Best Crossfit Jump Rope: Your Road to Double Unders

Double unders aren’t only a great combination of coordination, muscular strength and aerobic endurance. They can also be an enjoyable and impressive exercise. After all, isn’t that what Cross fit’s all about? People strive for athletic perfection while simultaneously having fun?

But without the right tools, CrossFit might not be fun or beneficial. A jump rope is one of those tools necessary for any dedicated CrossFitter and can make all the difference between a CrossFit fanatic and a struggling, CrossFit enthusiast. You get it.

Jumping rope is a sort of benchmark for the sport. A good rope for skips or jumps depends on many factors. But the seemingly endless options and the confusing marketing speak can be confusing for the novice. Let’s walk you through the process of choosing a good CrossFit jump rope.

Fit athletic young man using a skipping rope to train in a crossfit gym jumping midair in a health and fitness concept

What to Look for in a Jump Rope: A Guide

A CrossFit athlete, when buying their equipment is like a bride buying her wedding dress. The purchase must be very carefully tailored to their height, fitness level, and goals.

This guide is here, however, to make your shopping experience nothing like a Bridezilla's. You ideally want to tick off all of the following to find the best rope for you.

Length and Adjustability

Length is a vitally important factor in choosing a rope for both perfecting your technique and avoiding injury. Before picking your rope’s length, understand the difference between static and dynamic length.

Dynamic length is the length of the rope during use – it depends on your body type and the exercise you’re doing. Static length is the length of the rope when it’s not being used. The latter is more helpful in measuring the length appropriate for you.

Dynamic length is the length of the rope during use – it depends on your body type and the exercise you’re doing. Static length is the length of the rope when it’s not being used. The latter is more helpful in measuring the length appropriate for you.

How to measure?

  • Stand up straight in the center of the rope with one foot.
  • Raise handles with your elbows and shoulders relaxed.
  • Rope handles should ideally reach your armpit or your nipple line.

Beginner level: you can add 2-5 cm above your nipple line.

Advanced level: if you’re looking for a challenge, you can subtract 2-5 cm from the nipple line.

Rule of Thumb: If you want to double-check, the rope should be around 3 feet or 1 meter longer than your height.

Another important factor, especially for beginners, is adjustability. This is way too often overlooked yet as important as the other criteria.

If you’re too confused about the length suitable for you or if you’re planning on using the rope for different exercises, you’re in luck as most ropes nowadays are 10 feet long and allow for custom resizing. 

Weight

Weight is the second most essential criteria for choosing the best jump rope. Think of it this way, weight is inversely proportional to speed. Speed is a prerequisite in double unders, so calculate the weight of your rope using your current or projected near-term level.

using a skipping rope in a CrossFit Box

If you can do ten unbroken skips or less, go for heavier and thicker ropes. 4 mm in diameter is a good starting point. Work on your coordination and balance with this weight before attempting higher speed and higher volume skipping workouts.

However, if you’re one of the best in your gym, go for lighter ropes to achieve your maximum speed. That usually means 2 mm or less in diameter.  

Another important factor is the handle's weight. Most jump ropes have handles that weigh around 10 ounces each. This weight (that you must control and direct) contributes to a great shoulder, arm, and core exercise and strengthens your grip. Controlling the rope also works your intrinsic hand muscles, which can positively benefit your whole WOD. Note: using CrossFit gloves with ropes can improve grip and decrease the chances of blisters.

Handle

A key element in handles is the material used in manufacturing. The mechanism of attachment to the rope can also play a big part in performance. 

Plastic handles are the norm. But many are made from wood and metal, news that my fellow environmentalists out there will welcome. All materials are equally functional but wooden and metal handles have the added advantage of durability.

If you have the chance to try out handles, make sure the “feel” and ergonomic shape is comfortable. This one’s hard to explain and give advice on apart from saying that if it feels right, it probably is. Plastic handles are fine but if you're a fan of jumping rope, you might want to upgrade.

Last but foremost, there are three types of jump ropes based on their mechanisms of attachment; direct connection, swivel bearing connection, and 90 degrees connection or ball bearings handles.

Direct connection handles have the cable directly fitted into the handles. This is common with beginner ropes. The problem with this type of connection is that friction can cause wear and tear with frequent use. Swivel bearing connections, on the other hand, allow the rope to rotate freely and makes it more durable to use. Both work just fine for beginners.

For the more advanced CrossFitter, ball bearing handles are a must. These connections eliminate the problem of friction while allowing the weight of the rope to be distributed evenly throughout the rotation, allowing for a smoother movement at a higher speed.

Material and Durability

Finally, once you’ve decided on the length and weight ideal for you, it’s time to check material off your list. Material and durability are two sides of the same coin. Material type also goes hand in hand with speed.

The material used in making a jump rope varies from PVC, nylon, and rubber to leather and steel. There’s something for everyone. Beginner CrossFit jump ropes are often made of vinyl plastic and those have moderate weights and speed. But these ropes compromise on durability.

Thin steel cables are reserved for those who can do 100 or more unbroken double unders. These ropes can spin incredibly fast. This can be challenging even for the advanced CrossFit athlete. Always wear CrossFit-style shoes (or any solid footwear) to avoid injury. The impact of steel cable can be nasty at speed. Nylon covered steel is the most versatile and heavy jump rope and can last longer than a year.

There’s also the classic leather or cloth jump rope, which is equally functional but definitely not as durable. Lighter and quieter, these ropes are more suitable for advanced jumpers. Note that they’re not a good option for training outdoors.

The final recommendation is to consider the location and surfaces of your Crossfit Box. If you frequently train outdoors, go for steel ropes rather than PVC or cloth.

Jump ropes for speed and performance

Best Crossfit Jump Ropes

The first part of this article will hopefully explain the important factors to keep in mind when choosing a CrossFit rope. However, the abundance of options on the internet can lead to decision paralysis when making a purchase. So we’ve made it easy for you. Check out our pick of the best jump ropes you can buy today.

The Best In Class: Rogue SR-1

Rouge Fitness Sr1 Speed Rope For Double Unders

There's no denying that the Rogue Fitness company makes high-quality products. The SR-1 is durable, super-fast ball bearing speed rope with rotating handle. It looks great and feels amazing in the hand. The handgrip is made from nylon resin and the coated cable helps protect the steel cable.

If you're looking for a quality speed rope today, don't hesitate. Get the Rogue Fitness SR-1

2nd Place: Elite SRS Bullet Comp

Elite SRS Bullet Comp is often said to be the best jump rope on the market. We tend to agree. It’s one of the fastest and smoothest ropes on the market – Any better and it would almost do double unders by itself. The Elite SRS is also the choice of many world-class athletes in US jump rope championships. In short, it’s got it all.

First, its 5.5″ (14cm) long handles made of anodized aluminum have a slip-free knurl grip allowing for more confident training and less rope-handle-hitting-your-WOD-partner’s-head kind of accidents. The handles are also comfortable and light.

The rope-handle connection is a high-grade steel ball bearing which allows for better agility for one as well as maintaining durability rust and wear-free.

Second, the rope itself is constructed of nylon and is 10 feet long. However, have no fear, it’s adjustable to your taste. Another huge advantage is the ability to adjust the Bullet Comp rope without tools, unlike most other jump ropes.

One drawback is the price. It’s a little pricey for some people and it may not be the best option for beginners, being a thin 2.4 mm width. 

Things We Like

●   Slip-free grips

●   Comfortable handles

●   Adjustable length

Things We Don’t Like

●   Not suitable for beginners

●   On the expensive end

3rd Place: WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope

With 2.5mm thickness, it’s nearly as fast and stable as Bullet Comp but for only half the price! It’s surprisingly low cost for its quality and variety of colors catering to every taste.

First, the handles are longer than its counterparts at 6.75″. They also have tapered ends allowing for better grip. They do, however, lack knurls or ridges that might secure the grip even more.

The rope-handle connection is one of a kind and is one reason why this speed rope stands out. It uses a patented 4 bearing system; two bearings in the handle, two on the tips to hold the coated cable. The ball bearing serves as a source of frictionless rotation and the swivel acts as a regulator of speed and shape, leading to a perfect jumping style.

Second, the cable is also 10 feet long and adjustable, though not as easily adjustable as the Bullet Comp adjustment mechanism. Moreover, it’s made of nylon-covered steel which is very durable, yet it’s recommended to be used only indoors to keep the coating preserved.

The home run for me in this particular rope is the company’s customer service policy. They offer a lifetime warranty, a spare cable, and a carrying bag. That’s more than an extra mile if you ask me.

Things We Like

●   Affordable price

●   Adjustable length

●   Comes with a carrying bag

Things We Don’t Like

●   No ridges

Best Weighted: Weighted Jump Rope by Pulse (1LB)

This 1.5-pound jump rope is a strength exercise on its own. It allows users to work on shoulder, forearm and hand strength rather than speed, making it ideal for beginners. Not exactly a speed rope but it will improve your double under game.

The weights in the handles are removable allowing the user to work on speed if desired or when moving from beginner to intermediate or advanced.

The handles are made of memory foam, allowing for a good hand grip and a comfortable jumping exercise. They’re also attached by a ball bearing system that enables smoother speed jumps and faster double unders (or triple unders if you've got the skills).

Additionally, the rope is thick (6 mm) and is made of high-quality PVC. It’s adjustable (down from 10 ft) and durable. It’s suggested for use on smooth surfaces but can equally withstand concrete or asphalt.

Lastly, Pulse also offers an exercise booklet and bag to go with its rope. Sounds like a generous offer to me!

Things We Like

●   Comfortable memory foam handles

●   Suitable for beginners and professionals

●   Comes with a bag

Things We Don’t Like

●   Gets tangled easily

Best for Budget buyers: Master of Muscle Jump Rope

At 7 dollars, it’s an absolute steal. It’s unbelievable the features you can get for such a little amount of money. It’s lightweight (3.6 oz), compact and fast – perfect as a portable speed rope. The cable can be adjusted to suit your desired length.

The rope is made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Black Coated Wire ensuring no kinking or bending, however, there have been some concerns from users about its durability and the rate of breakage. Then again, there’s really so much you can expect from this price. Still, they do offer a warranty which may compensate for the durability issues.

The swivel mechanism of the rope-handle attachment is subpar compared to the ball-bearing mechanism of other products but it still allows for high speed ropes work.

In summary, it’s a great rope for working on your double unders. It does provide the speed and weight needed for training. Naturally, at this very low price, it comes with some drawbacks. Nevertheless, I think they’re negligible and that it can still offer a great workout.

Things We Like

●   Budget-friendly

●   The TPU wire doesn’t bend

●   Adjustable length

Things We Don’t Like

●   May not be as durable as other options

Best for Beginners: EliteSRS Elite Surge 3.0

This is the best rope for absolute beginners as well as beginners transitioning to intermediate or advanced. It’s moderately thick at 4 mm allowing for moderate speed with special focus on coordination and balance.

First, the handles are made of soft foam which offers more control for the intrinsic hand muscles. The attachment uses a ball bearing system for higher efficiency and smoother movement.

The cable is 10 feet long and adjustable to different heights, but that’s not the coolest part about this rope. This is: the head of the rope is designed to fit many different cables of different thicknesses and weights, ranging from ultra-thin 1.1 mm cables to 4mm ones.

This is great news for beginners who don’t want to be stuck with 40 dollar beginner jump ropes while paving their ways to, hopefully, The Regionals.

Things We Like

●   Versatile as it fits different cables

●   The rope comes with a storage bag

Things We Don’t Like

●   A little pricey

Rope Wrap Up

In conclusion, a jump rope is a meticulously personalized item of your workout gear.

It should be customized according to your starting point and from there, frequently adjusted as such with your progress.

It should be just the right length and weight, as well as substantial and sturdy.

If you need just one jump rope recommendation, get the Rogue Fitness SR-1.

Now to one of our favorites, the WOD Nation Jump Rope. They have combined one of the structurally and functionally superior ropes with a very affordable price and extraordinary customer service. It's a fantastic jump rope for double unders and won't cost the earth.

Alternatively, if you’re aspiring to compete at a professional level and have some money to spare, the Elite SRS Bullet Comp is definitely the one for you.

The Best Crossfit Jump Ropes For Your Level

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