Short answer. Start with a beaded rope: it is the easiest to time, a common choice for learning boxing footwork, and it survives rough floors. Move to a bearing speed rope for double-unders once your timing is solid, and use a weighted rope for conditioning: our pick is the Crossrope Get Fit Bundle (Slim and Power handles, 1/4 to 2 lb ropes), with Get Lean for home on a budget and the Ropeless AMP Set for travel. Size it by height; at 166–178 cm Crossrope's chart gives a 2.59 m rope.
Speed, beaded or weighted?
Speed rope: a thin coated steel cable with bearing handles. It turns fastest, which suits double-unders and quick footwork, and it stings when it hits your shins. Beaded (segmented) rope: plastic beads threaded on a cord. It is heavier than a cable, holds its shape, you can hear and feel each turn, and it survives rough floors. A common choice for learning boxing footwork and tricks. Weighted rope: a thicker, heavier cord, or weighted handles, for slower turns that load the shoulders and grip more. Better for conditioning circuits than for footwork rhythm.
What length?
Most ropes are sized by height. This is Crossrope's chart; other brands are similar. If you are between sizes and new to skipping, go longer for more room for error. Many speed and beaded ropes are adjustable, so you can cut or shorten them to length.
| Your height | Rope length |
|---|---|
| Up to 154 cm (5'0") | 2.29 m (7'6") |
| 155–165 cm (5'1"–5'5") | 2.44 m (8'0") |
| 166–178 cm (5'5"–5'10") | 2.59 m (8'6") |
| 179–186 cm (5'10"–6'1") | 2.74 m (9'0") |
| 187 cm+ (6'1"+) | 2.90 m (9'6") |
Crossrope also says you need about 3 m (10 ft) front to back, 2.1 m (7 ft) side to side, and a ceiling at least as high as your rope is long.
What to buy
1. Beaded (segmented) rope
The easiest rope to time, because each turn is audible and the rope keeps its arc. Durable on concrete and outdoors.
- Look for adjustable length
- Heavier than a cable, so mistakes hurt less than with a thin speed rope
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On Amazon, prefer the brand's official storefront or listings shipped and sold by Amazon, and compare the specs with the maker's page.
2. Bearing speed rope
For fast skipping and double-unders once your timing is solid.
- Coated steel cable with ball-bearing handles
- Cable wears quickly on rough concrete; use a mat
3. Weighted rope
For shoulder and grip endurance in conditioning rounds. Start light: Crossrope sells ropes from 1/4 lb to 2 lb.
- Slower turn, more load per turn
- Not a substitute for a light rope for footwork
- Crossrope sells its ropes as sets with clip-on ropes, sized by height; the three sets are compared below (Crossrope)
Crossrope sets: which one?
Crossrope is the weighted-rope system we cover here. Its ropes clip onto the handles, so one set covers light footwork rounds and heavy conditioning. The Get Fit Bundle is our main pick for fighters: it is the only set here with both handle types and all four rope weights. Get Lean is the cheaper way in, and the Ropeless AMP Set is for small spaces and travel.
| Set | What is in the box | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Get Fit Bundle (main pick) | Slim and Power handles; 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 2 lb ropes | Fighters who want light ropes for rhythm and heavy ropes for conditioning |
| Get Lean Set | Slim handles; 1/4 and 1/2 lb ropes | Home training on a budget, learning to skip |
| Ropeless AMP Set | Bluetooth AMP handles; 1/4, 1/2 and 1 lb Ropeless attachments (no rope) | Travel, low ceilings, tight or shared spaces |
All three are sized by height (use the chart above) except the Ropeless set, which has no rope to size. Crossrope lists 60-day returns on each set page, and a free 30-day app membership with Get Fit and Get Lean for US orders (Crossrope).
Crossrope Get Fit Bundle
One box that covers the whole job: skip light for footwork rhythm and warm-ups, then clip on a heavy rope for conditioning rounds.
- Includes Slim handles and Power handles, plus 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 2 lb ropes (Crossrope)
- Fast clip connection, so you can change rope weight quickly between rounds
- Sized by height; ropes are meant to be used on any surface (Crossrope)
- The biggest of the three sets. If you only want light ropes, Get Lean costs less
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Crossrope Get Lean Set
The entry set: a pair of slim handles with a light rope and a slightly heavier one. A sensible start if you are new to skipping or training at home.
- Includes Slim handles, a 1/4 lb rope and a 1/2 lb rope (Crossrope)
- Light enough to learn timing, with a bit of weight for cardio
- Crossrope also sells the Get Strong Set (Power handles, 1 and 2 lb ropes) if you later want heavier ropes only (Crossrope)
Crossrope Ropeless AMP Set
For when there is no room, or no ceiling, for a rope: you hold the handles with weighted attachments and move as if skipping, with no rope to hit anything.
- Includes Bluetooth AMP handles and 1/4, 1/2 and 1 lb Ropeless attachments (Crossrope)
- Meant for small spaces, low ceilings and quiet home cardio; battery lasts up to 6 months per charge (Crossrope)
- Jump counting and workout stats need the Crossrope app, whose membership is bought separately (Crossrope)
- With no rope to clear, it does not train the timing of a real rope. Use it for conditioning and travel, not as your only footwork tool
Use it in rounds
Many gyms open with skipping rounds that match fight rounds, such as 3 minutes on and 1 minute off. A round timer keeps it honest. New to skipping? The jump rope workout for boxing teaches the boxer skip step by step with a 15-minute round plan. A jump-rope mat protects the rope, the floor and your joints.
FAQ
What length jump rope do I need?
Go by height. On Crossrope's chart, 166–178 cm (5'5"–5'10") is a 2.59 m (8'6") rope. If you are between sizes and a beginner, go longer.
Which Crossrope set is best for boxing and Muay Thai?
The Get Fit Bundle: it has Slim and Power handles and 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 2 lb ropes, so one box covers light footwork rounds and heavy conditioning. Get Lean (Slim handles, 1/4 and 1/2 lb ropes) is the cheaper start for home training, and the Ropeless AMP Set is for travel and small spaces, because it has no rope.
Is a ropeless jump rope worth it for fighters?
It is useful when you have no space, low ceilings or are travelling, and it is quiet. With no rope to clear, it does not train rope timing, so keep a real rope for footwork. Crossrope's Ropeless AMP Set also needs the app, with a separate membership, for jump counting and stats.
Why do boxers use beaded ropes?
They are durable, keep their arc, and you can hear each turn, which makes rhythm and footwork easier to learn. Speed ropes are faster once timing is solid.
Sources
- Crossrope, What size jump rope do I need? (size chart)
- Crossrope, FAQs (space needed, rope weights)
- Crossrope, Get Fit Bundle product page (contents, returns)
- Crossrope, Get Lean Set product page (contents, sizes)
- Crossrope, Ropeless AMP Set product page (contents, app membership)
More conditioning guides
- Round timers3 on, 1 off: wall timers vs apps, and what to look for.
- Kettlebells & resistance bandsStarting kettlebell weights, band types, and what to buy first.
- 30-minute punching bag workoutWarm-up, six bag rounds with numbered combos, and a finisher.
- Train boxing combos aloneFour ways to drill combos solo, and a weekly plan.