Jump rope is an incredible cardiovascular workout that offers lots of benefits, from improved agility to increased coordination. Whether you’re a seasoned jumper or just starting, selecting the right type of jump rope can greatly impact your performance and progress. In this blog, I’ll share my experiences with four different types of jump ropes and their suitability for various skill levels and techniques. Let’s dive in!
Beaded Ropes
The Ideal Choice for Beginners and Trick Enthusiasts: For those new to jump rope or keen on exploring tricks and footwork, I highly recommend starting with a beaded rope. These ropes are excellent for beginners as they provide more feedback and control, making it easier to learn and execute various movements, including double unders. I personally credit my skill development to the versatility of a beaded rope, which continues to be a go-to for its reliability and ease of use.
PVC Ropes
Speed and Agility Combined: If you’re looking to boost your speed and agility, PVC ropes are a great option. 5mm PVC ropes offer a balance of lightness and weight, enabling you to achieve impressive speeds without sacrificing too much control. For those desiring more feedback, 6mm PVC ropes are worth considering. While mastering tricks on a PVC rope may require more practice, these ropes are great for fast footwork combinations so you’ll see me using mine a lot.
Long Handles
Extending Your Reach for Complex Skills: When the tempo intensifies, and intricate crossing skills come into play, long-handle ropes come to the rescue. These ropes provide an extended reach, offering more room for error during complex skills and multiples. While it’s advisable to begin with short handles to develop proper form, long handles can be beneficial for those struggling with mobility or aiming to attempt advanced combos at high speeds. You’ll often see them used in competitive freestyle events.
Wire Ropes
The Need for Speed, Reserved for the Experienced: Wire ropes are not suitable for beginners or tricks, as they are difficult to control and require well-developed jump rope skills. Once proficient with a beaded or PVC rope, wire ropes can take your performance of simple skills to a whole new level, particularly in terms of speed. Ideal for double unders and basic footwork at high speeds, wire ropes are commonly used in jump rope competitions and CrossFit. Mastering double unders on PVC or beaded ropes before transitioning to wire is highly recommended for the best results.
Choosing the right jump rope can make a significant difference in your jump rope journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jumper, understanding the strengths and limitations of each rope type can guide you towards the perfect fit for your skill level and goals.
For quality, resizable jump ropes, you can check out my collection here (https://doperopes.co.uk/collections/laurens-jump-rope-collection?ref=viru9vfxvem). Take advantage of 10% off with code LAUREN.
You can also watch the short video below, where I explain these rope types in detail.
Happy Jumping!
