4 Jump Ropes Compared: Best Options for Cardio, Strength, and Calorie Burn

Jul 21, 2025Jordan Lindstrom

Case Study by Ron Osinski — A Real Elite Jumps Customer Sharing His Fitness Journey

When I first got into jump rope, I had already been an avid runner for years, logging about 1,100 miles annually and always looking for ways to keep things interesting. Even on vacation, I found myself searching for safe running routes, sometimes on cruise ship decks—although not all cruise lines have those, except for Disney. Running on treadmills was an option, but to be honest, it always felt a bit too monotonous for my liking.

Then came the idea of jumping rope for body, mind, coordination, and fitness. I thought it would be the perfect solution—compact, portable, and effective. No matter where I went, I could bring my rope along, find a quiet corner, and get in a solid workout. I wasn’t wrong! Jumping rope has become a new passion of mine, and I wish I’d discovered it sooner.

Jumping rope offers so many benefits beyond just burning calories. It helps with coordination, mental focus, and the feeling of unlocking new tricks is addictive. It’s also a more efficient way to work out. Is running fun? Yes, I have always enjoyed it. That said, the extra benefits I get while jumping rope, like higher heart rate levels and more calories burned in less time—or the same amount of time—are very appealing. Add in the challenge of mastering different jump rope tricks, and it becomes a rewarding way to stay fit.

Over the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with different types of ropes from Elite Jumps, and I’m excited to share my findings. My goal is to help you decide which jump rope might work best for you, depending on the kind of workout you want to do and the time you have available.

How I Set Up My Jump Rope Workouts

In my weekly sessions, I typically aim for 500-calorie workouts five times a week. Some days, I have less time and do shorter sessions, but whenever possible, I hit my 500-calorie goal. These workouts incorporate a mix of basic bounces and tricks, but for this case study, I kept it simple. I used basic bounces across different ropes to keep the results as consistent as possible. Each session is made up of five 100-calorie sets, with short breaks between them.

My method was to track the number of jumps, calories burned, and overall workout time using my Apple Watch and the Jump Rope Fit App. Here’s what I found when comparing four different ropes.

Rope 1: 6MM PVC

Total Workout Time: 11 minutes 27 seconds
Jump Time: 10 minutes 4 seconds
Jumps: 1,101
Calories Burned: 105.2

The 6MM PVC rope is light and easy to handle, making it great for beginners or anyone focusing on speed. It takes less effort to spin, which leads to a higher jump rate. However, it also requires more jumps to burn 100 calories. This rope is ideal for high-intensity cardio workouts but may not be the best option if you're looking to build strength or endurance.

Rope 2: 2” Heavy Beaded Rope

Total Workout Time: 11 minutes 3 seconds
Jump Time: 8 minutes 53 seconds
Jumps: 934
Calories Burned: 102.7

The 2” Heavy Beaded Rope offers a balance between speed and resistance. It’s heavier than the 6MM PVC, so you’ll notice your arms working harder, but it’s still light enough to keep a fast pace. I enjoyed using this rope for trick work, as its weight helps with control, while still giving you a good cardio burn. It’s also a great rope for building endurance and coordination.

Rope 3: Muay Thai 3.0 (1.5lb)

Total Workout Time: 10 minutes 5 seconds
Jump Time: 6 minutes 51 seconds
Jumps: 727
Calories Burned: 100.9

The Muay Thai 3.0 rope is a heavier option made of 12MM PVC. This rope slows your jump rate down, but the extra resistance means you burn more calories in less time. It’s perfect for those days when you want a challenging workout that builds strength while keeping your heart rate elevated. It’s also great for building endurance, as it forces you to push through fatigue.

Rope 4: BEAST 3lb Ultra-Thick PVC

Total Workout Time: 9 minutes 5 seconds
Jump Time: 5 minutes 43 seconds
Jumps: 519
Calories Burned: 108.4

The BEAST Rope lives up to its name. This 3lb rope demands a lot from your upper body and core, and you’ll feel it quickly. While the jump rate is slower, the calorie burn is high because of the increased effort. It burns 20% more calories compared to lighter ropes including the Muay Thai 3.0, achieving the same caloric goal with 40% fewer jumps.

I found that I could only manage 50 jumps at a time before needing a break, but I’m slowly working my way up to more. I take a 10 to 15 second break between sets to ensure consistency. My goal is to increase to 75 jumps before fatigue sets in and my form starts to break down. Goals are always a work in progress!

What I’ve Learned and What I Recommend

Of the four ropes, my personal favorites are the 2” Heavy Beaded Rope and the BEAST 3lb Rope. I like to alternate between them during my workouts, combining trick work with the beaded rope and power endurance jumps with the BEAST. On lighter days, I’ll switch to the Muay Thai 3.0 for the entire session, but I don’t use the 6MM PVC as often because I prefer the feel of a heavier rope. That’s just my preference, though. All four ropes are excellent, and it really comes down to what kind of workout you want to have.

If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend the 6MM PVC or the 2” heavy beaded rope. As you get stronger and more skilled, you can incorporate heavier ropes like the Muay Thai 3.0 or the BEAST into your routine. Elite Jumps has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your fitness journey, and the quality of their ropes is top-notch.

For me, jumping rope has become not just a workout, but a hobby I look forward to every day. I hope this article helps you find the right rope for your goals and gets you excited about your jump rope journey.

About the Author

Ron Osinski is a passionate jump rope enthusiast who has been testing and perfecting his workouts with a variety of ropes from Elite Jumps, including the BEAST and Muay Thai 3.0. His dedication to fitness, data-driven approach, and love for jump rope performance have made him a valuable contributor to the community.