What Is a Speed Rope?

A speed rope is a lightweight skipping rope designed for fast rotations. Unlike the thick ropes you used at school, speed ropes use a thin steel or coated cable that cuts through the air with minimal resistance. The handles typically feature smooth bearings that allow the cable to spin freely, making techniques like double-unders (two rotations per jump) achievable.

If you do CrossFit, a speed rope isn’t optional — it’s as fundamental as a barbell. Double-unders appear in countless benchmark WODs and competition events. Even if you’re just getting into fitness, skipping is one of the most effective cardio exercises per minute of effort.

Who Needs One?

Anyone doing CrossFit will need a speed rope from day one. Competitive athletes often own multiple ropes as backups. But even outside CrossFit, a speed rope is brilliant for warming up, conditioning finishers, or travel workouts where you’ve got zero equipment.

What to Look For

Cable material matters most. Bare steel is fastest but stings on misses. Coated cables are slightly slower but more forgiving and durable. PVC ropes are the cheapest option but too slow for serious double-under work.

Bearings should be smooth. Ball bearings or bushing systems both work — test the spin before you commit. A rope that binds up mid-WOD is a nightmare.

Adjustable length is essential. You want the handles to reach your armpits when you stand on the cable. Too long and it catches your feet; too short and you hunch over.

Handle weight and grip come down to preference. Some athletes prefer heavier handles for feedback, others want ultralight for speed.

Top Picks

RPM Speed Rope — The gold standard in competitive CrossFit. Buttery smooth bearings, multiple cable options, and built to last. Worth the investment if you’re serious about the sport.

Rx Smart Gear — Excellent customisation options. You choose your cable thickness, handle weight, and colour. Their EVO rope is a favourite among Games athletes.

Decathlon Speed Rope — At under £10, this is a solid entry point. The bearings aren’t as smooth as premium options, but it’s more than enough to learn double-unders.

Where to Buy

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