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Beaded ropes are the ropes I recommend for beginners or jump ropers who want to branch out into the world of tricks and footwork. I learned everything on a beaded rope – including double unders. Why are they so good? They hold their shape much better than PVC or wire and provide more feedback - giving you more control.
PVC ropes are great for adding speed whilst maintaining some control. You can learn with a PVC rope, but it tends to be trickier than beaded, especially when it comes to releases. That being said, a lot of people get their first double under with a PVC rope. I use my PVC rope more than beaded these days because I’m often doing speedy routines!
Mats aren’t essential, but if you can afford one, I always recommend them. It’s inevitable that ropes will wear down over time, but a mat will significantly reduce this wear compared to other surfaces like concrete, meaning you’ll buy less ropes in the long run. A mat will also soften impact on landing, taking some pressure off your joints.
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