Jade Harmony vs. Kurma GECO: Which Rubber Yoga Mat Will Really Grip Your Practice?
Want a rubber yoga mat but unsure about which one to choose? We get it. Jade Harmony is known as the king of grip, but our GECO has a few surprises in store. In this comparison, we’ll compare both mats side-by-side and look beyond the marketing hype. This will be interesting for yogis who value grip, durability, and honesty.
The actual comparison
Let’s start with some hard numbers, because they don’t lie.
Jade Harmony vs. KURMA GECO Comparison Chart:
| Property | Jade Harmony | KURMA GECO |
|---|---|---|
| Dry grip (laboratory test) | 2.8 | 5.0 |
| Wet grip (laboratory test) | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Material | Natural rubber + fillers + plasticizer | Natural rubber + synthetic + recycled rubber |
| Thickness | 4-5mm | 6mm |
| Weight | ±2.3kg | ±2.5kg |
| Recyclable | No | 100% (1 old mat = 17 new mats) |
| OEKO-TEX certified | No | Yes (Class I) |
| Usable on both sides | Yes | Yes |
The difference in dry grip is quite… remarkable. 78% more grip than “exceptional grip”? Now that’s what I call exceptional.
Recycling Reality
“The KURMA GECO is the only rubber yoga mat that can be 100% recycled.”
This isn’t marketing fluff—this is a practical reality. One used GECO mat provides material for 17 new mats. Other yoga mats? They end up in landfills or get incinerated. These brands simply aren’t willing to use recycled materials because of the higher costs. And while we’re on the topic of sustainability: our production is emission-free and energy-efficient. Plus, we’re OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certified. That means it’s safe for people and the environment—and yes, also for your downward dog.
Where the Real Differences Lie
Grip Reality Check
Jade claims to offer exceptional grip, but our laboratory tests show a different picture. The GECO scores almost twice as high for dry grip. In wet conditions, the difference is smaller but still in favor of the GECO.
Material Transparency
Here’s where things get interesting. Jade claims 100% natural rubber, but actually uses a mix of natural rubber, fillers, and plasticizer. We’re transparent: our GECO combines natural rubber (not sourced from the Amazon), synthetic, and recycled rubber. No hidden ingredients, no greenwashing.
Durability Where It Matters
The top and bottom of the GECO are identical and made from 100% natural rubber. With Jade, the underside is less durable. Our underside has 40% more abrasion resistance compared to Jade’s. In practice, this means no early signs of wear where you stand the most.
Your Choice, Our Conclusion
For yogis who take grip, transparency, and sustainability seriously, the choice is clear. The GECO offers superior grip, honest material communication, and 100% recyclability. Jade has a strong reputation, but our numbers and certifications tell a different story. Ready to truly get a grip on your practice?
- Best grip
GECO Lite Pinnacle 185 x 66
- Best grip
GECO Anthracite 200 x 66
Frequently asked questions Jade Harmony vs. Kurma GECO
The 6mm thick GECO offers more cushioning than most Jade Harmony models (4-5mm). Perfect for intensive practices and sensitive knees.
Sustainability has two sides: lifespan and environmental impact. The GECO has higher wear resistance and is 100% recyclable. Jade mats are not recyclable.
Laboratory tests show that the GECO has 78% more dry grip than the Jade Harmony. In wet conditions, both perform similarly, with a slight advantage for the GECO.
Absolutely. The combination of natural rubber and superior grip makes the GECO ideal for hot yoga and other intensive practices where you sweat.
The GECO offers more grip, longer lifespan, dual-sided use, and full recyclability. That’s a lot of added value for your investment.
Yes, as long as you DON’T drag your heel across the mat surface during the many ‘through’ and ‘back’ jumps. The pressure from your heel on the rubber will exceed the elasticity point of the rubber molecules, causing too much stress on the foam and resulting in small rubber particles breaking off.
If you tend to drag your heel on the mat during Ashtanga practice, the KURMA CORE is the recommended mat for you. Many Ashtangis are big fans of the underside of the KURMA CORE mat.
