Materials determine 80% of your mat experience: grip (dry vs wet), odor, durability, and cleaning. Here’s the practical version.
| Material | Typical feel | Grip | Odor | Durability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Spongy / cushioned | Often decent dry grip | Variable | Can be durable | We avoid it on this site. |
| TPE | Lighter, sometimes softer | Medium (varies) | Often lower | Medium | Look for clear composition and coatings. |
| Natural rubber | Dense, grounded | High wet grip (often) | Can smell at first | High | Latex allergies matter. Care matters. |
New-mat smell is common across materials. What we care about is transparency: explicit material composition, any coatings, and whether the brand offers testing or reputable certifications.
Practical tip: air out new mats for a few days. If odor is extreme or persistent, use the return policy.