Ready to up your cardio game with a jump rope? Here’s a breakdown of the best jump rope for every kind of athlete, including beginners.
My Favorites:
- Best jump rope for beginners: XYL Sports Jump Rope
- Best weighted jump rope: CrossRope Jump Rope Set
- Best CrossFit jump rope: WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
- Best speed jump rope: Elite Surge 3.0 Jump Rope
Below you will find more information on why jumping rope is such an efficient and versatile tool for getting in shape, as well as more detailed breakdowns on the jumping ropes that made the cut on our “best of” list.
Jumping Rope is a Killer Workout… Period.
Not just for children or boxers, the jump rope is a killer tool for getting in shape, getting stronger, and getting 30% better looking*.
(* Results may vary)
There are too many benefits to jumping rope to list, but in terms of improving your cardio, jumping rope for ten minutes a day is the equivalent of 30 minutes of jogging [1]. Other benefits include building coordination, strengthening your ankles and feet, and torching calories.
And of course, when faced with limitations (gym closures), jumping rope is a dirt-cheap way to get and stay fit. It’s why a jump rope is one of my all-time home gym essentials.
But when it comes to jumping rope, there are some considerations when picking out the best one for you and your workouts. Although they look simple, varying in length from 8 to 10 feet with ergonomic handles, there are some differentiating features.
Below is a list of the best jumping ropes for every type of athlete and gymgoer.
Let’s go!
Best jump rope for beginners: XYL Sports Jump Rope
XYLSports’ Jump Rope is super well-reviewed on Amazon, with nearly 600 reviews averaging well over 4 stars out of five.
I like this jump rope for beginners as it has padded handles, an adjustable durable nylon cable that can be extended up to 9’8” long. The rope is heavier than you would find for speed or competition jump ropes, which makes it more ideal for beginners and newbie rope jumpers.
The XYL Sports Jump Rope comes with a lifetime warranty. Note that the handles are also slightly smaller than typical jump rope handles.
At just over $10 (see today’s pricing on Amazon and current availability), the XYL Sports Jumping Rope is an excellent beginner rope.
Best Weighted Jump Rope: Crossrope Weighted Jump Rope Set
The Crossrope Weight Jump Rope isn’t so much a rope as it is a system.
Compared to most cheap jump ropes, this one won’t tangle, comes with both light ropes for speed work and heavier ropes designed for the beginner.
The handles are comfortable, the cables spin seamlessly and smoothly, and the Crossrope Weighted Jump Ropes come with a workout app (both on Apple and Android) that has a database of tons of rope jumping workouts to give you some ideas on what to do with your jump rope.
These weighted jump ropes, and all the features they come bundled with, are not cheap. All that versatility, jump rope workouts, and durable cables come in at nearly $100 (check Amazon for current pricing).
Despite the high price tag, this jump rope has nearly 500 five-star reviews on Amazon, showing that you get what you pay for.
Best Speed Jump Rope: Elite Surge 3.0 Jump Rope
For the athlete who wants more flexibility and options out of their jump rope, the Elite Surge 3.0 is the Cadillac of skipping ropes.
Made with thin aluminum handles, the Elite Surge 3.0 has a screw and collar system that allows you to easily adjust the length. It is compatible with six different cable types, from the competitive ultra-speed 1.1mm cables to the 4mm PVC training cords.
Far from your typical grade school jump rope, the Elite Surge 3.0 is the jump rope of professionals. The patented handles, with dual ball bearings, means that the rope flies smoothly and quickly. (Up to 7 revolutions per second). If you miss a skip, it’s not going to be because the rope got tangled.
The Elite Surge 3.0 comes with a storage bag and the handles come in a few different color options.
While a little pricier than some of the other ropes on this list (they cost around $35–check Amazon for today’s pricing and which colors they have in stock) the Elite Surge 3.0 is one of the all-time best jump ropes on the market and a favorite of experienced rope jumpers.
Best Jump Rope for Crossfit: WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
WOD Nation makes a lot of quality gym gear, including a set of my favorite pull-up bar assist bands. Generally well-priced and durable, WOD Nation is a budget-friendly maker of CrossFit-oriented gear.
The length of the rope is customizable and WOD Nation packs each rope with a spare cable. The 4-bearing system makes rotations super smooth, making the jump rope ideal for athletes looking to master the double-under.
Steel cable jump ropes aren’t designed to be used on asphalt (aka your driveway), so make sure that you have the right flooring under you when using the rope. Jump rope mats are also a great way to protect your jump rope.
The WOD Nation jump ropes have racked up a ton of five-star reviews on Amazon over the years, with over 8,000 five-start reviews (!!!).
Available in over half a dozen colors and priced to win—less than $20 (check Amazon for current pricing and color availability), the WOD Nation is an easy “yes” when it comes jump ropes for CrossFit.
Best Speed Rope for Beginners: Synergee Speed Jump Rope
Since getting serious about building out my home gym, Synergee has been one of the names that I have consistently looked to for quality gear. Their Olympic barbell is the one that is currently sitting in my power rack, and this jump rope is hanging off of it, too.
The handles are contoured and exceptionally light for a comfortable and natural grip. Synergee packs a silver and black rope along with a pouch for easy storage. At 10-feet long, the 2mm cable is easily customizable for athletes of varying heights.
Synergee provides full instructions to help you cut the rope to the perfect length, and at less than $15 (click here for current pricing at Amazon), you get an excellent jump rope for a bargain price.
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