Review: CrossRope Jump Rope System

Through a friend at Spun Performance Apparel, I was introduced to a new fitness tool called CrossRope. These cable jump ropes feature varying weights that target a wide range of muscle development.

As an active athlete, I do a variety of workouts to keep me in shape for soccer and triathlons. I hit the gym 2-3 days a week and run 3 days a week. I’ve tried incorporating a jumprope into my routines in the past, but have never been able to stick with it due to the monotony or degree of difficulty in different jumps (doubleunders, crossed arms, skipping, etc.)

I received the full CrossRope package which includes 8 different jump rope weights. The ropes range from lightweight (Sprint) speed rope to a gargantuan 3-pound Titan, and are all metal-sheathed in a soft-er plastic casing. The handles are comfortable grips with metal clips to connect to the rope.

The CrossRope comes with two different sized handles – One for speed / One for grip size and heft

I tried to jump with each rope for a minute or two to get a feel of how they worked different muscles. I found that I enjoyed specific weights — orange (Speed), blue (Stamina), and grey (Titan). The additional weight adds a degree of shoulder strength to jump rope that isn’t normally there. I loved flinging the heavy rope and feeling a burn in my biceps, shoulders and back.

I had one unfortunate accident when I swung the red rope (which is a light-medium weight) very quickly into the front of my toe–it was painful. The weight and speed of that particular combination managed to bruise my toe through my sneakers and sock. I haven’t done that since, but i also avoid that particular rope as I don’t find it a good mix of weight vs speed The ropes are also somewhat pricey as a supplemental workout piece, but you are purchasing a quality, height adjustable piece of equipment that is worth the price increase.

My girlfriend is an avid cardio freak and enjoyed the challenge, but she ultimately lacks coordination to jump rope consistently. Time will tell if this can be a group activity.