9 best fighting ropes to trigger your workout 2022
Is there anything that screams “worse” than wrapping a fight rope for fun, I mean, fitness? Sure you can lift heavy weights, push tires, pull bars, but there’s something about combat rope workouts that take things to the next level. Not only do they look great, but they’re really tricky to use, ask Naomi Campbell.
“The battle rope is an incredibly versatile piece of exercise equipment that can be used to train your entire body, whether your goals are conditioning, explosive power, or even strength.” They take up relatively little room for storage at home, can be used indoors or outdoors, and are affordable,” says Heather Marr, certified personal trainer. “A battle line is a long, heavy piece of rope that is anchored in the middle to form two smaller segments for each hand to hold. You can buy them in different lengths, widths and materials,” says Marr. to suit your needs”.
The options and variations for using battle ropes during your workouts are endless. According to Marr, you can use them in the warm-up, as a killer finisher, or use them for an entire workout. “They are a commonly used tool for HIIT training to add excitement, fun, and variety to the program,” says Marr. When you use combat ropes, you target your upper body, core, and you can also use them to work your lower body. “They’re great for training your grip strength and of course your symmetry,” says Marr.
The best battle rope at a glance:
Best overall: Yes4All Battle Training Strap with Protective Case ($75)
Best for beginners: Zeny Exercise Combat Rope ($39)
Best intermediary: Yes4All Battle Rope ($84)
Best for experienced users: Crown Sporting Goods XL battle rope ($130)
The best space saving battle rope: Hyperwear Hyper Rope Battle Rope ($240)
Best fighting ropes for athletes: Titan Fitness Battle Rope ($68)
Best value: Amazon Basic Training Strap ($51)
Best outdoor battle ropes: 45′ Rogue Covered Air Conditioner Cable ($275)
Best light fighting ropes: Gronk Fitness Inertia Wave Workout Ropes ($115)
In this post
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01
A Beginner’s Guide to Combat Rope
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02
How to adjust resistance and amperage
best overall
Yes4All, Combat Training Strap with Shield — $75.00
“This poly rope comes with an anchor and is coated with nylon to prevent fraying. It has a 10-inch extra-long handle for comfortable grip even with sweaty palms. It measures 1.5 inches wide, 50 inches long, and weighs 26 pounds, says Marr, making it ideal for cardio workouts or for beginners.
Material: Poly dacron and nylon
Training level: All of
- Extra-long handle for a secure grip
- Easy to store
- Includes anchor and strap
- Nylon sleeves protect it from fraying
- Flexible options
- beginner-friendly
- May be too thick for some people
- Rigid ropes, according to reviews
Best for beginners
Zeny, Gym Combat Rope — $39.00
“This durable poly rope (1.5 inches wide and 30 inches long) is perfect for beginners or those with limited space. It comes with a protective sleeve at the anchor point to prevent fraying and an attractive price tag,” says Marr.
Ingredient: Poly dacron
Training level: Teen (beginner)
- Rubber coated handle for better grip
- Protective sleeve prevents fraying
- Good for beginners
- Better for larger home gyms
The best intermediate battle rope
Yes4All Battle Rope — $84.00
Originally $100, now $84
“This is a great option for advanced fitness levels. This 50-inch rope weighs 41 pounds and measures 2 inches in diameter. It is a durable three-strand twisted poly rope with heat-shrink ends for a secure grip. And it comes with a one-year warranty,” says Marr.
Material: Poly dacron
Training level: Intermediate
- Comes with a warranty
- detachable sleeves
- Firm handle
- Provides an intense workout
- Does not include an anchor point
- Conflict with consistent use
Best for experienced users
Crown Sporting Goods XL battle rope — $130.00
“This is a great option for those with limited space who want a thicker rope. This poly rope is 2.5 inches wide and has a rubber handle. It’s not for the faint of heart: The extra-wide grip proves to be a challenge even for those with a very high level of fitness,” says Marr.
Material: Poly dacron and rubber
Training level: Very advanced
- Good for small spaces
- Wear-resistant materials
- Rubber handle for better grip
- many uses
- May be too difficult for some
The best space saving battle rope
Hyperwear, Hyper Rope Battle Rope — $240.00
“This rope is best for beginners and those with limited space,” says Bowman. “These ropes are only 20 ft (usually 50 ft) long. They also don’t require anchor points so can be easily used anywhere,” she says.
Ingredient: Metal core, polyester outside
Training level: Beginners
- Good for small spaces
- beginner-friendly
- Ribbed handle for easy grip
- Portable design, no anchor
Best for athletes
Titan Fitness, Battle Rope — $68.00
Originally $75, now $68
“These are the best for gym goers and advanced athletes. These ropes come in 2 inch or 1.5 inch sizes. The 2 inch ropes are heavier and provide an extra challenge for those who can stand the heat! Bowman said.
Ingredient: Poly dacron
Training level: Advanced
- durable design
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Comfortable grip
- Great for athletes
Best value
Amazon Basics, Training Rope — $51.00
Originally $55, now $51
At $51, this battle rope is a real bargain. It’s tried and true, with a solid 4.5 stars out of over 7,000 reviews. One reviewer said, “I use combat ropes in my gym so I missed them during Covid. I was pleasantly surprised to see them on Amazon for such a good price… I have the ropes set up in my basement and I’m happy to come back to the ropes a few times a week. A great cardio workout, and now I don’t need to go to the gym to work out.”
Ingredient: Poly Dacron
Training level: beginner
- Good value
- Portable design, no anchor
- flexible
- high tensile strength
- The handle is not secure, according to the reviewer
- Rigid ropes, according to reviews
Best for outdoors
Rogue, Air Conditioner Cable with Sheath 45′ — $275.00
Work in the open air? You’ll want gowns that can handle the elements—like this one from Rogue Fitness. “This is best for all weather. Bowman can be used inside or outside with a protective cover and no sliding anchor points,” says Bowman.
Ingredient: Polypropylene
Training level: Intermediate
- All-weather wire sheath
- Can be used outside
- Round handle for easy grip
- The sheath is too long for the cord with regular use
- Not very durable, according to reviews
- Ask for an anchor
- Expensive
Best light fighting rope
Gronk Fitness, Inertial Wave Training Rope Edition — $115.00
Inertial wave training ropes may not be as heavy as the others on this list, but they provide a variety of training effects. The Wave weighs only 3 pounds but can withstand more than 600 pounds of torque. Plus, durable carabiners and built-in O-rings provide setup flexibility—so you can switch up your workouts in no time.
Ingredient: Alloy steel and rubber
Training level: Beginners and Advanced
- Light
- Durable rubber construction that won’t fray like regular battle ropes
- Portable design is great for small spaces
- comfortable handle
- Easy to set up and store
- May be too light for some
A Beginner’s Guide to Combat Rope
“As a beginner, I recommend using the lightest ropes available (usually 1.5 inches) and trying out a finishing move,” says Brittany Bowman, CPT and trainer at Dogpound Los Angeles. interesting for the upper body, similar to the intervals. “As you get stronger and have more endurance, you can increase the length and/or weight of the rope,” says Bowman. “Start with a smaller goal like 10 seconds work 20 seconds rest x 5.”
“Feel free to use the rope in a variety of directions and movements,” says Marr. While the standard wave exercise is fun, of course, don’t forget that the rope can be used in all directions and targeted at different regions”. When you’re using a battle rope, another way to challenge yourself is to adjust your position. “You can kneel, be in a plank position, or even sit,” says Marr.
How to adjust resistance and amperage
“Drag can be adjusted by simply changing where you stand. The closer you are to the anchor, the harder the exercise will be. Standing further away from your anchor will reduce drag. If you’re also looking for a tough exercise, then just back up,” says Marr.
Your speed also determines how intense the rope workout is, so you can always slow down or speed up as needed. “The faster you go, the harder and more intense the exercise will be. If you find the exercise too difficult, slow down,” says Marr.
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