I have to admit I was initially SO worried about this mat due to everyone comparing it to an ice rink. I’m a sweaty yogi and my old mat was a beat up lulu I held on too for too long. I decided on the manduka pro for 2 reasons 1. Longevity; 2. Hygiene. I don’t want to replace my mat every 4 years, and the closer cell technology was appealing as my lulu got pretty gross. Upon getting it, yes it was slippery. But I took a hard bristle brush and some degrease dish soap, scrubbed the hell out of it, hosed it off, then scrubbed with a dry towel. It’s just as sticky if not stickier than my lulu now. I didn’t want to do the salt method as it sounded long, messy and I’d have to buy the salt. I read this method worked for others, and it definitely does. Literally 30 min of work saved me a lengthy break in process. Some might think that’s ridiculous for a 180 dollar mat, but it’s worth it if I won’t have to replace this bad boy for a decade or more! On to the actual product: thick, heavy duty, and it will cushion my knees during practice nicely. Downward dog - no slippage (and I’m bad for that). Only downside are the dark, muted colours and lack of designs. They have some on their website a little nicer, but 204 pre tax was a bit much for my needs. Either way nice mat, and won’t deduct stars for a design I knowingly purchased. If you like a flashier mat , don’t want to do a break in process, or don’t mind replacing a mat every 3-4 years, this probably isn’t your mat (still love lulus!). Otherwise if you value longevity I would recommend this beast Read more