Battle rope training is a great way to get in a killer cardio workout whilst toning or building muscles in your hands, arms, shoulders, back, abs, and legs. While many newcomers to battle rope training are apt to think “a rope’s a rope, right?”, this common assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. There are, in fact, many subtle differences that go into making one battle rope better and more suitable for your workout goals and needs than another. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these differences before introducing you to our selection of the top 25 battle ropes on the market in 2020.
We reviewed dozens of battle ropes to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including weight, length, thickness, materials, grip, durability, cost, and average customer reviews. All of these battle ropes are available on Amazon.com.
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The 5 Top-Rated Battle Ropes
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Battle Rope Overall | Power Guidance Battle Rope | 4.8 |
| Best High-End Battle Ropes | Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Battle Ropes | Zeny Battle Rope | 4.5 |
| Best Heavy Duty Battle Ropes | Colfit Battle Ropes | 4.9 |
| Best Battle Ropes for Beginners | Garage Fit Battle Ropes | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Battle Ropes Overall: Power Guidance Battle Rope
The Power Guidance Battle Rope wins our vote as the best battle rope out there in 2020.
Simply put, this rope does absolutely everything we could possibly ask a rope to do—and does them, moreover, to an incredibly high standard.
But what it is that makes this battle rope such a standout amongst its peers?
First up, the Power Guidance Battle Rope comes in a variety of different lengths and weights: 30 feet (18 pounds), 40 feet (24 pounds), and 50 feet (30 pounds). This variety means you can choose the rope best suited to your level, training goals, and budget. Secondly, this rope is incredibly well made, using highly durable, 100% Dacron materials in a three-strand, twisted design in combination with a heavy-duty nylon sleeve that not only protects your rope from wear and tear but also keeps the floor in your workout clean and free of the marks commonly caused by the frayed strands on sleeveless competitor ropes. Finally, this rope is also very comfortable to use, even during the longest and toughest of endurance workouts. It uses 7.5-inch, heat-wrapped handles that provide an outstanding grip and leave your hands pleasingly blister-free and none the worse for wear no matter how hard your workout.
As an added bonus, the Power Guidance Battle Rope also comes with a sturdy anchor that saves you having to splash extra cash on a separate purchase.
Power Guidance Battle Rope Key Features:
- Available in three lengths: 30 feet, 40 feet, and 50 feet
- 7.5-inch, heat-wrapped handles
- Heavy-duty nylon sleeve protects rope and your flooring
- Made with 100% Dacron materials
- Anchor included
Best High-End Battle Ropes: Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes
They may well be on the pricier side of things, but the Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes are a great option for buyers keen to take their battle rope training to the next level and who insist that their workout equipment be only the very best of the best.
These gym-grade ropes cover all the basics of durability, grip, and comfort, but go the proverbial extra mile by including a few game-raising add-ons that set them apart in terms of overall quality and, despite their lofty price, value for money.
These ropes are available in a total of five different sizes and weights, ranging from 1.5 inches by 30 feet for beginners and cardio training to a whopping 2.5 inches by forty feet for more advanced users who plan on using their ropes for intense, power-based workouts. They’re made with hard-wearing, 100% Dacron materials, use a heavy-duty nylon sleeve to protect both the rope and your flooring, and feature heat-wrapped, rubberized handles that provide outstanding grip and usability. One other hugely endearing feature in these ropes is the use of two heavy-duty, reinforced anchor straps that allow the rope to move more freely and also reduce the strain on your anchor point (your wall!) by displacing the tension point.
Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes Key Features:
- Available in different lengths and thicknesses (1.5″ x 30′, 1.5″ x 40′, 1.5″ x 50′, 2″ x 30′, 2.5″ x 40′)
- 100% Dacron materials
- Heavy-duty nylon sleeve
- Dual-strap wall attachment system
- Rubber-coated handles
Best Budget Battle Ropes: Zeny Battle Rope
For newcomers to battle rope training, those more interested in high-intensity cardio workouts than muscle gain or strength training, or buyers simply keen to get the best bang for their buck possible, the Zeny Battle Rope is a great option.
This 30-foot rope is made with high-strength, industrial-grade polyester that is impressively durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also uses a triple-braided design for added durability and heat-shrunk rubber handles that provide plenty of grip and remain comfortable even during longer workouts. Unlike many other battle ropes in this price range, the Zeny also comes with a handy sleeve that protects the most vulnerable part of the rope, the center, from wear and tear caused by contact with the anchor.
While this rope’s a little on the short and light side for more advanced users, for buyers who plan on focusing more on cardio and endurance work than power training, it’s a winner!
Zeny Battle Rope Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ by 30′
- Heat-shrunk handles provide excellent grip
- Protective sleeve at anchor point reduces wear and tear
- Made with industrial-grade polyester
Best Heavy Duty Battle Ropes: Colfit Battle Ropes
For buyers looking to put in high-intensity workouts with battle ropes that are built to withstand years of rough treatment and frequent use, the Colfit Battle Ropes are a great choice.
These ropes come in a variety of weights, lengths, and thicknesses, ranging from 1.5-inch by 30-foot ropes to 2-inch by 50-feet ropes, which means you can choose the model that best suits your training goals and the style of workout you plan on doing. They’re made with robust, highly durable 100% PolyDacron material and use a heavy-duty nylon sleeve for added durability and to protect the floors in your workout area. They also come with a carabiner and reinforced nylon anchor straps that both allow the rope to move more freely during your workout and make it possible to anchor the ropes without drilling a hole in your walls.
All in all, an outstandingly durable, robust set of battle ropes that are ideal for users who plan on doing HIIT or envision putting their ropes through plenty of rough treatment with daily training sessions.
Colfit Battle Ropes Key Features:
- Available in 6 different sizes: 1.5″ x 30′, 1.5″ x 40′, 1.5″ x 50′, 2″ x 30′, 2″ x 40′, 2″ x 50′
- Made with 100% Poly Dacron materials
- Coated rubber handles
- Heavy-duty protective nylon sleeve
- Reinforced nylon anchor straps and carabiner included
Best Battle Ropes for Beginners: Garage Fit Battle Ropes
For newcomers to battle rope training, the Garage Fit Battle Ropes are a great choice.
These ropes come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.5 inches by 30 feet to 2 inches by fifty feet, but the lightest version ticks all the boxes that need ticking for those still “learning the ropes”, so to speak, and who aren’t quite ready to step up to high-intensity, power-focused workouts. The 1.5 inch by 30 feet rope weighs in at just 15 pounds, making it ideal for less powerful users and those with a little less workout space. It’s made with a highly durable, water-resistant polyester blend and boasts 10-inch, ergonomic waterproof handles on either end that provide just as much grip as those on ropes that cost twice as much.
This rope also comes with a small but perfectly functional anchor strap and carabiner that can be attached to just about any fixture (a pole, pipe, bed leg) in or outside your home with just a little bit of creativity. It also comes in three funky colors (black and red, blue, or yellow) and, because of its smaller size, it takes up far less storage space than longer and bulkier ropes.
The bottom line? A simple, low-cost rope that’s a little light for stronger or more advanced users but ideal for cardio workouts, endurance workouts, or newcomers to battle rope training who want to start small before splurging on longer, heavier, and more expensive equipment.
Garage Fit Battle Ropes Key Features:
- Measures 1.5 inches by 30 feet (other sizes available)
- 10-inch waterproof handles
- Made with a durable, waterproof polyester blend
- Available in 3 colors
- Anchor strap and carabiner included
Looking for more home workout equipment? If so, check our reviews of the Best Under Desk Ellipticals and the Best Rowing Machines.
Who Should Buy Battle Ropes
Battle ropes offer a great way to get in an intense, full-body workout that raises your heart rate and gets you building up a sweat and burning calories in next to no time. Not only do they provide an effective cardio workout, but also help to tone and build muscle and let you incorporate your upper body into endurance-training workouts. Battle ropes are also very versatile, allowing you to work selected muscle groups with different exercises and switch between cardio training and strength training using the same piece of equipment.
Important Features to Consider
- Length. Ultimately, the length of the battle rope that will be best for you will be determined by the size of your workout space. If space isn’t an issue, however, bear in mind that the length of the rope determines the weight of the rope and, therefore, also the intensity of your workouts. If you plan on using your rope for cardio training, then a shorter rope (30 feet/10 meters) is the way to go, with its lighter await allowing you to work out for longer before feeling the burn in your muscles. If you’re keen to make muscle gains and plan on more strength-based training, then a longer, heavier rope (40 or 50 feet/13 or 16.5 meters) will be more suitable as the extra weight means the rope will provide more resistance with each rep.
- Weight. The weight of your battle ropes will determine how much force you have to exert in order to do different types of exercise. Naturally, a rope’s weight corresponds directly to its length (in all but a few cases), with shorter ropes weighing less and longer ropes weighing more. To get an idea of what length of rope will be best for you, we recommend getting down to a gym to try out different lengths before buying. If this isn’t possible, it’s usually best to opt for a heavier rather than a lighter rope than you think you’ll need, thereby giving yourself plenty of room to improve and challenge yourself as you gain strength and improve your endurance. To give you an idea of how much different lengths of rope typically weigh, take a look at the following:
- 1.5 inches thick by 30 feet long – 10-13 lbs
- 1.5 inches thick by 40 feet long – 16-19 lbs
- 1.5 inches thick by 50 feet long – 22-25 lbs
- * Ropes that are 2 inches thick usually weigh a third more than 1.5-inch ropes.
- Material. Almost all battle ropes are made with tough PolyDacron materials that are resistant to fraying and abrasion caused by repeated contact with the flooring in your workout area. That said, some degree of fraying and wear and tear is inevitable in the long run, even for relatively infrequent users, meaning it’s always best to opt for a rope that comes with a nylon cover or sheath to protect the inner materials, particularly if you plan on training frequently or the flooring in your workout area is a harder or rougher material like concrete (as opposed to carpet or tiling). Although ropes with full nylon covers can be pricey, a nice happy medium is provided by those that use a partial sleeve around the anchor point, which is the section of the rope most prone to wear and tear.
- Grip. It’s important to have a pair of comfortable handles that provide plenty of grip and aren’t going to leave you with blisters after every training session. The best handles usually use sweat-resistant, rubberized materials that are slightly texturized or “ribbed” to optimize grip. When buying, look for heat-shrunk caps that reduce the risk of handles coming loose and always take the time to read user reviews to get an idea of how the handles perform in terms of comfort and durability.
- Anchor. While some sellers include a wall attachment or anchor with their ropes, it’s well worth checking before buying as a separate purchase could add another $10-20 to the overall cost of your battle rope kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are battle ropes?
Battle ropes come in various lengths, thicknesses, and weights. Most are made with durable polyester, PolyDacron, or a combination of both materials. They typically measure 30-50 feet in length and, the longer the rope, the more you’ll have to exert yourself to perform the most common exercises used in battle rope workouts. Battle ropes’ popularity has surged in recent years because they provide a comprehensive workout that forces your body to work both aerobically and anaerobically, which equates to serious fat burning over very short periods of time.
What is the best length for battle ropes?
The most common length of battle rope used in gyms and cross-training studios is 50 feet, though 30 or 40-foot ropes will allow you to use the ropes for the same type of workout and are often a better option for beginners or less powerful users owing to their lighter weight.
Do battle ropes provide a good workout?
The main benefits of battle ropes are that they help to burn fat, increase muscle mass, boost your range of motion, and provide a challenging cardio workout that, for many, is a lot more fun than jogging, hitting the treadmill, or cycling, for example. Intensive workouts with battle ropes can burn up to 45 calories per minute and, depending on the type of workout you’re doing, help to tone and even build mass in your arms, shoulders, glutes, quads, and other major and minor muscle groups. Regular training with battle ropes will also improve the mobility in your grip and the range of movement in your shoulders, hips, core, knees, ankles, and feet.
Are battle ropes good for cardio?
Working out with battle ropes provides a number of health and fitness benefits, enhancing your grip, strength, conditioning, and overall level of work capacity, and cardio fitness. Ropes are most commonly used for high-intensity interval training, which causes your heart rate to peak, gets you into the fat-burning zone in no time, and pushes your cardio levels to the max.
Other Battle Ropes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other battle ropes. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best battle ropes list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your workouts. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Battle Ropes
AmazonBasics Battle Exercise Training Rope
This incredibly popular 30-foot by 1.5-inch rope is made with a durable polyester blend and has comfortable, sweat-resistant handles. A good choice for those short on space, less powerful users, or those who plan on doing cardio training as opposed to HIIT or power training.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 30′
- Made with durable polyester blend
- High tensile strength prevents fraying
Cost: $53.49
Trademark Innovations Strength & Core Training Battle Rope
This very reasonably priced 30-foot by 1.5-inch rope is not quite as hard-wearing as other ropes in our review but is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t plan on using it on a daily basis on particularly abrasive surfaces like concrete.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 30′
- Made with 100% Dacron materials
- Rubberized handles offer good grip
Cost: $31.99
At just a dollar per foot of hard-wearing, high-tensile strength, 1.5-inch-thick material, this forty-foot rope offers simply fantastic value for money. It also features a 600-denier nylon protective sleeve at the anchor point and uses large, water-resistant rubber grips.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 40′
- Protective nylon sleeve at anchor point
- Made with high-tensile strength, abrasion-resistant polyester
Cost: $40
YZLSPORTS Weighted Battle Ropes
This rope’s short length and lightweight make it a good option for beginners, cardio or endurance sessions, and buyers who are short on space in their home.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 9.5′
- Made with 1200-denier polyester
- Protective sleeve at anchor point
- Weighs 5.8 lbs.
Cost: $46.99
Smartxchoices Black Battle Rope
This forty-foot rope covers all the bases for beginners, intermediate level users, and more advanced users who plan on longer-duration cardio training. It uses highly durable, waterproof, 100% Poly Dacron materials, hardy runner handles, and features a protective nylon sleeve at the anchor point for extra durability.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 40′
- Made with 100% Poly Dacron
- 600D Oxford waterproof protective sleeve at anchor point
Cost: $64.99
This forty-foot, PolyDacron rope is extremely hard-wearing and comes with not only a nylon sleeve to protect the vulnerable anchor point from fraying but also a pair of robust anchor straps and a carabiner that allow you to mount or attach it to any solid fixture in your home or in the yard.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 40′
- 100% PolyDacron materials
- Easy-to-grip heat-shrunk handles
Heavy Duty Battle Ropes
This very well-made, 40-foot by 2-inch rope is made with extremely hard-wearing materials and its 2-inch thickness provides the added weight needed to challenge more powerful users.
Key Features:
- Measures 2″ x 40′
- Anchor strap, protective anchor sleeve, wall mount, and foldable workout poster included
- Heavy-duty, heat-shrunk rubber handles
Cost: $184.95
This incredibly durable rope ticks every box that needs ticking for users who want a rope that’s built to last a lifetime. It’s made with extremely tough, 100% polyester materials, uses heat-shrunk, slip-resistant handles, and is protected by a heavy-duty nylon sleeve that all but eliminates the risk of fraying.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 30′
- Heavy-duty protective nylon sleeve
- Wall mount and anchor straps included
- Made with durable, 100% polyester material
Cost: $77.99
This 50-foot rope uses special braiding technology to reduce the risk of fraying and also comes with a handy nylon sleeve to protect the anchor point in the middle of the rope, a robust wall mount, and a pair of sturdy anchor straps. A great choice for those with a larger workout area.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 50′
- Wall anchor and anchor straps included
- Protective nylon cover at anchor point
Cost: $133.99
This rope is most probably the best option out there for users who are short on workout space. Although it measures just ten feet in length, the sand filling in this rope means it weighs a mighty thirty pounds, which is slightly above the average weight of most 50-foot polyester ropes.
Key Features:
- Measures 10 feet in length
- Weighs 30 lbs.
- Made with durable, abrasion-resistant neoprene materials
- Made in the USA
Cost: $99.99
This outstandingly well-made rope boasts a waterproof nylon sleeve, waterproof rubber handles, and comes with a sturdy wall mount and robust anchor straps that let you attach it easily to any wall. A great choice for more advanced and more powerful users.
Key Features:
- Measures 2″ x 50′
- Protective nylon sleeve
- Wall mount and anchor straps included
- 8.66″ heat-shrunk handles
Cost: $199.99
This 2-inch by 30-foot rope is ideal for buyers who have a smaller workout space but want enough weight in their rope for power and strength-focused workouts.
Key Features:
- Measures 2″ x 30′ (other sizes available)
- Nylon sleeve for added durability
- Ten-inch, heat-shrunk handles
- Made with 100% Dacron material
Cost: $145.99
Made with a fluid metal dense core surrounded by soft-braided rope, this battle rope packs a lot more weight into less material, making it a great choice for buyers short on workout or storage space or simply looking for a less cumbersome, more responsive, and quieter option than standard polyester ropes.
Key Features:
- 20 feet in length
- Fluid metal core
- Ribbed rubber handles
- Weighs 15 lbs
Cost: $299.99
Battle Rope ST Ultimate 2-in-1 Battle Rope and Strength Training System
Another great option for buyers short on workout space, this remarkably well-designed rope packs 14 pounds of weight into a mere ten feet of material and also doubles up as body-strength training system thanks to its use of dual-wall mounts and enclosed handles.
Key Features:
- 1.5″ nylon braided rope
- Weighs 14 lbs.
- Comes with two wall mounts
Battle Ropes for Beginners
This rope is made with a high-tensile, highly durable, 100% polypropylene and polyester blend and features a detachable 20-inch padded velcro protector sleeve for added durability at the anchor point.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 30′
- Made with durable, 100% polypropylene and polyester blend
- Protective nylon cover at anchor point reduces wear and tear
- Heat-shrunk rubber grips
Cost: $79.95
This forty-foot rope is ideal for more powerful beginners who plan on starting out in HIIT or simply want a little more weight than offered by the thirty-foot ropes favored by most beginners.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 40′ (other lengths available)
- 600D Oxford waterproof sleeve protects the rope from friction and fray
- Ergonomic, heat-shrunk rubber handles
Cost: $84.99
This short, lightweight rope is a good pick for youths or less powerful beginners who are just starting out in battle rope training and looking to master their technique before advancing to longer and heavier ropes.
Key Features:
- Measures 9’2″
- Made with 1200-denier polyester
- Soft rubber handles
- One-year warranty
- Doubles as jump rope
Cost: $39.99
This rope comes with a pair of handy gym gloves, a nylon sleeve to protect the anchor point, and its shorter length makes it both lighter and easier to control for newcomers to battle rope training.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 9’9″
- Made with polyester fibers and rubber grips
- Protective nylon sleeve at anchor point
- Gym gloves included
Cost: $45.99
Wellmax Heavy Duty Battle Rope
These heavy-duty, incredibly durable ropes are a great choice for beginners keen to buy equipment that may well last them a lifetime. In addition to a protective nylon sleeve, this rope also comes with a very handy portable anchor kit that lets you take your ropes on the road or shift them around your home with ease.
Key Features:
- Measures 1.5″ x 30′
- Made with 100% PolyDacron materials
- 600-denier nylon sleeve
- Portable anchor kit
Cost: $91.97
This thirty-foot rope’s slightly slimmer dimensions and lower weight make it a great option for newcomers who haven’t quite built up the strength to handle heavier and longer ropes.
Key Features:
- Measures 1″ x 30′
- Made with 100% industrial-strength Dacron polyester
- Veteran owned and operated
Cost: $49.95
