I am not a huge advocate of Crossfit. That is not to say that I have anything against Crossfit or those that participate/compete in it. Now, before the site explodes with negativity, give me a moment to explain. I am an advocate of fitness.....fitness. Not as a specific entity or type. Rather, I embrace anything that works and is safe for those looking to create the best version of themselves.
Crossfit has billed itself as "fitness". I think that is a little elitist and limits the scope of what fitness can be for anyone looking. Again, it takes all types and all (yes, all) of the crossfitters I have met are salt of the earth types who want nothing more than to share their passion for their sport and to generate interest in the goal of being the best version of ourselves that we can be. I love the lifestyle and the culture.
Now, on to why I bring up crossfit. Crossfit has had a couple of "side effects". As a trainer, a pretty good one I thought, I find new and creative ways to motivate my clients and make them sweat. In the past, this would often require a change in mindset or what was possible. Even more often the gear or modalities that I wanted to use were non-existant and had to be created (see: made) by myself or those with talent (if I could coerce them). This was less than ideal. Sometimes the gear was great, sometimes it broke, sometimes it was a little scary (I remember a funny story of my administrator calling me into his office because my students were trying to deadlift the back of my truck with a collar they had made for the tow attachment...my poor, poor pickup truck). Either way, the industry that supports the fitness industry didn't exist, or wasn't equipped, to adapt or create the gear we needed to be successful. Enter crossfit and it's best "side effect". There has been an exponential growth in the equipment, apparel, and locations needed to achieve better results.
Exhibit "A" - the Skipping Rope.
In fairness, I basically cut skipping from most of my training programs. The gear was outmoded and wasn't worth carrying around. Years later, and years ago, I went to the Nike Basketball Academy conference in Las Vegas and came across a vendor who was selling...skipping ropes. Toting them as the newest and greatest advancement in cardiovascular and footwork coordination. Fighters (boxers, MMA, Martial Arts) everywhere laughed or rolled in their graves. This wasn't news and it certainly wasn't rocket science. This is common practice for most, if not all, combative programs and a consistent training tool used by most fitness individuals focused on footwork, coordination, speed and cardiovascular fitness.
Enter the new breed of Skipping Rope crafters/creators.
Buyjumpropes.net
I contacted Matt from buyjumpropes.net to ask his advice and to also find out some fundamental questions about this new breed of ropes/equipment. Matt is a 23 year PE teaching veteran and a 10 year competitive jump rope coach. The company that he stands behind is a family affair.
Matt's company is the originator of probably the greatest advancement in jump rope technology. The 90 degree angle that the cable leaves the handle at. This minor change in technology has had a quantum leap in the bio feedback of the rope and the ergonomics created to make a more seemless fitness experience. Matt's reason for creating a "new" technology hit to the main crux of the skipping rope issue; he didn't want it to break.
After this technological improvement his company's focus was to "Provide the competitive community with the best possible jump ropes at low pricing. If our ropes were being used, and they were, by the best jumpers in the work, then they are certainly good enough for the rest of us."
Matt was kind enough to send out two of the Elite Surge Crossfit Jump Rope: http://www.buyjumpropes.net/elite-surge-jump-rope/
High-End Workout & CrossFit Speed Rope
Our top-of-the-line speed rope, made specifically for CrossFit athletes who want the best for speed and double-unders. The patented ball bearing system makes it the most efficient jump rope on the market. Ball bearings have been placed just above and below the insert of the cable giving an incredible feel of balance while jumping. Competitive jumpers are doing an amazing seven jumps a second with the Elite Surge.
Machine cut aluminum handles with a specially designed foam grip makes this a tough and durable rope. We are so sure about its durability that we have given these handles a two year warranty. The rope is amazingly light at only 5 oz, which translates into less arm fatigue. A key feature: easily switch out cables of different weights and lengths.
A favorite of fitness centers and fitness retailers.
Accepts 5 Types of Cords/Cables
When ordering cable for your jump ropes, always make sure it is USA made cable. Cable made overseas is coated with poor quality materials.
1. 3/32" nylon coated - This is the most common type of cable used in doing double unders for CrossFit users. It is also commonly used in competition speed jumping. We use a tough nylon cord that is kink resistant, but should only be used indoors. Comes in an assortment of colors. Recommended for those that are experienced jumpers.
2. Bare Cable - The fastest cable. Used in speed and double under competitions. Very light and cuts through the air with ease. It has no coating, however, and can wear out quickly.
3. White coated Cable - This is a beginners/intermediate cable that can be used for those who want to feel the weight of the cable. 1/8" cable with white nylon coating.
4. PVC Cord - A beginners cord that has good weight and is forgiving. 5mm solid core PVC. Can be used indoors or outdoors.
5. Outdoor Heavy Cable - Our toughest cable. Heavily coated in nylon to take a beating on concrete surfaces. It will eventually wear out, but will last longer than any other cable on the market. 3mm Black cable.
Product Features
The Science Behind the Rope
A jumper is trying to produce rotation in the handle's axle. He does this by moving the handle in a circular motion with the cable trailing behind. This puts tension on the cable creating the centripetal force that causes it to rotate around the handle.
This motion permits the jumper to move her hands in more of a reciprocating (up and down) motion rather than a circular motion by implementing theories of a crank mechanism. This causes less fatigue, produces faster rotation, and allows the jumper to maintain a more consistent speed. It is likened to maintaining a consistent pace in a reciprocating motion (like drumming) is easier than while in a circular motion.
The advantage to having two bearings is that it handles the axial load much more efficiently. With 1 bearing, there is the addition of detrimental axial torque. The added axial torque on the bearing will cause it to wear out faster, and adds friction so it spins less freely (by canting the inner race). Radial bearings are not designed with axial torque in mind. It is assumed that they will take only axial load and/or thrust load. A one bearing design, would at least need to have the addition of a bushing at the other end of the axle to prevent axial torque on the front bearing.
The two bearings surround the cable. One on top and the other below. This gives an incredible balanced feeling as you turn. Overall, the design makes the handle to be very rigid and feel 'solid' in your hand as opposed to the feeling of stress and torque you may feel in another design. We believe there are very few, if any, changes that could be made to the design of this rope that could reduce friction any more than it already does.
Our top-of-the-line speed rope, made specifically for CrossFit athletes who want the best for speed and double-unders. The patented ball bearing system makes it the most efficient jump rope on the market. Ball bearings have been placed just above and below the insert of the cable giving an incredible feel of balance while jumping. Competitive jumpers are doing an amazing seven jumps a second with the Elite Surge.
Machine cut aluminum handles with a specially designed foam grip makes this a tough and durable rope. We are so sure about its durability that we have given these handles a two year warranty. The rope is amazingly light at only 5 oz, which translates into less arm fatigue. A key feature: easily switch out cables of different weights and lengths.
A favorite of fitness centers and fitness retailers.
Accepts 5 Types of Cords/Cables
- 3/32" Nylon coated - general speed and double under use. (7 assorted colors)
- Bare cable - for competition use.
- White coated cable - heavier for those who need to feel the weight of the cable.
- PVC Cord - for beginners
- Outdoor Heavy Cable - For use outdoors on abrasive surfaces.
When ordering cable for your jump ropes, always make sure it is USA made cable. Cable made overseas is coated with poor quality materials.
1. 3/32" nylon coated - This is the most common type of cable used in doing double unders for CrossFit users. It is also commonly used in competition speed jumping. We use a tough nylon cord that is kink resistant, but should only be used indoors. Comes in an assortment of colors. Recommended for those that are experienced jumpers.
2. Bare Cable - The fastest cable. Used in speed and double under competitions. Very light and cuts through the air with ease. It has no coating, however, and can wear out quickly.
3. White coated Cable - This is a beginners/intermediate cable that can be used for those who want to feel the weight of the cable. 1/8" cable with white nylon coating.
4. PVC Cord - A beginners cord that has good weight and is forgiving. 5mm solid core PVC. Can be used indoors or outdoors.
5. Outdoor Heavy Cable - Our toughest cable. Heavily coated in nylon to take a beating on concrete surfaces. It will eventually wear out, but will last longer than any other cable on the market. 3mm Black cable.
Product Features
- Scientifically patented designed head provides optimum turning momentum.
- 2 year warranty on high grade aluminum handles.
- Handles specially designed for comfort and control. Comes with foam grip.
- Comes with a choice of 10' USA made nylon-coated cable or PVC cord. Jump rope assembled in the USA!
- Easy to change lengths with Philips head adjustable screw/collar. Holds more secure than thumb tightend screws.
- Very popular CrossFit rope for double unders and speed jumping.
- Stock length is long enough for athletes 6' 6". (Using proper form.)
- We recommend using the Jump Rope Fitness Mat if jumping outdoors with non-outdoor cables. (Another outdoor option is to use the Boxers Training Jump Rope with PVC cord.)
The Science Behind the Rope
A jumper is trying to produce rotation in the handle's axle. He does this by moving the handle in a circular motion with the cable trailing behind. This puts tension on the cable creating the centripetal force that causes it to rotate around the handle.
This motion permits the jumper to move her hands in more of a reciprocating (up and down) motion rather than a circular motion by implementing theories of a crank mechanism. This causes less fatigue, produces faster rotation, and allows the jumper to maintain a more consistent speed. It is likened to maintaining a consistent pace in a reciprocating motion (like drumming) is easier than while in a circular motion.
The advantage to having two bearings is that it handles the axial load much more efficiently. With 1 bearing, there is the addition of detrimental axial torque. The added axial torque on the bearing will cause it to wear out faster, and adds friction so it spins less freely (by canting the inner race). Radial bearings are not designed with axial torque in mind. It is assumed that they will take only axial load and/or thrust load. A one bearing design, would at least need to have the addition of a bushing at the other end of the axle to prevent axial torque on the front bearing.
The two bearings surround the cable. One on top and the other below. This gives an incredible balanced feeling as you turn. Overall, the design makes the handle to be very rigid and feel 'solid' in your hand as opposed to the feeling of stress and torque you may feel in another design. We believe there are very few, if any, changes that could be made to the design of this rope that could reduce friction any more than it already does.
Sizing
Comes with a 10 foot cable. One size fits most (will fit anybody up to 6' 6" tall). Resize for your purposes according to our sizing guide. Cut off the extra cord after adjusting the cord with the adjustable screw/collar system.
Comes with a 10 foot cable. One size fits most (will fit anybody up to 6' 6" tall). Resize for your purposes according to our sizing guide. Cut off the extra cord after adjusting the cord with the adjustable screw/collar system.
One with a bare cable. Their fastest option for competition. The other has a multi use coated cable for all purpose training.
I then got these ropes out to a variety of athletes from Junior Hockey players, Crossfitters, Law Enforcement personnel, weekend warriors, and even to a competitive Olympic athlete. My instructions to them was simple. Train with the ropes and put them through the ringer. Each athlete had the rope for a month. A complete copy of their reviews with photos will be posted in a future post along with my personal review of the ropes.
The responses ranged from "Wow, that's fast" to "Super durable...not a mark on it." to "Ah...I lost it...you didn't want it back did you...kidding." (Bloggers note, when it's really good gear, try to leave it with the athlete after testing)
When I spoke to all of the individuals involved their echoed a common sentiment. This wasn't their parent's skipping rope and showed where technology can advance to adapt to new fitness modalities and goals.
Both ropes came through the testing with a minimum of wear. The recommendation in the site's section (in blue above) in regards to the use of the coated cables on an outdoor surface are bang on and some wear on the cables is the only real damage done to the ropes with the exception of fading of the logo on the padded handles.
From the people at Buyjumpropes.net their message is simple. "You are buying a jump rope from an expert in the field and we care about the customer. We travel all over to get feedback on how to improve."
All in all, an amazing product at a price point that shows the commitment that Matt, and his family, have in producing top quality ropes. If you haven't tried these yet, get to the site and order yourself one. Doesn't hurt that they look pretty cool too!!!
