Sign in Pro
Best Workout Jump Ropes Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The materials used are going to let you know how durable it is going to be, and it will dictate how fast you will be able to move. There are generally two different types of materials that are used with these products, and each option has very distinct advantages and disadvantages. Read about different materials below to decide on the best jump rope.
Plastic: Plastic is great because it is incredibly lightweight and durable. If you like to train out in the rain, you won’t have to worry about your gear rusting to becoming weak. Plus, it is usually more affordable. Plastic handles are typically covered in a layer of foam or EVA, which is going to wick away sweat (but can sometimes absorb odors), and will provide a very sure grip. When it comes to the line, plastic isn’t going to give you as much weight as cable, which means that it is going to be more prone to tangling. The good news about plastic lines is that they are going to sting far less if you happen to miss and the line hits your shins.
Steel/Cable: When it comes to the handles, some users just flat out prefer to use thin, metal grips. While steel isn’t going to provide the same level of comfort, the thinner styles really allow users to hook their fingers around the grip, which will, in turn, give them more control over the speed and the pivot of the line (which will allow you to move faster and perform tricks). When it comes to the line, steel is going to be one of your better options. It is going to be far less likely to become tangled, and the overall weight to it is going to give you more control as well as complete masterful tricks. The downside to steel cable has to do with what happens if you botch your landing. If you happen to miss and the line hits your shins (which is bound to happen when you are learning), steel is going to hurt much more than plastic. However, one way to lessen the blow a little bit is to opt for a design that is made from cable, but it coated with a thick layer of PVC.
Comfort
When you are running and your shoes are rubbing up against your ankles- you are going to stop. When engaging in a little bit of plyo and your shorts are rubbing up against your thighs- you are going to be more prone to stop. If you are jumping with a device that is digging into your hands or constantly hitting your shins- you are going to be more prone to stop. To fully get the most amount of benefits from these designs, you want to ensure that it is comfortable. From our research, we have discovered that there are two distinct styles of handles, and users are split between which one is going to be the best.
Thicker grip: Hands down, thicker grips are going to be more comfortable. Typically, they are weighed down on the inside with a steel frame, and then they are coated with a layer of neoprene, rubber, or foam. Foam is one of the more popular materials because it is more affordable and more comfortable, but it doesn’t wear as well and is prone to absorbing odors. Rubber is going to be another great option, because your hands are going to really be able to grip it the way they would a tennis racket, but they are often more expensive. The good news about rubber is that it doesn’t absorb odors. Neoprene is another great option because it is going to form to the shape of your hand over time, and is often more comfortable than traditional foam, but it is still going to absorb odors and moisture.
Thinner grip: Thinner grips typically don’t have any soft materials coating them, and keep hands in place with grooved metal or aluminum. This means that they can become a little slick with sweaty hands, but they aren’t going to absorb odors or moisture, and they are going to be a lot easier to wipe down to clean off any bacteria. While they aren’t going to be as comfortable as foam, they do have their very distinct advantages. To have better control over the line, you are going to need to position your wrists at a different angle for a wider, or a more narrow, angle. When you are dealing with a thinner handle, this means that you are going to have more control over the line. When you have more control over the line, you are going to be less likely to nip your shins.
Adjustability
Almost all of the designs out there on the market allow users to change the length of the line, but some are just a little bit easier than others. Depending upon the style that you select, you may need to crack open your toolbox and fish out some tools. There are two different adjustment methods that users can select- temporary adjustments and permanent adjustments.
Temporary adjustment: If you aren’t quite sure what the exact length that you will need, a temporary adjustment might be more your speed. These designs require that users unscrew the base of the handles (temporary adjustments are found in the bulkier handle designs), and then pull more line out, or tuck the line inside the handle. This method doesn’t require that you pull out any tools, and you can change the length to suit your needs, or if it is going to be something that will be used by more than one person.
Permanent adjustment: These types of adjustments are for designs that have slimmer grips (because there is no place to store extra line). For plastic lines, you will simply need to employ the use of a pair of scissors to snip it to the right length. This can be a little tricky, because there is really nothing that you can do if you snip it to be too short. Cable lines are even more tricky to adjust, because you cannot use scissors to snip the line. To cut cable, you are going to need to fish out a pair of wire/cable cutters to trim the line. Permanent adjustments are not ideal, but they are necessary if you want to opt for thinner handles.
Size
There are two sizes that you are going to need to consider- the size of the handle and the size of the cable.
Handle size: From our research, the standard size of most handles measure in at around 5 inches. We feel that this is the perfect size for handles, because you are going to run into some problems if it is anything more or less than that. If it is less, it means that you won’t be able to fully wrap the base of your palm around the handle, which is going to limit your control of the cable. Plus, if you have larger hands, this is going to be even more difficult to control. If it is more than 5 inches in length, it means that it is going to be a little unwieldy to control the cable, and it is going to put unnecessary strain on your wrists.
Line length: While most designs out there are able to be adjusted, you want to ensure that it comes in at a long enough length that is going to work for you- even if you are over 6 feet tall. We found that the standard length of these designs is about 10 feet in length- which is going to be long enough for those that measure to be upwards of 6’6’’. However, just because it measures in at 10 feet long doesn’t mean it has to stay that long! Be sure that you opt for a design that allows you to adjust it to the length that you need.
Ease of Use
Sure, kids on the playground don’t seem to have much trouble, but they also have a lot of extra free time to hone their craft. We wanted to ensure that we selected designs that were going to be able to be used by those just starting out, but that still has a smart design that can grow with you as your technique improves. There is one component in these devices that are going to be able to accommodate novices and veterans- and it is found in the base of the handle. A steel ball bearing where the handle meets the line is going to be your key for success. This little joint allows for the line to travel unencumbered in the handle, so there is going to be less of a chance that the line is going to become coiled, tangled, or get caught around the handle. When you are just starting out, these little improvements are going to be your key to success. Trust us, we know that it can become frustrating when you are trying to get in a good workout, but you keep getting caught up in the line. If you want something that is really going to perform, keep an eye out for designs that have that ball bearing. There are also designs that use a type of 360-degree loop that work just as good, if not better, than the standard ball bearing option.
Top 10 Jump Ropes
1. Fitness Factor
The reason that we placed this jump rope design from Fitness Factor at the top of our list is that it is made from high quality and comfortable materials that are going to make it a lot easier to increase your intensity without getting all tangled up and frustrated.
One of the things that we liked most about this design is that the handles are made from a soft but durable neoprene-like material that is going to provide a superior grip. While you won’t have to worry about it flying out of your hands while in use, the breathable material is also going to be incredibly comfortable for those long sessions.
Another thing that we liked about this design is that the line is actually adjustable, so you can find the perfect length for your body and build. There is absolutely nothing worse than a line that is too short! Plus, the plastic material that makes up the line is very durable, and it is tangle resistant, which means that you won’t ever have to halt your workout to untangle line like its a string of Christmas lights.
If you are new to this activity, Fitness Factor offers users a manual that provides some tricks and tips to help you master this special exercise, and they will replace your entire device if you find that something breaks on you. All of these reasons combined make this one of our very favorite choices.
2. Survival and Cross
If you are looking for something that is going to give you the freedom to really pump up the intensity, this is going to be one of your best jump ropes. The line spins on a metal hook that is implanted into the handles, so you are going to be able to spin this line as fast as your arms will allow.
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this jump rope design. It only offered in one solid color option- black thin handles with a black line. The thinner handles may not be ideal for some because the smooth plastic can become slippery on hot hands, but many users absolutely love thinner handles because it allows them to really wrap their hands around it for superior control.
Adjusting the line to fit your needs is simple and easy. To lengthen or shorten the line, pull down on the handle and move the line in and out as you see fit. What makes this so great is that you can tinker with the length to find that perfect fit, and it isn’t going to take all that much time.
Plastic handles with a plastic line mean that not only is this unit going to be incredibly durable, but it is also going to hold up for those hardcore training sessions in the rain. If you are new to this activity, a purchase of this product also comes with a manual that is going to have you performing double unders in no time!
3. WOD Nation
If you are a little disappointed with the few color options out there, you are bound to like this design from WOD Nation. While it is made from high-quality materials that will really allow you to up the intensity, it is also offered in a wide array of bright and fun colors.
Users will have the option to select from colors that include blue, black, green, pink, yellow, red, orage, and gray. Not only are the handles going to come in these bright and metallic colors, but the line is going to come in that color as well.
One of the big things that we noticed with this design is that is it made from the same type of heavy duty materials that you would find in all of your gym equipment. While the handle is made from a slim plastic, the connector to the line is made from liquid steel bearings, and the line itself is made from an incredibly strong steel. This means it is really going to be able to cut through the air- but be careful, because if you happen to miss that line can really sting your shins!
The reason that this is one of our favorite choices is because it is offered in a wide range of fun colors that you won’t find anywhere else, and it is made from really high quality gym-grade materials that is going to make for a heavy duty piece of workout gear that will be able to keep up with your intensity.
4. King Athletic
If you are new to the game and want something that is designed for beginners, this design from King Athletic is going to be one of your best jump ropes (and your shins will thank you!). While it doesn’t come in a lot of color options, the materials and design of this product are made to be just a little bit easier and more comfortable to use.
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is made from materials that are not only going to be comfortable on your hands, but the plastic line is going to sting less when you botch your landing. The ball bearing in the base of the unit is able to be removed to not only adjust the length of the line, but it also makes it capable of achieving some pretty high speeds once you get the hang of it.
Users really love that this design comes with a lot of extra tools that are designed to help you get the most out of your workout. It comes with two free eBooks that are designed to help you master your form, as well as a video that will teach you tricks to keep things interesting.
Users really like this design because it is easy to use, and it is designed to be something that can grow with you as your form improves. If you are a beginner that wants to become a pro- this is going to be one of your better options in our option.
5. Limm All
What we liked most about this design from Limm All is that it sports a bulkier design that makes it great for beginners, and it is offered in quite a few fun colors that stand out from the crowd. Plus, it is able to be easily adjusted to accommodate your height.
Users will have the option to select from colors that include black, red, yellow, blue, and green. The handles are striped in neoprene for a secure fit in your hands, and the line is coated in a glossy color finish that is going to sting less when it hits your shins, and will prevent from tangling. If you're looking for the best jump ropes that can fit your style, this model is for you.
Due to the fact that the line swivels on a ball bearing, it means that you are going to be able to achieve some pretty fast speeds without wearing down the tension on the line. To adjust the length of the line, simply screw the ball bearing away from the handle, and pull in or pull out your desired length that will work best for your height.
The quality materials used to make this something that is going to be able to take quite a beating- even in bad weather- without much wear and tear. Users love the colors that are offered, and how easy it is to make adjustments as needed.
6. SPORTBIT
If you are looking for something that is a little slimmer that will slip easily into your gym bag, this is going to be one of your better options. Not only are the handles incredibly thin (which can also provide a tighter grip), the line is almost as thick as the handles.
One of the downsides to this design is that to adjust the length of the line, you are going to have to actually cut it with scissors and attach it back to the handles. This method is going to allow users to keep that impossibly thin grip (because it won’t have to store extra line inside), but it means you are going to need to be incredibly careful when making adjustments because you cannot add line once it has been cut.
While it may seem very lightweight, there is just enough weight in the line and in the handles that will give you that perfect amount of spin while in use, so it is going to be very easy to generate a good rhythm and a lot of speed.
For those that are looking for something that has a very simple design that is going to work very well for beginners all the way up to experts, this is going to be a really great option. Plus, SPORTBIT offers a full replacement for the lifetime of your product if anything breaks.
7. XYLsports
This design from XYLsports is another option that provides newbies and veterans a very simple frame that is lightweight, but it has just enough weight that is going to allow you to hit some pretty high speeds. It isn’t offered in any fun color options, but the small frame is going to be something that will be quite easy to toss into a gym bag.
Just like we have seen with some of the other designs out there on the market, this option is going to require that you use scissors to adjust the length of the line. This means that you are going to need to be extra careful when you are making your adjustments, because you cannot add more line if you cut it to be too short.
The handles are a little bit bulkier than most, and they are made from a thick plastic that is coated in a layer of foam. This foam layer is going to provide a superior grip, while still being incredibly breathable when it comes to sweaty palms.
High-quality ball bearings in the handles are going to make adjusting the length just a little easier, but it also means that you are really going to be able to achieve some high speeds without the line getting caught or becoming tangled. If you are looking for something simple and easy, this is a great choice.
8. ACF Attack
One look at this design from ACF Attack, and you know that it means business. It is made from high-quality materials that are designed for the pros, and it is really able to achieve some pretty high speeds that will up the intensity of your workouts so that you can have not one, but two donuts for breakfast!
Speed is the name of the game when it comes to this jump rope model from ACF Attack. It sports a 360-degree swivel mechanism so that the line never gets caught on the handles where it could slow down. The handles are made from a pencil-thin grooved aluminum for an incredibly firm grip, even, with sweaty palms. The 10-foot line is made from a high-quality steel cable that has a plastic cover which will protect your shins if you botch your launch.
TO make an adjustment to the length of the line, you are going to have to dig into your toolbox and fish out the pliers. Due to the fact that it is made from a steel cable, you cannot simply use scissors to measure the proper length that you will need.
If you are serious about your cardio, this is going to be one of your better options. It is designed to fit naturally in your hands, and the swivel design of the line at the end of the handles will be able to keep up with your speed and ferocity.
9. COOROPE
COOROPE marries the best aspects of the beginner and expert designs to craft a piece of gear that is going to be able to help you learn the basics, but will also be able to keep up with you when you master them. We liked that this unit is made from high-quality materials, and it is going to be a cinch to make adjustments.
While the handles are made from a thick and durable plastic that is coated with a layer of foam, the line is made from a heavy duty cable that is coated with a layer of clear plastic. What this means for you is that it is going to be heavy enough to generate a lot of speed, but the plastic coating is going to protect your shins.
One thing that users really like about this design is that it is also offered in a few different color options as well as different grips. The standard grip is a basic foam, but you can also select a design that has a rubber grip that is similar to the grip on a tennis racket.
The ball bearing design on the handle is going to allow you to generate a lot of speed without running the risk of the line becoming tangled. Plus, if you want to adjust the length, all you need to do is tuck the extra line into the handles.
10. DEGOL
What we liked about this design from DEGOL is that it is made from high-quality materials that are going to allow users to really reach some high speeds, and the grips are incredibly comfortable when being used for intense workouts.
One thing that we noticed right away about this option is that the line is made from a high-quality wire cable that has a good weight to it, and it is coated in a layer of PVC that will protect your shins if you slip up.
The handles are made from a metal tube that is coated with a very thick layer of EVA foam which is going to provide your hands with a soft and sure grip, even when your palms get sweaty towards the end of a rough workout. Plus, the added weight from the handles is going to allow you to generate more speed without the line becoming tangled.
This design is great because it is made from high-quality materials that are going to be perfect for beginners as well as veterans, but it is just slightly more difficult to adjust the length than most.
Sources
- , Jump Rope Tricks & Skills Guide, Blog
- , 7 Benefits of Jumping Rope, Blog