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For many of us, the word “jump rope” likely conjures images of schoolyards and chanting kids at recess. But jump rope isn’t just for children. In fact, it can be a powerful yet enjoyable means of fitness training for adults. Weighted jump ropes, in particular, turn the childhood pastime into a potent workout by adding resistance to the rope, making it perfect for strength training and weight loss. So how do you know which is the best weighted jump rope for you?
Selecting your ideal weighted jump rope
Choosing a weighted jump rope isn’t just about quality but also your personal needs and preferences. Depending on your body type and your desired workout, you may need to look out for different features. In particular, before you buy, consider your body type, your fitness goals, and your workout environment. These factors will decide the length, weight, and material of your weighted jump rope.
Length
The length of your weighted jump rope should depend on your height, with taller people better suited to long jump ropes. The ideal method of sizing your jump rope is to stand with one foot pinning the middle of your jump rope to the floor. When you pull either side of the jump rope taut, the handles should reach your armpits. If you don’t yet have a jump rope to test this with, you can do the same test with any long rope or cord to determine your ideal jump rope length.
Weight
The weight of your weighted jump rope will be determined by your fitness goals. Standard weighted jump ropes weigh in at around 1 lb, though some can be as light as a half-pound and some can be as heavy as eight pounds. In general, lighter ropes are better for cardio and weight loss, while heavier ropes are better for building muscle. Consider which is more in line with your goals when selecting a weight that’s best for you.
Material
Jump ropes come in a variety of materials, including cloth, leather, and vinyl cord. Some ropes also may be coated in plastic or another material to increase their durability. If you’re going to be working out on the pavement or other rough surfaces, you’ll likely want to go with a tougher, thicker jump rope that will resist scuffing and damage. Cloth jump ropes, in particular, are especially vulnerable to wear and tear!
Our Picks for theTop 6 Weighted Jump Ropes – Reviewed
Not sure where to start? We’ve narrowed down the options to six of the best weighted jump ropes available.
1. Weighted Jump Rope by Pulse (1LB) with Memory Foam Handles and Weighted Speed Cable
With adjustable rope length, memory foam grips, and ball bearings in the handles to help ensure smooth rotation, we consider Pulse’s weighted jump rope to be one of the best all-around offerings on our list. It’s also one of the more affordable weighted jump ropes on the market.
Recommended for anyone under 6’6” in height, this weighted jump rope comes with clear instructions on how to cut the rope down to size if it’s too big for the jumper, though be advised: once you’ve removed length from the rope, you can’t add it back, so measure twice and cut once. Though there’s no doubt you’ll work up a sweat with this rope, its memory foam grips and ball bearing joints make for a comfortable experience, preventing sweat-slick hands and encouraging smooth, quick rotations of the rope.
Be aware, however: the majority of the heft in this weighted jump rope comes from removable weights in the handles, which may not offer as intense a workout as weight distributed through the rope itself.
2. Crossrope Jump Rope Get Lean Set
Crossrope’s Get Lean Set is something of a double feature, as it includes both a quarter-pound speed rope and a half-pound weighted rope. The set comes with a single pair of handles that can be attached to either rope and include ceramic ball bearings in the joints to allow for smooth rope rotations. The ropes also come in a variety of lengths, from 8 feet, all the way up to 9.5 feet, and are coated in PVC to increase their durability.
Having two weight options to choose from offers jumpers a convenient way to customize their workouts and keep themselves on their toes. The handles are also ergonomically designed, allowing you to keep the workout going without worrying too much about blisters. However, some have complained that the joint between the handles and the ropes can get in the way when jumping by knocking uncomfortably against the fingers. It’s also one of the priciest options on our list, even taking into account that it includes two ropes. Still, if you’re looking for versatility, Crossrope’s Jump Rope Get Lean Set may be for you.
3. Crossrope Jump Rope Starter Set
Also from Crossrope, this jump rope starter set is another double whammy, with both a weighted rope and an unweighted speed rope. This Starter Set can be seen as a precursor to Crossrope’s Get Lean Set and was clearly designed with many of the same principles, including several available lengths and one pair of handles that can be attached to either the weighted or unweighted rope options for greater workout versatility.
Despite its similarities to the Get Lean Set, Crossrope’s Starter Set may endear itself to more frugal customers thanks to its more affordable price point. However, it should also be noted that the Starter Set is less durable than the Get Lean Set and will wear down quickly if used on rough surfaces. Nonetheless, if you do most of your jumping indoors, Crossrope’s Starter Set may be the wiser alternative to its more expensive successor.
4. Jump Rope Golden Stallion
For those who want to work out in style, the Jump Rope Golden Stallion may be the perfect accessory. With engraved wood handles and a rope made of real leather, the Golden Stallion evokes images of cowboy whips and lassos rather than plastic and production plants. But don’t let the old-fashioned design fool you. Like other contenders on this list, the Golden Stallion features metal ball bearings in the handles to allow for smooth movement of the rope and an easily adjustable length.
Thanks to the weights in the handle and its heavy leather rope, the Golden Stallion is great for those who want a more intense workout from their weighted jump rope. The leather is also quite sturdy, making it suitable for outdoor use, in addition to just looking great. Beginner jumpers beware, however; the slick wooden handles can be difficult to keep a grip on, plus the leather rope can feel like a whip against your shins if you botch a jump. Even so, the stylish, demanding design of the Golden Stallion may endear it to experienced athletes looking for a challenge.
5. Rope Fit Heavy Jump Rope
Definitely one of the strangest-looking jump ropes on our list, the Rope Fit Heavy Jump Rope is made from braided poly Dacron rope, with no joint between the rope and the “handles.” It’s also the heaviest rope on our list by far, with the lightest option weighing in at 4 lbs and the heaviest a whopping 8 lbs. It comes in both 9-foot long and 10-foot long varieties, with the 10-foot long rope recommended for anyone over 6” in height.
This rope is definitely not for the faint of heart. With its considerable weight and no handle joints to smooth the rope’s rotation, it may feel less like you’re jumping rope and more like you’re wrestling with a boa constrictor. There’s also not much concession to comfort on the handles and gloves may be necessary to prevent blisters. Though these features will no doubt turn away more casual jumpers, if you’re an old hand looking for a hardcore strength-training experience, the Rope Fit Heavy Jump Rope might just be perfect for you.
6. Champion Sport Weighted Jump Rope
Another weightier rope for more confident jumpers, the Champion Sport Weighted Jump Rope comes in 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, and 4 lb varieties, all 9 feet long. The rope itself is made from sturdy rubber, with the thickness of the rope increasing proportionally to its weight.
Though the rope itself may provide a sought-after challenge for jumpers, this product’s biggest flaw is its handles. Because the handles use foam pivot balls rather than smooth metal or ceramic ball bearings, the movement of this rope can feel rather stiff. However, for those looking for a more exacting workout, this extra obstacle may be a boon rather than a detriment.
Conclusion
Finding the best weighted jumping rope is really about finding what you need for your particular body type and workout. Whether you’re looking for smooth, swift movement or an adversary to strive against, there are plenty of options on the market to find which rope is best for you. We hope this guide has given you an idea of what to look for in your weighted jumping ropes and that you’ll find which one is best to meet your fitness goals.
Hello,
I am looking for a 6 lbs jumping rope. With a smooth finish. Can you help me?