Jump rope is an easy way to squeeze a workout in, especially if you have no equipment or no time. I find sometimes I’d get bored of running, so on my next cardio day, to mix things up, I would try to jump rope. Most people underestimate it, but it actually has effects on me that are similar to running. I’d find myself breathing hard after an interval!
Don’t mistake this for being a simple up and down jump. You can do several tricks with this, including following a song and creating your own routine. This is also a cheap way to get your heart rate up. Most people have some kind of jump rope in their homes anyway!
It’s no surprise that boxers usually do the jump rope to keep their feet quick and light as they constantly have to move to dodge their opponent. Other people just do this because they hate other kinds of cardio and find this to be more fun. Isn’t that the goal anyway — to find what exercise you enjoy and stick with it?
As with all equipment, some work better than others, especially when you’re advancing through your fitness journey. You must always keep in mind your fitness goals (or, more specifically, your jump rope goals).
After having my ropes fail on me multiple times from retail stores I went online to see what the best jump ropes are and came up with the below list during my search. I hope it helps!
Best Jump Ropes For Cardio Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Crossrope Get Lean - Weighted Jump Rope Set | Crossrope | Check Price on Amazon |
 | WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope | WOD Nation | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Everlast Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope | Everlast | Check Price on Amazon |
 | DEGOL Skipping Rope | DEGOL | Check Price on Amazon |
 | GoxRunx Jump Rope | GoxRunx | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - Crossrope Get Lean
You probably won’t run out of workouts to do with their app. It’s a great way to switch up your routine every now and then.
However, if you find yourself getting more and more bored of the weight, the Crossrope offers a set containing 2 ropes, one heavier than the other for a greater challenge (¼ and ½ pounds). With its fast-clip connection system, it’s very easy to switch from one rope to the other.
You might also notice while using this that the rotation of the jump rope is much smoother than other jump ropes out there. This is because of the ball bearings on the handles which lessens the friction you experience.
The great thing about this jump rope is that it has sizes depending on your height so that you don’t get a jump rope that’s too long. Some users have complained about the price of this jump rope, though, saying it’s overpriced despite the quality. The sizes were also quite off for some, so take note of that when looking for your best jump rope.
PROS
- Interchangeable weighted rope
- Has an app for workout motivation
- Ball-bearing on the handle for less friction on rotation
CONS
- Pricey
- The size chart was off for some
#2 - WOD Nation - Best Speed Rope
Made specifically for CrossFitters who go hard on their workouts, this rope is made specifically for those who like double-unders and quick spins. The coating on the cable keeps it durable, but it still is recommended that you use this on smooth surfaces.
Worried about the length? One quick snip with a wire cutter and you can customize this rope to be the best length for you. A spare cable is also included. 4 high-grade metal ball bearings also make the rotation of this jump rope quite seamless, making it easy for you to focus on improving your workouts.
Obviously a lot of people love this! However, you might not like how light this jump rope is. This, of course, is made for speedy jumping and is expectedly lighter than jump ropes which aim to increase your strength. If speed isn’t the goal of your workouts, then you might want to look for another jump rope.
PROS
- The plastic coating on steel ropes makes it durable
- Speed rope increases your times
- Easily customizable
CONS
- Light, not for strength training
#3 - Everlast Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope
The length is adjustable, spanning up to 9 feet. This is great if you’re sharing with some family members as well. It’s made of plastic, which makes it quite light, great for speed jump ropes.
However, if you’re up for the challenge of weight training, you’ll find that the handles have 1.5-pound maximum removable weights. So if you’re going for a cardio today and some added weights the next, you can use the same pair of jump ropes.
You might also like how smooth the rotation is with the precision ball bearing rotation. This also increases speed and helps you do your tricks better.
Some users find the plastic cable to be a bit too flimsy, though, and I would honestly be wary of that. From the looks of it, the cable doesn’t seem to be any different from other jump ropes out there.
PROS
- Removable weights so you can use it for both speed and weights
- Adjustable cable length
- Precision ball bearing
CONS
- Noisy weights inside the handle
- Flimsy plastic cable
#4 - DEGOL Skipping Rope
You don’t want a tangled jump rope. DEGOL keeps this in mind with its ball bearing system that prevents friction and creates a smoother rotation. I know how annoying it is to have to stop because your jump rope isn’t keeping up with your speed.
The cable will also keep up with you as it is made of braided steel wire and coated with PVC or polyvinyl chloride. Surprisingly, PVC is used for wiring and cables in the construction of buildings. It is designed to be durable even in tough conditions. There’s really nothing more you can ask for.
The handles are also very comfortable, featuring memory foam grips so that the handle stays put into your hand. You can adjust its 9-foot long rope too! However, some users have reported that their cables have broken and already show the steel inside the PVC. I recommend only using this on smooth surfaces to prevent this.
PROS
- The ball-bearing system makes for a smooth rotation
- Braided steel wire coated with PVC for protection
- Adjustable rope
CONS
- Not durable on rough surfaces
#5 - GoxRunx Jump Rope
This jump rope features a ball bearing system so that you won’t have to worry about tangles and kinks while rotating the cable. You’ll also find that the PVC embedded with steel wire makes for a more durable cable.
Unlike some flimsy cables, you might like the weight that’s just right for your regular cardio.
The handles are also made of memory foam and are anti-slip. You can also adjust the length of the 9-foot long rope. If you’re a beginner, this is a great jump rope for you. However, if you’re looking for more advanced, heavier ropes, you might want to look at other options.
PROS
- PVC coated steel wire makes for a more durable piece
- Ball-bearing system for smooth rotation
- Anti-slip handles
CONS
- Great only for beginners
- Light
My Number One Pick
- First weighted jump rope system built to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals
- Highly-rated workout app gives you access to fast and effective workouts wherever you go (iOS + Android)
- Fast-clip connection system lets you switch between light and heavy ropes for a more fun and versatile workout experience
- Durable weighted ropes make it easier for beginners to learn. No coiling or tangling
Things To Consider When Looking For The Best Jump Rope
You might have noticed that there are some things you have to think about while buying jump ropes. You might be a beginner looking for some basic jump ropes, or a gym enthusiast that needs a bit more durability.
The best way to go about reading this buying guide is to think about your personal experiences. Do you find that your workouts are too boring with light jump ropes?
Or maybe you want to have quick feet and get faster at doing your double-unders? Here, I’ll be trying to help you find the perfect jump rope for your experience. Take what you can from it so you can make your own informed decision!
Type of Training
The type of training that you are aiming for really makes a difference in buying your jump rope. This, of course, is intended for those who want to use a jump rope as your cardio workout, but sometimes you also need to switch it up so that you don’t plateau in terms of performance.
If you’re mainly focused on cardio and getting your heart rate up, you might want to buy lighter jump ropes that allow you to do more tricks and jump rope workouts. Examples of these would be double-unders. Certain jump rope routines would also need you to be quick on your feet. The WOD Nation would be a great choice if this is your concern.
On the other hand, if you want to focus on getting your arms sore and building some strength and muscle, then you’d want a heavily weighted rope. This limits your range of motion since it’ll drag you down, so don’t expect to have quicker times with these kinds of ropes.
However, you’ll be surprised at how effective weighted jump ropes are at making your shoulders and calves ache. The Crossrope Get Lean Rope Set is great for this! It gives you an option of a heavy and a light rope, so you can go one step further when the light rope becomes too easy for you.
The good news is, you don’t really have to choose between the two kinds of training. You can use the same jump rope for both cardio and strength training. The Everlast does this with its removable weights in the handles.
Cable Material
The material of the cable determines how durable your jump rope is. The most usual cable I would see would be the steel braided wire coated in PVC. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is used a lot in building and construction. For example, in cables that would sit behind building walls, PVC would cover wires as it is durable against changing temperature and dampness. It’s even used in water pipes!
Other materials include simple plastic cables. These are too flimsy for my taste, though, and would be susceptible to tangling. It also tends to be too light, but that might be great if you’re going for speed.
Ball Bearing
I’ve mentioned this a lot throughout the article, but what really is a ball bearing? This is simply how the cable is connected to the handle.
Some jump ropes would simply stick the cable into the handle, which would usually cause kinks while rotating the jump rope and cause added friction. A ball bearing prevents that by having the ball bearings rotate as you rotate the cable. The DEGOL Skipping Rope has this feature for your convenience.
Length
The length really depends on your height! Without getting too technical, the ideal length would start near the top of your chest to the bottom of your shoe. Pretty simple, isn’t it?
However, I know some of you don’t have the means to go to a physical store. So, if you’re ordering online, I’d suggest you follow the size charts. Another great rule of thumb would be to add 3 more feet to your current height; that would be the length of your rope.
Some ropes take into consideration the struggles that some people have while ordering online. Instead of giving out sizes, they leave the customizing to the customer by providing cables that could be easily cut. Some brands also are adjustable by simply placing some of the rope inside the handle. The GoxRunx does this well.
Weight
The weight of your rope really depends on your jump rope goals. Are you going for speed and double-unders? You might want to go for lighter ropes, then. This would usually be those that don’t have added weight on both the handles and the cables.
Heavier weights are for those who would like to get in both cardio and strength training. You get that strength training by making use of both your calves to jump and your arms to keep it going.
Frequently Asked Questions on Jump Ropes For Exercise
Q: Is jump rope great cardio? Better than running?
A: It is definitely great for cardio as it requires you to move your entire body while getting your heart rate up. It keeps you quick on your feet and does not give you an option to slow down. It’s also a really fun workout. I wouldn’t say this is better than running since I like running.
Some people, however, have a great dislike for running, which I understand. That’s why finding more creative ways of getting a cardio workout into your daily routine would really help you on your fitness journey.
Q: Where can I use my jump ropes?
A: It really depends on the material. It’s best to check the reviews, but as a general rule, I’d rather use rubber-coated ropes on smoother surfaces. This prevents it from being buffed down, turning it into a more fragile and thinner one.
Q: How do I adjust my cables?
A: If they are embedded with steel wires, you might want to cut them with wire cutters. This has proven to be a hassle for others who do not have this tool. Plastics are easy to cut with any blade.
Conclusion
Although there are a lot of things to consider while buying jump ropes, it’s actually a pretty fun thing to be doing! It’s almost like you’re upgrading from your childhood game to a now more intense and serious sport. Jump rope is always a fun way to challenge yourself with lesser impacts than other cardio workouts out there.
Just make sure that while you are searching for your perfect jump rope, you do your own research by looking at the reviews of other buyers. After all, we’ve seen that not all jump ropes are made equally. Some are more flimsy than others, and some are not true to the size chart.
The best way to make sure you’re getting quality is by looking at other peoples’ experiences with the product. Always check for great customer service too! I hope jump rope helps you heighten your heart rate from time to time.
If you’re looking for something less crazy, check out the post I did on low-intensity cardio, especially if you’re just starting out.
Sources:
https://www.jumpropedudes.com/workouts/what-jump-rope-should-i-buy
https://jumproped.com/reviews/wod-nation-speed-jump-rope-review/
https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/polyvinyl-chloride/
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.
