I read the previous reviews and many complained of a strong, new "chemical" smell. Although it did have a strong smell when I opened it and used it the first time, by the next day the smell had disappeared. Not sure if it's worth the exra few dollars compared to the other similar yet cheaper yoga mat on Amazon.

I started a stretching class at my local gym 3 months ago. The mat supplied for the class were too thick and to short. Also, I knew for a fact that they were cleaned during the day but not after each class. Yes, I was ready to buy my first mat. I really like the fact that it's longer and 1/4 inch thick. I think it is perfect! I've noticed the smell but it fades away after a couple of days (just keep it unrolled for a couple of days). Honestly, I don't see how a more expensive mat will improve my confort or ... flexibility.

Provides a nice padded surface and the perfect size for me. Definitely a quality product.

I really like this mat. It has just the right of stickiness and it is thick enough to cushion my knees. My one complaint was that it had a terribly strong chemical type odor when I first opened it. It was so strong that I got a headache from using it. I read what others did and simply sponged the mat off with some dish detergent. After rinsing it off in the shower and hanging it to dry, the smell was completely gone. Other than that, the mat is perfect in every way! Oh--the vendor was super fast in shipping. I think I had it within 2 days!

I read all of the reviews for this product and was really excited to get a mat so I could stop using loaners and then it came and yes it smelled bad and I didn't really care but then I went to use it and it is ridiculously slippery. Someone mentioned that it was slightly slippery but in comparison to the loaner (maybe that was just a really good mat?) this was horrible. I could hardly stay in downward dog because my hands and feet kept slipping. So yes it's comfortable but who cares if you can't stay on it?