In a more innocent and distant time long since passed, you probably skipped in the school playground as part of a budget cut primary school PE lesson, or at the very least, you'd sit and watch your sister (or the girls in the schoolyard) skip away the hours, reciting rhyme after rhyme in what seemed like some kind of almost hypnotic and impenetrable cult
Fast forward a few years right up to your discovery of the Tamagotchi, conker battles or whatever unholy distraction descended upon your school years and you probably thought you'd never touch a rope again.
If you ever see an adult skipping these days in the flesh or on TV then the chances are they are training for boxing. Over recent years, however, people have come to take note just how fit boxers have to be and as a result of this, as such, skipping has gained a whole new level of respect amongst the fitness community.
If you've already decided that skipping is for you then you might want to skip on down to later sections in this article, where we explain the key features of a good skipping rope, suggest our top ten picks and then give a round up of the best skipping ropes in the UK for different situations.
If you're interested in skipping but still not quite sure it's for you, then please carry on reading.
Skipping works both your heart and your muscles
Although skipping is, first and foremost, cardio, even regular skipping will also give your arms and legs a workout, especially if you use a skipping rope with weighted handles. If you want to take it up a gear, there are plenty of “jump rope workouts” available and they range from beginner-level to pro-standard.
How to use a skipping rope
Skipping is classed as a high-impact exercise, but what that means in practice basically depends a lot on how you go about it. Above all, it depends on the level of cushioning beneath you. Because of this, it can be a good idea to look for softer surfaces on which to skip, for example grass instead of tarmac or carpet instead of had flooring. You might also want to invest in a good pair of trainers.
If you want to skip in an upstairs room or flat then skipping on a soft surface will help to please both your joints and your neighbours. If you only have hard floors, consider investing in a thick yoga mat. Practising good skipping technique will also help keep the noise down (and your joints in good shape).
Good skipping technique
The key point of good skipping technique is to keep the weight on your toes rather than trying to jump flat-footed. You want your knees to be just slightly bent (almost straight but not locked) and the idea is just to skim over the rope with each jump. Avoid great leaps and/or deep landings unless you're doing an advanced workout which specifically requires them.
When you first start to skip, it's generally best to keep the handles of your skipping rope roughly level with your waist. As you improve, you can raise them up your ribcage, but you probably want to stop at the top of the ribcage/bust area, again unless you are doing an advanced workout which specifically requires this.
The economics of skipping
Skipping is probably the most economical form of exercise there is not just in terms of value-for-money, but also in terms of value-for-space, which is probably almost as important these days. Even the most premium skipping rope in our selection is a fraction of the price of just about any other item of gym equipment and what’s more they can be used indoors or outdoors, by yourself or in a group. You can even take your skipping rope with you when travelling, not only will it go in carry on you could pop it into a handbag or even a decent-sized pocket.
The key features of the best skipping ropes in the UK
If you're planning on skipping regularly as part of a fitness routine, then you're going to need something better than the length of old clothes line you may have used as a child. The good news is that even premium skipping ropes are really affordable. If you're wondering what differentiates a premium skipping rope from a budget one, then here are the five, main points to consider.
How long should a skipping rope be
A child-size skipping rope may not be long enough for a grown adult whereas many (but not all) skipping ropes with longer ropes can be made shorter. Even when they can't, you have the option of knotting it or wrapping the excess round your hands. It may not be elegant but it can get the job done.
By contrast, if you want to skip in a confined space, you may want to look for a cordless skipping rope. This may seem like a contradiction in terms, but they do exist and can be perfectly effective. They are also a good choice for people who lack confidence in their coordination.
Weight
Some skipping ropes have weighted handles to increase the intensity of your workout. The weights involved might seem miniscule (objectively, that's exactly what they are), but you'll feel the difference.
Flexibility
In terms of skipping, flexibility really means spinnability. One of the big differences between children's skipping ropes and proper fitness skipping ropes is that the latter are designed to support much faster, more powerful spins. In fact the quality of the spinning mechanism is a key factor in determining the quality of a skipping rope.
Comfort
The basic wooden or plastic handles of children's skipping ropes just won’t cut it if you're working up a serious sweat. You want handles which really feel good to hold and which ideally have some means of either absorbing or draining away your sweat.
Robustness
Skipping ropes spin a lot and regularly hit the ground. They need to be strong enough to deal with this. Also you want them to remain tangle-free both in use and in storage.
The best skipping rope in the UK - our top ten
Beast Rope by Beast Gear – Speed Skipping Rope
This “rope” is actually steel wire with a plastic coating plus an additional protector you can put on (if you wish) when using the rope on hard surfaces. You also get a handy carry case. It has a maximum length of 2.8M but is adjustable so if you’re shorter you won’t feel overwhelmed. Beast Gear has developed a very effective ball-bearing mechanism which will satisfy anyone’s need for speed and it has 360 degree handles for maximum flexibility. This skipping rope is made from premium materials and designed to stand up to long-term use by serious fitness enthusiasts.
The best skipping rope in the UK - our top ten
Beast Rope by Beast Gear – Speed Skipping Rope
This “rope” is actually steel wire with a plastic coating plus an additional protector you can put on (if you wish) when using the rope on hard surfaces. You also get a handy carry case. It has a maximum length of 2.8M but is adjustable so if you’re shorter you won’t feel overwhelmed. Beast Gear has developed a very effective ball-bearing mechanism which will satisfy anyone’s need for speed and it has 360 degree handles for maximum flexibility. This skipping rope is made from premium materials and designed to stand up to long-term use by serious fitness enthusiasts.
Beast Rope by Beast Gear – Speed Skipping Rope for Fitness, Conditioning...
- Fine-tuned and calibrated for optimum weight and balance, our adjustable length skipping ropes help build up muscle mass whilst increasing your agility and stamina. With these lightweight fitness accessories you'll be ‘roaring’ to go.
- Fine-tuned and calibrated for optimum weight and balance, our adjustable length skipping ropes help build up muscle mass whilst increasing your agility and stamina. With these lightweight fitness accessories you'll be ‘roaring’ to go.
- The premium BG-Tech ball bearings in our jump rope prevent twisting and bending and are engineered for rapid rotation. Combined with the 360 degree handle, our speed rope offers you a more controlled and stable workout. Go wild!
- The flexible 3m braided steel cable adjusts to any length with a simple, yet strong screwing mechanism. Coated in a long-lasting protective layer this jumping rope won't crack or break, and includes an optional protector for outdoor use.
- Portable & versatile, this dynamic adult skipping rope is perfect for boxers, MMA, and fitness fans alike. With perfectly weighted, non-slip, high strength plastic handles, our state of the art speed skipping rope is king of the jungle (gym).
- Goals are only good if you are willing to follow through with them. If you need some support sticking to your New Years resolution, this skipping rope is a sure-fire way to help you shape up this new year.
TOQIBO Skipping Rope
This skipping rope by TOQIBO is really two ropes in one. The main rope is almost 3 metres in length (adjustable) and you also have the option to use a “short rope”, which is about 24 cm in length (on each side) with a weight at the end. The handles have good grip and the heads rotate on 360-degree rapid bearings to give you plenty of speed and flexibility. This skipping rope also comes equipped with a digital counter, which tracks time, calories and jump count. It requires 2 x CR2032 lithium batteries, which can be replaced.
TOQIBO Skipping Rope, Speed Jump Rope Tangle-free Adjustable Rope & Digital Jump...
- 【Cordless Jump/Rope Jump】The creative design allows you to change the mode between Rope Jump and Cordless jump. In cordless mode, you can enjoy the jump wherever you want. Moreover, kids can use this cordless function to avoid to be tripped by the rope. More convenient and save your time!
- 【Cordless Jump/Rope Jump】The creative design allows you to change the mode between Rope Jump and Cordless jump. In cordless mode, you can enjoy the jump wherever you want. Moreover, kids can use this cordless function to avoid to be tripped by the rope. More convenient and save your time!
- 【Premium LCD Display & Fashionable Design】Designed with a Timer, Calorie Counter, and Jumping Counter, accurate jump counting with 4 buttons, assist you to lost weight and keep fit. Suitable for all family member.
- 【High-quality Material】Food-grade PVC material, tangle-free adjustable cable, anti-slip ABS handle. Corded jump rope length: 2.9m, cordless jump rope length: 24cm. Build-in professional premium 360 swivel rapid ball bearing to ensure a smooth and effortless spin.
- 【Easy to Use】The jump rope has a built-in counter on the right handle that helps you know how many jumps you need for each purpose such as weight loss, burning fat, or body tone. You no longer need to count all the time or loose track! it is accurate and easy to reset. assist you to burn fat,lost weight,beauty body and keep healthy.
- 【Adjustable Rope & Ergonomic Grips】This skipping rope is easy to be adjusted to required length, therefore suitable for any body height, no matter adults or kids. Ergonomically designed with non-slip handles for optimal and comfort grip.
Valour Strike Premium Skipping Ropes Leather
The Valour Strike premium skipping rope is another skipping rope aimed at boxers and so has a leather cord instead of a rope or steel wire. Out of the box this is about 2.8 metres in length. This can be adjusted. The exterior of the handles is made of rosewood with strategic shaping and grooving to provide both ergonomic comfort and drainage channels for your sweat. Inside, there is a polished steel rotation mechanism to ensure that the rope can spin as fast as you can. There is also weighting to increase the intensity of your workout.
Valour Strike Leather Weighted Skipping Rope | Weighted Jump Rope for Boxing,...
- [ EXTRA STRONG LONG LASTING OUTDOOR LEATHER ROPE ] : Making it extremely durable, you can literally use our jump rope anywhere (unlike cheap speed rope alternatives). This rope really is built to last, strong and resilient unlike some copycats.
- [ EXTRA STRONG LONG LASTING OUTDOOR LEATHER ROPE ] : Making it extremely durable, you can literally use our jump rope anywhere (unlike cheap speed rope alternatives). This rope really is built to last, strong and resilient unlike some copycats.
- [ 2x REMOVABLE WEIGHTS ] : Our weighted skipping rope for men & women is a great addition to anyone's workout equipment. Over 5x heavy than other plastic alternatives for 5x the workout! Including easily removable steel weights for a better jump rope for exercise.
- [ 360º DEGREE LONG-LASTING POLISHED STEEL ROTATION ] : Jumping rope is repetitive and our rotation system is built to stand the test of time and repeated use. The rotation allows for maximum comfort and stability when skipping coupled with perfectly balanced handles. Our ropes can really be used all day long.
- [ 6 INCH ROSE WOODEN HANDLE ] : Beautiful skipping rope handles that are designed to last and to be a great addition to your gym equipment! 8 vertically grooves strategically placed to improve your grip & prevent sweat interfering your workout.
- [ SAFE & TREATED LEATHER ] Unlike others our leather skipping ropes use leather that has been treated. Not only making it safe but also durable.
- EXPERT SUPPORT & TUTORIALS: Get the most out of your leather weighted skipping rope with our YouTube channel, offering helpful tips and tutorials. Search for "Valour Strike" on YouTube to access helpful videos like "How to Size Your Skipping Rope," "How to Do the Boxer's Step Skipping," "Skipping Rope Workouts and Challenges," and "Jump Rope for Beginners." Join our community for guidance and support on your fitness journey.
Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom Mach2
Designed specifically for CrossFit the Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom Mach2 comprises a stainless-steel “rope” with a polymer coating, fitted into silicon-grip handles via a patent-pending, self-locking fitting and a 360-degree spin ball bearing system. In fact, you actually get two ropes of 10 feet (about 3 metres) each. Naturally you can adjust the length of the ropes and it’s very easy to do so. The Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom Mach2 has a lifetime warranty and in addition to a carry case, you also get a box for gifting and/or storage.
Sonic Boom M2 High Speed Jump Rope - Patent Pending Self-Locking, Screw-Free...
- SUPER SONIC SPEED – Prepare to crush it like never before with the NEW and improved Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom M2 workout jump rope for serious athletes! Designed to be FASTER than ever, so you can make better progress, train harder, and break your goals in record time.
- SUPER SONIC SPEED – Prepare to crush it like never before with the NEW and improved Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom M2 workout jump rope for serious athletes! Designed to be FASTER than ever, so you can make better progress, train harder, and break your goals in record time.
- KILL IT QUALITY – Premium grade, 360-degree ball bearings? Check! Silicone, anti-slip grips? Done! Awesome extras? You got it! We designed the Sonic Boom M2 to be the best jump rope from top to bottom, and them some. Get smooth spinning, super fast rotation in your crossrope, a FREE carrying case, and a FREE online training course (sells for $15.97) to unleash your inner speed demon.
- DON’T SCREW IT UP – Sick of loose screws that fall out just as you’re getting your groove? It’s time to meet the FIRST, patent-pending, self-locking, screw-free jump ropes for men and women! Whether you’re perfecting your double unders or warming up for a workout, the Sonic Boom M2 RPM jump rope helps you get sick speed, without screws screwing it up!
- CUSTOMIZABLE CABLES – When you’re after speed, you need a jumping rope that fits you to a T. The Sonic Boom M2 comes with 2 adjustable, 10ft polymer-coated speed cables; so you can get the exact length you need for the gains you want!
- NO SWEAT GUARANTEE – Find your skipping rope one and only or get a full refund. All Eptiomie Fitness jump ropes come backed by a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee, so you’re protected against breaks and changes of the heart.
Gritin Skipping Rope
The Gritin skipping rope is a nice, mid-priced option which could be a good choice for people who want to skip regularly, but who don’t necessarily want to train for boxing and/or CrossFit. The “rope” is PVC-coated steel and when it arrives it is 3.2M in length. This is adjustable and depending on the extent of the adjustment you may or may not wish to cut it. What we really like about the Gritin skipping rope is the fact that the handles are ergonomically-shaped and made of anti-slip memory foam for both security and comfort. The 360-degree ball bearings allow for smooth turning.
Gritin Skipping Rope, Speed Jump Rope Soft Memory Foam Handle Tangle-free Adjustable...
- Anti-Slip Soft Memory Foam Handle: Constructed with anti-slip light weight ergonomically shaped handles coated with soft skin-friendly memory foam grips for extra comfort.
- Easily Adjustable: You can adjust the length of the rope quickly and easily. Its adjustable 3m length design allows you to customize the length to suit your needs, making it suitable for all ages and all skill levels. Your order includes a set of spare adjustment buckles.
- Anti-Slip Soft Memory Foam Handle: Constructed with anti-slip light weight ergonomically shaped handles coated with soft skin-friendly memory foam grips for extra comfort.
- Easily Adjustable: You can adjust the length of the rope quickly and easily. Its adjustable 3m length design allows you to customize the length to suit your needs, making it suitable for all ages and all skill levels. Your order includes a set of spare adjustment buckles.
- Tangled-free PVC Coated Steel Cable: Gritin skipping rope is made of high tensile steel wire and coated with powerful PVC material, which makes the rope more resistant and durable , and it can keep stable rhythm of skipping even after a prolonged exercise.
- Premium Rapid Ball Bearing: Build-in professional premium 360 swivel rapid ball bearing to ensure a smooth and effortless spin making it the perfect addition to any calorie burning workout program.
- Get Your Workout Anywhere: Compact,lightweight makes it easy to achieve maximum fat burn, tone your muscles and reach peak fitness anywhere.
Homello Skipping Rope
We’d class the Homello skipping rope as being the entry-level option for people who want to do proper boxing and/or CrossFit training. The “rope” is in point of fact wire cable, with a PVC coating. Out of the box, it’s 9.8 feet (about 3 metres) but there’s an easy adjustment mechanism to shorten it. The 360-degree ball bearings keep this skipping rope turning smoothly and the quality of the parts ensures that it can stand up to regular, serious use over the long term. The handles are designed to be comfortable and do a good job of absorbing sweat.
Homello Skipping Rope - Speed Jump Rope Adjustable with Skin-friendly Foam Handles...
- Adjustable cable – Easy to set 9.8 Foot Down up to your desired length within minutes. Wire Cable is ROHS Compliant ensuring the materials, has this quality jump rope built to incredibly fine Heavy Insert at home or outdoor. Suitable for all ages and for all experience levels. A firm favourite with boxers, Crossfit WOD, MMA and cardio training enthusiasts.
- Adjustable cable – Easy to set 9.8 Foot Down up to your desired length within minutes. Wire Cable is ROHS Compliant ensuring the materials, has this quality jump rope built to incredibly fine Heavy Insert at home or outdoor. Suitable for all ages and for all experience levels. A firm favourite with boxers, Crossfit WOD, MMA and cardio training enthusiasts.
- No longer sich tangle. – with high quality premium ball bearing and steel wire cable is also an action smooth and effortless. which makes it the perfect addition to any calorie burn training program. The wire cable allow construction, Outstanding bending, tangle or bending such as conventional PVC plastic or leather jumping rope.
- Enjoy total comfort – Ergonomically designed handles provide extra comfort and prevent at the same time Heavy Perspiration, the palms and provide necessary grip, in order to get the most out of your workout. This quick jumping rope is very quick and Ultrastabil are double-unders lighter than ever before.
- Leichtgewichtg and portable – take the it is Federleiht, easy and portable, convenient, so you can reach maximum burn fat, increase elasticity of your muscles, and overall a achieve optimal fitness. Jumping is the best activity exercise to burn fat, design and development of the forces. You can make almost anywhere.
- Absolutely no risk today – Lifetime Warranty. If you are Homello our behind our products and offer a no question, 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee. If you don't like it or if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, we will give you your money vollständig. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Also try now. Complete risk-free.
Jaques of London Quality Skipping Rope
If you’re looking for a decent skipping rope for a child or smaller adult and you enjoy the vintage vibe, then this skipping rope from Jaques of London could be for you. This is the only option which actually is a rope, as opposed to some kind of metal, but it does have a plastic covering and the wooden handles open to allow you to reduce the length from the original 7 feet (about 2M). Spin is not spectacular but it is decent. Obviously, it’s not for serious adult training, at least not long term, but it could be a fun option for light use or for children.
Jaques of London Quality Skipping Rope – Perfect Skipping ropes for kids...
- Great Quality Skipping Rope for Kids - Solid wooden handles with smooth finish for little Hands. Light weight rope with great spin Makes this perfect for Rope Skipping Toys for 2 3 4 year olds and over
- Great Quality Skipping Rope for Kids - Solid wooden handles with smooth finish for little Hands. Light weight rope with great spin Makes this perfect for Rope Skipping Toys for 2 3 4 year olds and over
- Great Exercise for kids - Kids Skipping Rope can provide excellent healthy outdoor toys for children – Keep them happy and healthy playing Skipping rope for children games for 3 4 5 6 year olds
- Fun Games for Kids - durable rope and strong wooden handles makes this rope last even through the most excitable games kids come up with. Perfect for playing Garden Games
- Perfect Length for all ages - Just the right size Skipping Rope Kids love . great for using on their own or Long Jump Rope Kids games
- Skipping Ropes for children wooden - Jaques of London have been making Fun Games for Kids for 225 years. UK Family company
Shihan BOXER'S Choice Skipping Rope Leather
As the name suggests, this skipping rope was created with boxers in mind and the aesthetic reflects this. Instead of a rope, it has a brown leather cord, which is 11 feet (about 3 metres) out of the box. This is adjustable. The handles are glossy steel, which not only looks good, but deliberately adds some extra weight, which means that this skipping rope may not be ideal for people who are just starting out in fitness, but could be a great choice for people who’re looking to challenge themselves, especially boxers and also CrossFit participants.
BOXER'S Choice Skipping Rope Leather with Heavy Steel Handles 11ft ADJUSTABLE
& Free shippingCIVAH Skipping Rope
If you’re not ready to jump in at the deep end with skipping, then the CIVAH skipping rope offers a budget-friendly way to test the waters, while still providing a decent level of performance. This “rope” is also steel wire with a PU coating and when it arrives it is 3M long, but this is adjustable. The CIVAH skipping rope offers three different types of handles, namely 18mm metal grip, 21mm PP grip and 25mm PP grip and at this price, you could try out different ones to see which suits you best. You also get a great range of colours and even some patterns.
CIVAH plastic handle jump rope speed wire skipping rope adjustable length non-slip...
Farabi Skipping Rope
The Farabi skipping rope is budget-priced skipping rope and you need to set your expectations accordingly. The reason it made it onto our list was because we felt it offered very good value for money and was hence a good choice for people who wanted to try out skipping before investing in a premium-quality skipping rope or people who only wanted a skipping rope to use occasionally. The Farabi skipping rope is about 2.5M long and is not adjustable although you can wrap the excess rope around your hands. The handles are comfortable and the speed is decent.
Farabi Skipping Rope Jumping Fitness Boxercise Plastic Handle Nylon Rope Gym Exercise...
- Skipping rope
- Fitness rope
- Plastic rope
- Handle Plastic
- boxing rope
- Skipping rope
- Fitness rope
- Plastic rope
- Handle Plastic
- boxing rope
Overall – Best skipping rope in the UK
As always, there's no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question of what is the best skipping rope in the UK.
Objectively speaking, the Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom has the best specs but even people who would consider themselves really serious about fitness might conclude that they can't justify its premium price tag.
The Shihan and Valour offerings will definitely appeal to boxers and are also good options for people who really want to work their arms while doing their cardio. You could also use them for CrossFit although they might not be the best option.
The Beast Rope and the Homello skipping rope are both great value for money with the Beast Rope offering great performance and the Homello being better suited to beginners.
The TOQIBO is really the only choice for people who want to skip in really small spaces and still has plenty to offer people who want a solid skipping rope for old-fashioned cardio training.
Our other mentions are all good, budget-friendly offerings which are suitable for general cardio especially if you only give them light use.
Read Our Ultimate - HOW TO SKIP LIKE A BOXER HERE
Fitness trainer to the stars with over 20 years of experience, Kelvin loves his job, his clients and passing on his knowledge. Appeared on TV numerous times. Penned several E-Books and currently lecturing at Lancaster University. Always smiling, on the move and raising money for charities
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