rubber but it really doesn't bother me. Gave it 4 stars because I only had it for a month, will have to see how long this mat will last.