I was astounded by the different types of skipping ropes that could be purchased and spent many hours looking and deciding which to initially buy. I wish to share with you some of my research so that you do not have to spend quite as long as I did look and I hope you find these skipping rope reviews helpful.
Skipping rope length
Prior to purchasing a skipping rope, you need to understand the length that is recommended. Many ropes are fully adjustable and need to be purchased at a length that is suitable for your height.
- Height up to 4’5” (1.3m) purchase a 6′ (1.8m) rope
- 4’10’ to 5’5” (1.25m – 1.67m) purchase a 7′ (2.1m) rope
- 5’5” to 6′ (1.5m – 1.8m) purchase an 8′ (2.4m) rope
- over 6′ (1.8m) purchase a 9’2 (2.8m) rope
Once you have purchased your rope you should adjust it by standing on its midpoint with a 1- 2 Inch (25 -50mm) gap between your feet, Pull the rope tight and note its length.
Beginners should allow the base of the handles to reach your armpits
remember to measure twice, cut once
As you become more proficient with skipping you may need to shorten the rope. A shorter rope increases its speed due to travelling a shorter distance. Once you are happy with the length to double-check and shorten as required. (guidance on how to shorten the rope should be included)
Standard Rope
Pros
- Very cheap
- No nonsense – No gimmicks
- Adjustable
Cons
- Very Light
- Feels cheap
- Wears quickly
- Stiff rope can become twisted or kinked
Child’s Rope
A great rope “I had one as a child and loved it” – From what I can remember great for towing toy cars, climbing trees, tieing friends up and other fun activities – I obviously would not recommend these games but these are considered more durable than the “standard rope”.
Pros
- Great feel
- Adjustable
- Fast spinning for all your child’s needs
- Non-stretch
Cons
- 2 piece handle
- Could be smoother
Speed Rope
When looking for a speed rope I found bearing smoothness to be critical – Many ropes are cheaper than the “Beast Rope Elite” but I haven’t found a smoother running or quicker rope. While striving for the ever-elusive double under I found this rope to be a pleasure to use. From the way it feels in your hands to the lack of noise of the handles – You can always hear a very satisfactory swish.
Pros
- Fast and smooth
- Aluminum handles will last well
- Feels great in the hand and no need to gloves
- Includes free extra cable
- Length adjustable (Bonus Allen key stored in handle)
Cons
- Very fast – remember to jump
- Cable durability (all speed rope suffer from coating wear due to contact with the floor)
Weighted Rope
A weighted rope can give the benefits of both the heavy and speed rope – I use this type when attempting double unders – it allows me to be able to slow the spins down and allows my brain to catch up and keep focus. I also love the leather rope rather than a wire as it takes me back to watching “Rocky” and his epic skipping scenes from this 1980s hit film.
Pros
- Adds upper body focus
- Includes more muscles for greater intensity
- Slows skipping down slightly
- Aids – muscle growth and endurance
- Feels great in the hand and no need to gloves
- Weighted handles
- A leather rope is more durable than metal speed ropes
- Length adjustable
Cons
- Too slow for prolonged double unders / triple unders
- Neither heavy or speed
Heavy Rope
A heavy rope workout really ups the intensity and increases the focus on the upper body. It is recommended to wear gloves to reduce blisters and other potential injuries to the hands.
This rope is available in many weights from 2 – 10lb (0.9 -4.5kg) and thickness from 1” to 2” (25 – 50mm) but I would recommend trying a weighted rope prior to this purchase unless you require it for another purpose.
Pros
- Adds upper body focus
- Includes more muscles for greater intensity
- Slows skipping down a lot (if you struggle with speed)
- Builds muscle and endurance
- Less chance of getting whipped from the rope _ it thuds you instead
- Can use for other pulling exercises without the worry of breakages
Cons
- Intensity can be too extreme for some
- Cost
- Chance of blisters increase from other rope types
Advanced ropes
Counter Rope with ball
Pros
- Includes a loop counter, time, alarm, calorie counter
- Smartphone trackable – challenge your friends
- Detachable weights
- Jump balls
- less space needed to skip
- No chance of being whipped by cable in ball mode
Cons
- Cost
- Handles not a comfortable as wood or aluminum
Skipping Rope with App Included
A rope for those who must have data for everything – I have struggled to focus and log skipping routines and this rope solves both these problems. This also allows you to challenge your friends to skip battles. Why not give it a go – First to 10,000 skips or total time skipped in a week.
Pros
- Includes a removable step counter
- Smartphone trackable – challenge your friends
- Includes detachable weights
- Includes jump ball
Cons
- Cost
- Handles not as comfortable as wood or aluminum
- Removable counter
Conclusion
I hope these different skipping rope types have helped you understand the diverse range available on the market today – I initially thought a skipping rope was a cable with a handle – How wrong was I.
As you can see each rope has its pros and cons and I own several for this reason. They are used day to day dependent upon the exercises I am performing. Skipping is a great warm-up when I have functional fitness exercises scheduled because it warms the legs and arms up very well.
Currently, the most used are my weighted and my speed rope because I’m trying to achieve double unders and these can be taken with me during my travels.
Please add any thoughts below or if you find any additional rope types please also suggest and I will possibly add them after they have been reviewed.
Thanks
Short-and-intense.com
Owner and author at shortandintense.com , 25 years as a quality and health and safety professional with an in-depth knowledge of functional and corrective exercises. IHoS registered,lead auditor, personal trainer and human movement specialist.