The standard size of the Rapid Fit Jump Rope works for people 5- to 6-feet tall. We also considered the flexibility of the rope, if it rotated cleanly on the handle, and if it avoided getting tangled too easily. On a positive note, the lack of handles makes the Just Jump It a pretty versatile piece of equipment, especially if youve got creative kids who like to find more than one way to use something (I never thought Id see my sneakers be used as race cars, but theres a first time for everything). Topping our list is a jump rope that can be used by athletes, couch potatoes, and everyone in between: The Amazon Basics Standard Jump Rope. However, Id be remiss not to mention that knurling can sometimes cause calluses to form after a lot of use, as evidenced by my hands after years of dumbbell and barbell training. To be adjustable, this rope has long, thin handles. But it doesnt really make much sense to use the Just Jump It solely for that purpose, especially when there are a plethora of better options. A patented 4 ball bearing system - 2 bearings inside the handles, and 2 on the ends to hold the rope - made for the smoothest and most secure revolutions of any rope on our list. One of the best things about a jump rope is its affordability - you can get a great cardio workout without having to pay thousands for a bulky machine that ends up doubling as a laundry hamper. I tested this rope both indoors on carpet and outside on cement, and it lasted through lots of jump intervals. That changed with the WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope. "The heavier the handles, the harder the shoulder and forearm workout," Laux explains. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Just Jump It is a 16 inch nylon ropeand thats about it. Simply remove the rope from both handles, coil it, and place it in the included travel bag. The standard 9-foot rope worked well for my height (5 4), but the length can be adjusted if needed. Instead of cursing and chucking your tangled jump rope across the room, check out the Bear KompleX Aluminum Speed Jump Rope. That method may work for the most part, until you pull out a rope so warped it's impossible to jump over the kinks. How to jump rope in 4 easy steps, and a few fun workouts you can do at home. Learn more in How to jump rope in 4 easy steps, and a few fun workouts you can do at home. I was pretty shocked at what a difference this made when chasing those elusive double unders. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 3. This works out as up to 375 calories per 30 minutes. James Brains, home and kitchen reporter. She's been covering fitness, nutrition, and health for more than a decade, writing for publications like Health, Women's Health, Men's Journal, Runner's World, and more. Another rope that handles well, works fast and makes for smooth transitions, this SKLZ Speed Rope is also super affordable. Some ropes are made from PVC coated steel, some are made from Polypropylene (PP) plastic, and some are made from nylon. If you want to add more to your workouts, take a look at the best weighted jump ropes, which help your body work harder as you skip. And since the Just Jump It is made from a soft yet durable braided nylon as opposed to plastic or steel, you dont have to worry as much about cuts or bruises from an unruly rope. Keeping in mind the three categories above, as well as a jump rope's actual sticker price, is a great way to judge the overall value. New York, Quality construction and a sleek design make it an excellent choice for improving your strength, building your endurance, and advancing your techniques. Of course, whats the use of easy storage if the rope itself isnt great? To help you find the best jump rope for your workout routine, we tested some of the best on the market and put them to the sweat test with a number of different skipping sessions. For 10 bucks, Ill ignore the noise or pop in ear buds. If you're looking for a truly lightweight rope for picking up speed on your feet, this rope has a well-designed handle that makes it comfortable and easy to whip the rope around. Being able to jump a few minutes longer than when you first started, or hitting 100 revolutions for the first time without stopping, is the kind of inspiring feedback many newcomers need to stick with a healthy habit. At first glance, the ILIENSA ropeless rope looked like a toy I got one Christmas that my parents immediately regretted buying. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Plus, it's so smooth and comfortable. If you prefer your exercise to be solitary however, there isnt much you can do with the Just Jump It. This construction makes the rope stiffer, which is great for durability and storage, but not so great when it hits your shins. A quick snip with some wire cutters will take care of that issue, if youre not sharing the rope with a taller friend. We performed single revolution jumps (single unders'') for two minutes with each rope on our list. Heres why you can trust us. The Champion Sports Segmented Jump Rope has a vastly different feel than most of the ropes on our list. The Multifun can also estimate the calories youve burned in each workout, which can be very encouraging to see. The sleek plastic handles were easy to grip, and had just enough weight to feel secure in my hands. But as good of a rope as it is for a novice, it may not provide much of a challenge for someone more experienced, but the ILENSA ropeless jump rope can be used anywhere for a fun and effective workout. The handles feature a quick clasp system making it easy to swap them in and out of the different weighted ropes. "The lighter and thinner the rope, the faster you can spin the jump rope around and around.". But lots of cut shins on failed attempts left me weary of working on them enough to achieve mastery. WOD Nation's jump ropecomes with a "100% satisfaction guarantee," so you can try it for 60 days and if you're not completely satisfied, return it for a complete refund. Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. So if you want to know when you hit a PR, youll have to record those numbers on your own. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests fitness products. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. Double-unders have never been a frequent flyer in my cardio programming. It's important to keep your shoulders back and chest tall (think of this as having good posture). If youre more inclined to workout in a group setting, you may want to choose a longer jump rope so everyone can get involved. A few of the jump ropes on our list also come with spare ropes, which is a vital accessory if you tend to quickly wear out your equipment. Even if you havent seen one since recess was the highlight of your day, just a few minutes with a jump rope can greatly improve both your endurance and overall physical fitness, as this study (opens in new tab) in the Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology found. Our top pick is even $99, which seems like a lot for a jump rope, but considering everything it comes with, and the fact it scored the highest in terms of ease of use, versatility, and durability, it's worth every bit of that investment. Since theres no rope to trip on, newcomers can practice their technique, develop endurance, and improve strength without the interruption of a missed jump. Mallory Creveling is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, If you order through Amazon, you get 30 days to return. Not only did I jump without hitting any of my surroundings, but I also jumped without hitting my legs when I left the ground too late. Whether we were doing double under, crossing the rope, or any other variation, we looked at how well the rope moved along with us at every turn. The revolutions were even, the handles were easy to grip, and my heart rate increased quickly. The WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope and Bear KompleX Aluminum Speed Jump Rope were only tested indoors. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. The best jump ropes on the market can get your heart rate up and work your muscles from just about anywhere, and the best part? And since jump ropes are significantly less expensive than most pieces of conventional gym equipment, theyre just as friendly on your wallet as they are on your body. Like its more expensive competitors, the $16 Multifun can track the number of jumps you make and how long youve been jumping (or count down from a timed goal). "Once your eyes drop to your feet, your form will crumble," Laux warns. "Once you build up your strength and fitness levels and slowly build up your jump duration, you will find yourself jumping for longer time periods like 5 minutes or even 10 minutes nonstop," he said. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. At less than 13 ounces, the lightweight design makes for easy rotations and quick rounds. If skipping for 30 minutes sounds like a chore, why not use your jump rope as part of a HIIT circuit for the ultimate workout. One of the bright spots to the quarantines and stay-at-home orders of 2020 was getting to spend more quality time with our families. The pain brought back another childhood memory that Id previously buried: trips to the school nurse. The plastic segments weighed down the rope a lot more than I thought it would, leaving any type of speed work pretty difficult (it took me a bit of time to even get the hang of single unders). What is there to it except wrapping the rope around the handles and popping it into your bag or suitcase? Then, close the handle back up. While Im not the biggest fan of foam handles, which can absorb and lock in sweat, the DEGOLs handles didnt really bother me. The possibility for fun, physical play is endless. Each handle has a soft grip that won't slip out of your hand, even when you start sweating we've tested this in the humidity of NYC and the comfortable, tacky grips are a very welcome sight. There is a bearing on the tip of each handle to hold the cable and another bearing in each handle for smooth rotations, and the handles are made of tapered nylon resin for a better grip. You may have long forgotten about segmented jump ropes, a playground staple thats tucked away in the same corner of your brain as long division and rectangular pizza. No screws to unscrew, no rubber stoppers to adjust, no wires to cut (unless youre a lot shorter than average). Im also a fan of the knurling on the handles, as I feel I can get a stronger grip. Setting up the Tangram Rookie was a bit complicated. Remember all the fun you had as a kid, while working on the endurance you need as an adult, with the Champion Sports Segmented Jump Rope. Bend your knees slightly and jump on the balls of the feet to help with that impact. Jumping rope is an activity that targets nearly every area of your body, making it an incredibly efficient workout choice. If you want something smarter, the Tangram Rookie Smart Jump Rope combines the experience of jumping rope with the advances of technology. The most important thing to consider once you know the kind of rope you want is its length. If you're new to jumping rope, you need a straightforward jump rope that's easy to set to your height and easy to swing. Its important to take a few things into consideration when choosing a jump rope. They're one of the cheapest pieces of home workout kit on the market. Looking for a killer workout without heading to the gym, or going out for a run? Once I started jumping with it though, I was hooked. Theres also a lot of variety in jump rope handle shapes, circumferences, and materials - ABS plastic and EVA foam are common components, as is aluminum. Each jump rope featured in this guide went through a series of tests to see how well they stacked up across these four categories:Ease of use, versatility, durability,andvalue. Sure, there are sophisticated ropes out there with advanced gadgetry and novel features, but the DEGOL Skipping Rope gets the same job done without any of the expensive frills. WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope uses a patented four-metal ball bearing system in the handles. Best for multiple heights: Rx Smart Gear Rapid Fit Jump Rope, $58 at AmazonThe Rx Smart Gear Rapid Fit Jump Rope allows you to easily switch between lengths, so the whole family can use it. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The lightweight Tone It Up jump rope comes in at under $10, while still offering an easy-to-use rope that'll last through countless cardio sessions. Though jumping rope gets your heart pumping, it also helps improve bone density and builds strength and stability through your entire kinetic chain (your feet to your shoulders). Whereas many ropes on our list require scissors or wire cutters to trim off unneeded remainder, Multifun includes velcro binders so that excess rope can be secured instead of cut a useful option if youre scared of commitment or if youre sharing the rope with another person. The first is how comfortable the handles feel in hand. Whether youre bringing it down the block or across the country, the Bear KompleX Aluminum Speed Jump Rope is the perfect cardio travel companion. It's also lightweight, making it easy to move at a pace that works for you, especially as you tackle technique and eventually add in speed. Basic is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, sometimes with a less than positive connotation. Because of this, the part of the rope hitting the ground would naturally start to file down. The ILIENSA ropeless jump rope operates and handles just like a regular jump rope, but with one main difference: instead of a long rope that connects two handles, there are two shorter ropes connected to each handle, with silicone balls weighing down the ends. The Amazon Basics Standard Jump Rope does just that, making it the best jump rope on our list. Best workout apps | Best running apps | Best 10-minute ab workout | How to lose belly fat | Best tabata workouts | Best 30-minute workouts | Best beginner HIIT workouts. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. A graduate of Syracuse University, she grew up in Pennsylvania. But since the DEGOL skipping rope comes at a standard 9 feet, you shouldnt have to worry about too many adjustments unless youre shorter than average. Best treadmills | Best adjustable dumbbells | Best home gym equipment | Best resistance bands | Best foam rollers | Best yoga mats | Best weighted jump ropes | Best smart scales | Best shoes for Peloton and indoor cycling | Best water bottles, Apps and exercises Improve your conditioning and rev up your endurance with the best jump ropes. We also analyzed ease of length adjustments (where applicable), portability and storage, and other usability factors for each rope on our list. The best part about the Tangram Rookie is the SmartRope app, available for iOS and Android. You may not notice a lot about the Amazon Basics Jump Rope, but thats a good thing. The next time youre ready to jump, you wont have to waste ten minutes of valuable gym time trying to straighten out your rope. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider We looked for jump ropes that were easy to adjust, comfortable to hold, and looked out for extras such as those that could count your revolutions or estimate the calories youve burned. The wound-up rope inside the handle occasionally made the rope twist up as I hit my rotations. As you get better and can do five to 10 rounds, build the work interval, and decrease the rest break. Even if you dont have a juvenile brood around, the Just Jump It is great for group workouts (or BBQs and picnics) with the over-18 crowd. First and foremost, youll want to determine your budget. Jumping with the Multifun was uncomplicated and routine in the best way. Im t 54, and I found the length was perfect. 2. But at under $15, your partner or roommate can buy their own cheap, too. Obviously, this depends on your weight and how vigorously you skip, but on average, most people burn 140-190 calories for every 1,000 skips they take. It didn't make our main list because of its expensive price tag, but we do love this rope for speed work. At $40, the Tangram Rookie Smart Rope isnt the most affordable on our list. They have good sized handles with thin foam grips that fit into our hands easily and securely, so you dont have to worry about them slipping during use. When it comes to your actual jump rope workout, Laux loves jumping to his favorite song, resting for one minute, then repeating for another few pump-up jams. This rope comes at a fixed height. She's also held staff positions at Shape, Daily Burn, and Family Circle magazine. Adjusting the rope is easy just unscrew the handle, pull the rope through to the length for you, push the plastic tab back, and cut the extra. Because the PVC-coated rope has a much thinner diameter than other jump ropes, it should only be used on smooth surfaces and not concrete or asphalt. The speed move, which involves letting the rope pass under you twice before your feet hit the ground, is a favorite among Crossfitters. Anything labeled as a speed rope will likely feel lightweight and fast, while a more straightforward rope (usually plastic with foam handles) may be slightly heavier and likely, more affordable. Value:Jump ropes shouldn't cost much to begin with but it is important not to just buy whatever the cheapest on the market is. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, one of the best cardiovascular activities, how Insider Reviews tests fitness products, WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope, $15.29 at Amazon, Rx Smart Gear Rapid Fit Jump Rope, $58 at Amazon. Plus, it's a fun workout you can do almost anywhere. With a patented four bearing system that allows for maximum stability in advanced maneuvers, its the best jump rope for speed. The plastic rope is light and revolves easily, so working on your coordination wont be hampered by an unwieldy rope. Jumping with the DEGOL was relatively smooth and easy, and while the ball bearings made a lot of noise, they allowed the rope to revolve evenly and without catches or sticking points. In place of handles, the rope is tied in a knot at the ends. Like the best weighted jump ropes, its a great rope to use in developing your endurance, so pull it out on your running rest days. But besides bringing back a flood of grade school memories, segmented ropes can help bring a rusty jumper back into good technique the sound of plastic hitting the ground can help you develop a steady rhythm as you jump, and the small plastic segments keep the rope from knotting or kinking as it revolves around you. To narrow down the best, I tested a variety of models, relying on my own experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness writer, while also considering the important features a rope should have. Any of the selections on our list will help you get stronger and more conditioned, but certain ropes are built for specific types of training. Best overall: Crossrope Get Lean Set, $119 at AmazonCrossropereimagines the tried-and-true jump rope by offering multiple weighted rope options, an easy-to-use handle clipping system, and a companion app with workouts and insight. When youve gotten a hang of jump rope basics and want to advance into expert territory, the WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope is the tool that can get you there. Crossropereimagines the tried-and-true jump rope by offering multiple weighted rope options, an easy-to-use handle clipping system, and a companion app with workouts and insight. The ball bearings are smooth and quiet, which means the rope wont get caught up mid jump. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. The wire rope also means that length adjustments are difficult and irreversible, as youll need to cut off any remaining rope with wire cutters. Its our choice for the best smart jump rope. Additionally, there are several interval programs to follow based on your experience level, which is helpful for anyone needing guidance or structure. Just try to avoid any kinks or bends, no matter how you chose to store them. And if you think all jump ropes are the same, think again: Many manufacturers have made technical improvements to jump ropes over the years, offering a variety of options for ease of use, adjustability, and rope weight. Obviously this isnt the most sophisticated of design choices, but even though it doesnt impede usage in any way, it does feel a little cheap. This weekend, pack up the board games and unplug the TV. Youd love to give it a try, but when your apartment is small enough that you can reach your bathroom counter while sitting on your couch, the idea seems a bit dangerous. The biggest downside is you need a wire cutter to remove the extra material, which isn't always easy to get your hands on. Thats why the ILIENSA Ropeless Jump Rope is a game-changer. We operate independently from our advertising team. The app keeps track of the total revolutions youve completed, calories youve burned, and time youve jumped. Andrew Laux, NASM-CPT, and personal trainer with fitness platform, Fyt, Louis Chandler Joseph, NASM-CPT, trainer at Dogpound in Los Angeles. If you're looking to perform quick tempo jumps, like high knees, crossover, or double-unders, you want a speed rope, which moves faster, Louis Chandler Joseph, NASM-CPT, trainer at Dogpound in LA told Insider. The SKLZ jump rope is all of this and more: The soft, padded handles allow for a solid, comfy grip, while the swivel on the inside of the handle makes for easy rotations and lots of control (which is super helpful for those jumping in small spaces). Then, to measure a jump rope to your height, step in the middle of the rope with both feet, ensure the rope is symmetric and taught, and adjust it so the bottom of the handle reaches your armpits, said Louis Chandler Joseph, NASM-CPT, trainer at Dogpound in LA. Regular skipping has been found to boost coordination, balance, stamina and circulation. Dont forget about accessories! If you want to make the competition a little more personal, the app allows you to create your own contests and invite your Tangram Rookie friends to jump with you (or rather, against you). With the Just Jump It Jump Rope, you can make exercise a family affair. If you're considering which jump rope to buy, think about how you want to use it. Even if our own jump roping technique wasn't flawless, we still were able to see how versatile the rope was able to be. The ILENSA is a fantastic option for anyone living in close quarters, but its also a great rope for the beginner. Is it really that hard to travel with a jump rope? The less porous EVA foam felt more sanitary. Best for beginners: SKLZ Jump Rope, $14.99 at AmazonThe SKLZ jump rope is easy to use, lightweight, comfortable, and affordable, making it a smart choice for those just starting to jump rope. The Multifun Jump Rope is a great place to start. A lot. Press down on the top knob, insert the rope, and release. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. To top off the benefits of this purchase, you'll also support a women-owned brand. If youre planning to travel frequently with your jump rope, or just want an easy way to store it, look for a jump rope that comes with a travel bag. (However, its return policy says it will only accept returns on unused items within 14 days of purchase, so that's a bit confusing.) Plus, it's so smooth and comfortable. Durability:Much of our jump rope tests occurred outdoors where the rope would constantly hit the cement beneath our feet. Crossrope also offers a companion smartphone application that comes standard with workout inspiration and routine guidance.