- Quality of Material
- Durability
- Adjustability
- Price
Quality of Material
First, we rate jump ropes based on the quality of their material.
For the rope itself, we think it’s important that the jump rope’s material should be suited for its purpose. A weighted jump rope shouldn’t be made with steel wire, while a speed rope shouldn’t have multiple layers.
In general, a good quality shouldn’t tangle while you’re using it or fray easily if you use it for a couple of weeks.
We also consider the handle of the jump rope. We take note if the padding fits comfortably fit in the hands, like a rubber handle or if it slips out of your sweaty hands easily, like a plastic handle. Some handles are better for larger hands, while other handles are better for kids or adults with smaller hands.
Some jump ropes have ball bearings to give a smoother experience. While attractive at first, this can be a tradeoff with quality. We take note if the ball bearing mechanism begins to give resistance over time. If the bearing mechanism doesn’t last a long time, it should be easy to replace or fix.
Durability
Next, we rate jump ropes based on their durability.
No matter if you’re a boxer who jump ropes every day or someone who just wants to replace their weekly treadmill workout, we think it’s important that your jump rope lasts a long time.
We note if a jump rope frays easily and how long it lasts on average before fraying, or even snapping.
Each jump rope is tested against different surfaces, such as turf or pavement, to see how their quality holds up after use.
Adjustability
Next, we rate jump ropes based on adjustability.
Jump ropes often come in a set size. These are only good for people with certain heights; for others the jump rope will be too long or too short.
These jump ropes are tough to adjust, requiring you to cut them or make knots to make them shorter.
If a jump rope is adjustable, we note if this is done easily. Some ropes let you adjust its length with your hands, while others require you to use a pair of pliers.
Price
Lastly, we rate jump ropes based on price.
Some boxers and fitness enthusiasts will use their jump ropes every day and need a long-lasting, quality jump rope. For these jump ropes, it’ll cost more.
On the other hand, some people will only use the jump rope for their weekly cardio session. These people won’t mind using a lower-quality jump rope.
When you’re looking for a jump rope, often you’ll be balancing price with quality or for durability. Our aim is to find the jump rope with the right price point for your fitness goals.