Jumping rope is a popular way to get a convenient and inexpensive cardio workout, whether it is your primary exercise or training for crossfit, MMA, boxing, or some other sport. All you need to get started is a jump rope and a little space where you can jump. However, choosing the best jump rope for your workout does require some research to make sure you get the right rope for you. You have to choose among freestyle, segmented, and speed ropes and you want to be sure that your jump rope is durable, comfortable to use, has a smooth swing, and is correctly weighted for your purpose. Whether you are a jump rope newbie, or an experienced jumper looking to practice double unders and crossovers, read on to learn more about our picks and what to look for when choosing the best jump rope.
Best Overall: Spiex Speed Jump Rope with Ball Bearing
If you have had enough of flimsy jump rope handles or your workout routine getting interrupted by screws that quit, look no further than the Spiex Speed Jump Rope. Enjoy a workout that is challenging not frustrating thanks to this rope’s unique self-locking cable adjustment design and its premium 360-degree spin ball bearing system. This rope comes with two slim polymer-coated 0.1-inch steel cables that can be readily adjusted to the length that fits your height and will not slow you down as you reach for your speed goals. Slender 6.6-inch steel handles are coated with silicone for a sure grip during a sustained workout as they facilitate those double unders and other agility tricks so you can match and surpass your personal best. Purchase of this jump rope brings you access to 2.5 hours of training video including jump rope tips and techniques and six full workout routines that inspire the seasoned jumper and build the confidence of the beginner. Take your workout with you wherever you go in the convenient carrying bag that accompanies the purchase of your Spiex Speed Jump Rope.
- 360-degree ball bearings
- Self-locking, screw-free adjustment
- adjustable polymer-coated cables
- Guarantee
- Brand: Spiex
- Length: 10 ft.
- Weight: 7.2 oz.
- Fast
- Smooth
- Tangle-free
- Easy, screw-free adjustment
- Cable prone to fray
- Prone to kinks
Best Value: DEGOL Skipping Rope Tangle-Free with Ball Bearings Rapid Speed Jump Rope
This DEGOL jump rope features PVC-coated braided steel cable that is both lightweight and durable. The narrow cable thickness combined with its dual ball bearing system promise proper rotation and a smooth swing for increased speed and a faster, more challenging workout. This rope’s smooth, durable PVC coating can both reduce the friction that could slow down your workout and protect the rope from wear, while the ball bearing system helps to prevent the twisting, winding, and bending of the rope that could interfere with your routine. To ensure the best jumping experience, this 9-foot long jump rope can be adjusted according to your height, even accommodating children, and the 6-inch long lightweight, ergonomic handles provide comfort and a secure grip thanks to a cushy EVA memory foam covering. With all these features, this DEGOL jump rope is an effective and affordable choice for those who want to build speed and stamina through their workout.
- Narrow gauge PVC-coated steel cable
- Adjustable 9 inches of length
- Lightweight, durable handle
- Dual ball bearing system
- Brand: DEGOL
- Length: 9 ft.
- Product weight: 5.3 oz.
- Length can be adjusted according to your height, suitable for adults or children
- Easy to grasp and carry due to durable, comfortable handle
- Increased speed possible due to dual ball bearing system, slight cable thickness
- Handles not robust, durable
- Handles can unscrew during use
Best Pick: Crossrope Get Lean – Weighted Jump Rope Set
The Crossrope Get Lean Weighted Jump Rope Set is designed to meet the needs of those who are serious about their fitness goals but is still accessible for the novice. One thing that really sets this jump rope apart is access to the highly rated workout app that comes with it. The app, available for both iOS and Android platforms, features a library of fast and effective workouts that will guide your fitness development as you build strength and stamina, even if you are just a beginner, and help you beat the boredom of a repetitive routine. Through the app you can also connect to an online community that will provide support and inspiration as your strive to achieve your exercise targets, as well as allow you to share tips and tricks with over 80,000 other Crossrope users. For a versatile workout that can transition focus between strength and speed, this jump rope system also features two cables, one a light ? lb. and the other a heavy half pound, that can be easily and quickly interchanged using a fast-clip connection system that does away with the bother of a screwdriver or other tools. The cables are weighted to resist frustrating tangling or coiling. The slim handles offer a secure grip that is reassuring for the beginner and also facilitates the speed and versatility demanded by experienced jumpers. It is important to order the correct size rope that corresponds to your height, ranging from 4’9” to well over 6 foot.
- Weighted jump rope system
- Highly rated workout app (iOS/Android)
- Fast-clip connection system makes it easy to switch ropes
- Durable
- Brand: Crossrope
- Length: 8’0″/8’6″/9’0″/9’6″ (refer to sizing chart)
- No coiling or tangling, easy for beginners
- Fast and effective workouts, online community accessible through app
- Slim handles
- Expensive
- Not durable for some consumers
XYLsports Jump Rope Adjustable for Fitness Workout
This XYLsports jump rope is a lightweight rope that is ideal for an aerobic workout, whether you jump rope as your main form of fitness training or as conditioning for other sports. Made of durable PVC, the XYLsports rope is tangle-resistant and provides a smooth, easy swing that facilitates your workout. The length of the 9’8″ rope can be easily adjusted to suit your height and the foam-covered handles provide a comfortable, secure grip. This rope is also backed by a 100% money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty to ensure your satisfaction.
- Easy to adjust
- Foam grips
- Tangle resistant
- Brand: XYLsports
- Length: 9’8″
- Comfortable grips
- Smooth and easy swing, tangle resistant
- Durable
- Wobbles or tangles easily for some users
- Not enough weight for a sustained workout
Survival and Cross Jump Rope
Whether you are a fitness aficionado training for boxing or maybe MMA, or a beginner who just wants to get in shape, this exceptionally lightweight and tangle-resistant Survival and Cross jump rope is an excellent choice for building super-fast speeds and practicing those double unders or other fun and challenging jump rope tricks. Made of coated steel cable with lightweight handles, this rope is so easy to drop in a backpack or briefcase to take anywhere you go that you never need to miss a workout again. Sliding screws allow you to readily customize the ten-foot cable to your height. Coating on the steel cable reduces friction and improves swing, and ball bearings and the tapered 5-inch handles promote a smooth rotation, making for a low-frustration workout for novices and serious users alike. Dedicated customer service and the lifetime guarantee offered by Survival and Cross ensure that this is a purchase you will not regret.
- Coated steel cable
- Ball bearing system
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Spare hardware
- Brand: Survival and Cross
- Length: 10 ft.
- Product weight: 2.88 oz.
- Tangle and twist free, fully adjustable
- Light and tangle resistant for fast workout
- Proper rotation and smooth motion for a satisfying workout
- Compact and lightweight for working out anywhere, anytime
- Good customer service
- Handles not durable
- Needs repeated readjustment due to poor handle design
WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
With a slim 2.5 mm coated steel cable and nylon resin handles, this lightweight WOD Nation jump rope is built for speed. Because of its unique 4-bearing system, an articulated swivel bearing in each handle and two on the tips, this jump rope boasts an exceptionally stable swing, which is good news for both the beginning jumper and for the elite athlete who is jumping rope as part of a rigorous training routine. Each WOD Nation jump rope comes with two 10-foot cables that can be easily swapped out and adjusted to suit your height with just wire-cutters and thumbscrews that will not loosen during your jumping workout. The tapered 6.75-inch handles provide a sure grip for the novice or for an experienced user striving to optimize double-under and crisscross jump steps. This WOD Nation jump rope is available in a rainbow of colors, and with the convenient nylon carrying bag that is included, your jump rope can go wherever you go so you never miss a workout.
- 5 mm coated cable, easy to adjust
- bearing system
- Articulated swivel bearing, tapered nylon resin handle
- Spare cable included
- Convenient nylon carry bag
- Brand: WOD Nation
- Length: 10 ft.
- Weight: 5.8 oz. shipping weight
- Fast
- Stable
- Fully adjustable
- Sure grip handle
- Too light, prone to tangling
- Handle screws are not robust
morneve Weighted Jump Rope Workout
If your goal is to build strength and stamina, this morneve weighted jump rope is the one you have been looking for. Heavier than the typical jump rope, it is suitable training for crossfit, martial arts, boxing, or just getting in shape and losing weight. Featuring an extra-thick 9mm 300g/0.66 lb. triple-layer cable, its high-density PVC inner core is encased in a durable cotton fabric layer with a high-strength braided polyester surface. The 10-foot cable is easy to adjust to fit your height. The rope comes with a scratch-resistant silicone tube cover that reduces wear on the cable where it strikes the ground. The high-density memory foam of the 6.5-inch handles make them non-slip, breathable, and sweat-absorbing for a comfortable, sustained workout. A 360-degree ball bearing system prevents twisting and winding and ensures a smooth swing. For an even more versatile strength workout, adjust the weight of this jump rope with extra load bars (sold separately) that can be added to or removed from the handles.
- Adjustable extra-thick 9mm cable
- Weighted
- Memory foam grips
- Braid-knit PVC polyester cotton stainless steel cable with scratch-resistant silicone cover
- Ball bearing system
- Brand: morneve
- Length: 10.8 ft.
- Weight: 300g/0.66 lb.
- Non-slip, sweat-absorbing grips
- 360-degree smooth spin
- Extra weight load can be added to handles
- Durable, silicone tube cover reduces wear
- Flimsy handles
- Not durable
YZLSPORTS Adjustable Jump Rope
The YZLSPORTS Adjustable Jump Rope is lightweight and made of 100% hardwearing PVC that will keep you jumping without breaking, snapping, or cracking. Its ten-foot length can be readily adjusted to fit individuals ranging from 4’9″ to 6’6″ in height, making this jump rope a suitable choice for men, women, or children. Enjoy a smooth, fast workout that builds confidence and skills facilitated by the tangle-resistant rope and ball-bearing handles. Foam-covered 5.3-inch handles reduce strain and keep you comfortable as you work out so you can focus on reaching your fitness goals. In addition to offering all this functionality, the YZLSPORTS jump rope is available in a wide variety of fun colors to appeal to every user. For the beginning jumper, a personal trainer’s guide provides step-by-step instructions to get you started on the path to using this convenient and fun form of exercise to build fitness, strength, and agility. YZLSPORTS backs this jump rope with a lifetime warranty guaranteeing your satisfaction.
- Fully adjustable
- Foam handles
- Tangle-resistant
- Durable
- Step-by-step instructions
- Brand: YZLSPORTS
- Length: 10 ft.
- Smooth rotation
- Fast swing
- Light-weight foam-covered handles reduce strain
- Durable construction
- Step-by-step instructions
- Prone to kink and twist
- Adjusting length can be frustrating
BuyJumpRopes Segmented Kids Jump Rope
Is the last time you jumped rope when you were a kid in grade school? Recall those happy days and feel the confidence and energy you enjoyed as a kid when you choose this traditional segmented jump rope. One-inch shatter-proof plastic beads over a durable braided nylon cord make this hard-wearing jump rope popular with schools and a great choice not only for children but for adults too. Available in lengths from 7-10 feet, as well as 14 feet long for double-dutch, this rope can be easily adjusted for height without the need for special tools by just removing excess beads and reknotting the rope inside the handle. The auditory cue provided by beads striking the ground will help both kids and adults monitor their jumping rhythm as they build their workout. The comfortable grip of this rope’s lightweight tapered handles will make you want to keep jumping and sustain your exercise routine. Available in a range of fun color combinations, BuyJumpRopes backs this rope with a one-year warranty that gives you confidence that this rope will be a long-lasting part of your fitness program.
- Weighted, lightweight
- Shatter-proof plastic
- Exceptionally durable
- Segmented/beaded over braided nylon cord
- Adjustable
- Brand: BuyJumpRopes
- Length: sizes 7-10 ft., 14 ft.
- Very durable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to resize
- Does not tangle
- Cannot be lengthened, only shortened
- Flimsy feel
WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
For jumpers who want a rope that can deliver faster workouts and more double unders and crossovers, the WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope could be the one. The slim nylon-covered 2.5mm steel cable reduces drag and is lightweight enough to let you push your limits of speed. The tapered 6.75-inch nylon resin handles provide a secure grip to sustain control as you confidently perform workout repetitions without skipping a beat. Contained in the handles are four high-grade metal articulated swivel bearings that ensure good rotation and a smooth swing, keeping your workout free of tangles and twists and you focused on challenge not frustration. Available in an assortment of energizing colors, this WOD Nation rope comes with a second cable so your workout routine need never be interrupted. It also comes a convenient nylon carrying bag to protect your rope from twists and tangles that could interfere with performance. WOD Nation promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee for this speed jump rope, giving you confidence that it will become a reliable part of your fitness routine.
- Ballistic nylon resin handles
- Liquid steel bearings
- Kink-resistant nylon-covered 2.5mm steel cable
- Spare cable included
- Convenient carry bag, customer support included
- Brand: WOD Nation
- Length: 10 ft.
- Fast
- Adjustable
- Articulated swivel bearing handles for good swing
- Sure-grip tapered handles
- Tends to twist and kink
- Flimsy handles, poor handle design
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Jump Rope
We all want to get exercise and stay in shape but going to the gym a few times a week can be time-consuming and expensive. Jumping rope is exercise that you can do almost anywhere or anytime, and the equipment needed is inexpensive and highly portable, even when traveling. Jumping rope is not only affordable and convenient, it is also excellent exercise, as it helps to improve speed, balance, agility, coordination, endurance, and even strength, in addition to providing that all-important cardio workout and helping shed those unwanted extra pounds. Whether jumping rope is your main form of exercise or just part of a workout routine, it is a great way to stay fit. Moreover, jumping rope is fun and an activity the whole family can enjoy.
Style/composition
It is important to choose a jump rope with your purpose in mind. Some people jump rope just for fun but many jump for exercise, and often as part of a serious workout routine. Jumping rope has many exercise benefits ranging from providing general fitness and being a good cardio workout, to developing speed, strength, balance, and agility as just part of a training program. There are different kinds of jump ropes designed to meet the needs of users with different goals. It is important to choose a rope that fits your requirements.
Jump ropes were traditionally made of leather and this classic style was long preferred by boxers in their training. Leather has a pleasing weight and flexibility and can be used in all climates, is water resistant, and durable. Although functional and stylish in an old school way, for serious training leather has largely given way to speed ropes made of more modern materials such as steel cable coated in PVC, nylon, or braided fabric. To help you in selecting the best jump rope for you, here is a quick overview of the common styles of jump ropes.
Basic
Basic jump ropes may consist of braided fabric cord such as cotton, polycotton, or nylon. While fabric cords have the virtues of being lightweight and tangle-free, they are subject to fraying and wear, so basic jump ropes these days are more often made of PVC which is also lightweight, but is tangle-resistant and hard-wearing even for outdoor use. With handles that are usually made of plastic, maybe foam-padded for additional comfort, basic jump ropes are easy to adjust and provide carefree jumping for those who are jumping mostly for fun or just a little exercise and not seeking a serious workout. However, such basic jump ropes lack the speed and weighting that are needed for athletic training, speed, or tricks. A basic rope is great for kids and may be a good place to start for the jumping newbie but will soon be outgrown as you become more serious about your workout.
Segmented
Segmented ropes, which consist of a braided fabric cord threaded through shatter-proof and usually brightly colored plastic beads, are also known as beaded ropes. Like basic jump ropes, segmented ropes are hardwearing enough for outdoor use and resistant to tangling, making them a favorite for kids and schools. A segmented rope is not typically so lightweight as a basic rope, making it a better choice for strength training, and the sound and feel of the beads hitting the ground helps users build confidence and skills by establishing a good rhythm. While a segmented rope can be a great way to get started with jump rope training, as you get better and want to improve your speed and skills you may want to trade it in for a speed rope.
Speed
Because a speed rope lets you push your limits for speed and agility, this type of rope is popular for athletic conditioning with boxers, crossfit enthusiasts, and martial arts practitioners among others. A speed rope is typically of a very narrow diameter to reduce drag during the swing and usually consists of a heavier core of steel cable or some other dense material covered with a low-friction coating such as nylon or PVC. The rope is usually attached to the handles with screws, and the connection is often articulated and modulated with a ball bearing system to ensure a smooth swing. For better manipulation during performance of double unders, crossovers, or other agility steps, the handles of such ropes may be long or narrow and covered with silicone or foam for sure grip. While a speed rope allows an experienced jumper to push for a personal best, a novice may find the lack of weight disconcerting and the slender gauge frustrating.
Weighted
For athletes looking to increase strength and endurance, working out with a weighted jump rope demands the extra exertion and energy needed to enhance cardio fitness and build upper body muscle groups, especially shoulders. Such ropes weigh upwards of half a pound up to several pounds and often have the option to increase the challenge by adding additional weights. Greater resistance means a slower swing, so a moderately weighted rope may be more manageable for the inexperienced jumper than a speed rope.
Besides the style of the rope, there are other important factors to consider when choosing your rope.
Handles
Make sure to choose a jump rope with handles that are comfortable in your hand. While handles that are at least 5 inches long are preferable for most adults, beyond that handle design is a personal choice. Some people prefer narrow handles, while others like thicker, more substantial handles. This preference depends not just on the size of your hand but on how you want to use your jump rope. Beginners may feel more comfortable with thicker handles, while those who like more speed or want to do tricks, such as crossovers or double unders, will find the fine motor control provided by a longer, narrower handle suits them better. Handles may also have different coverings, such as foam or silicone, for improved grip and greater comfort.
Weight
Lighter ropes are usually faster, with the exception of cloth ropes, which can be light but slow, and are not the best choice for fitness use. Some ropes are designed to be heavy or weighted to provide upper body strength-building at the same time as a cardio workout.
Length
It is especially important to have a jump rope that is sized correctly for your height. A rope that is too long will drag and slow down your workout, while one that is too short can easily catch your feet, which is annoying at best and may send you tumbling. Some jump ropes come in a range of sizes and the length of many is adjustable, so make sure to choose the correct size or one that can be adjusted to fit your height.
Most adjustable ropes claim a length of 10 feet, although some may be a few inches shorter (a problem if you are taller than 6-foot-3). To size your jump rope, start by standing in the middle of it and adjust the length so the handles reach your armpits. Test the rope to decide if you want it to be shorter or longer. Once you have a length that you find comfortable, clip the ends of the rope so that the excess does not overstuff the handles or become an annoying distraction as it hangs down. Metal cable ropes require some extra tools such as a screwdriver and a cable cutter to adjust the length, and the process of adjustment may be cumbersome.
Often, a jump rope can be shortened only once, so err on the side of making the rope longer at first. As you become a more proficient jumper, you may also choose to shorten your rope a little more for greater speed.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration when choosing a jump rope. There are two areas of a jump rope that are most subject to wear. First is the handles, and indeed handle breakage is one of the most common complaints among consumers. Plastic handles can be prone to crack so it is important to choose a rope with handles made of durable material and of solid construction to withstand sustained use. The screws that are part of some handles can wear out, becoming loose and even falling out, making the rope unusable.
The other part of a jump rope that is subject to wear is the rope itself, most notably where it strikes the ground as you swing. Many ropes have coatings that reduce friction but also improve durability, such as PVC or nylon braid, and a few ropes even have a sleeve to cover that part of the rope that gets the highest wear.
Carry bag
Many jump ropes come with a carry bag. While a bag may seem like a frill, it is important to store your jump rope correctly between workouts to avoid tangles, kinks, and other annoying twists that can undermine your swing and even cause premature wear by opening cracks in the rope coating. Choosing a jump rope that comes with a carry bag provides a way to properly store your jump rope between workouts to maintain its correct shape and flexibility.
Conclusion: What to look for when choosing a jump rope
For a satisfying workout, every jumper wants a rope that has comfortable handles, smooth rotation, resists kinks and tangles, and does not require frequent readjustment. However, if you are a beginner, your needs will be different from someone who jumps rope as part of a disciplined daily exercise routine. While a novice may prefer the weight and reassuring auditory cues of a segmented rope, for instance, to the whip-like motion of a cable rope, more seasoned jumpers will want to carefully consider weighting, friction, and durability as they seek a rope that can withstand their demands for speed and a challenging, sustained workout. By taking account of your own experience and workout criteria, and matching that to product characteristics, you can be sure to choose the best jump rope to meet your exercise needs.