If you are working on double-unders, your jump rope can make a bigger difference than you might expect. A good speed rope is lightweight, responsive and designed to rotate smoothly, helping you maintain a consistent rhythm without having to work harder than necessary.
For functional fitness athletes in the UK, there are several competition-grade options available, but choosing between brands such as RPM, RX Smart Gear and Velites can be confusing. The best speed rope for you will depend on your experience, how often you train double-unders and whether you are looking for an everyday training rope or something built for competition.
In this guide, we compare the best speed ropes available at WORKIT and explain what to look for when choosing a rope for double-unders.
Why Does the Right Speed Rope Matter for Double-Unders?
A double-under requires the rope to pass underneath your feet twice during a single jump. That means the rope needs to rotate quickly and consistently while you maintain control of your hands and body position.
A basic skipping rope can make double-unders considerably more difficult because it may be heavier, less responsive or have handles that do not rotate smoothly.
A dedicated speed rope is designed specifically for fast rotations. Features such as lightweight cables, low-friction bearings and ergonomic handles can help you develop a more consistent rhythm.
However, the most expensive rope is not automatically the best choice. Beginners may actually benefit from a slightly more forgiving cable that provides enough feedback to help them learn timing and positioning.
What to Look for in a Speed Rope
1. Cable weight
Cable weight affects how the rope feels during rotation.
Lighter cables can move extremely quickly and are popular with experienced athletes who have already developed reliable double-unders. They can, however, provide less feedback when you are learning.
A slightly heavier training cable can make it easier to feel where the rope is during each rotation, which can help with timing and consistency.
The ideal cable therefore depends on your experience rather than simply choosing the lightest option available.
2. Handle grip
Your hands should remain relaxed when performing double-unders. A good handle should provide enough grip to prevent slipping without encouraging you to squeeze too tightly.
Handle construction also affects weight and durability. Aluminium handles are common on premium speed ropes because they can be lightweight while remaining durable.
RPM, for example, uses precision-machined aluminium handles across its speed rope range, while RX Smart Gear offers different handle constructions and configurations depending on the model you choose.
3. Rope length
Getting the correct length is essential.
A rope that is too long can create unnecessary slack and slow down your rotation. One that is too short can catch your feet and make mistakes more likely.
Many premium speed ropes use adjustable cables, allowing you to customise the rope to your height and preferred technique.
RX Smart Gear takes customisation particularly seriously, allowing you to select your handle, cable weight, length and cable colour when ordering its custom jump rope set.
4. Rotation system
The connection between the cable and handles is another important consideration.
A smooth bearing or swivel system allows the cable to rotate without excessive friction or twisting. This becomes increasingly important as your double-under volume increases.
If you are regularly doing high-repetition sets, look for a rope designed specifically for fast, consistent rotation rather than a general-purpose skipping rope.
The Best Speed Ropes for functional fitness in the UK
WORKIT stocks several premium speed ropes from brands trusted by functional fitness athletes, including RPM, RX Smart Gear and Velites. Here is how they compare.
RPM Speed Ropes
RPM is one of the best-known names in functional fitness speed ropes, and its current range includes the Session4 and Comp4.
RPM Session4
The RPM Session4 is designed as an everyday training rope. It features a dual-bearing system, lightweight construction and a coated cable designed to be more forgiving during regular training.
That makes it particularly appealing if you are practising double-unders frequently and want a rope that can handle daily sessions rather than being reserved for competition.
The Session4 currently costs £64.99 at WORKIT.
Best for: Everyday training, developing double-unders and athletes who want a durable premium rope.
RPM Comp4
The Comp4 is RPM's competition-focused option.
It uses a bare cable and aggressive knurling, with the emphasis firmly on speed and performance. RPM describes the Comp4 as its race-day rope, making it better suited to athletes who already have consistent double-unders and want to optimise their performance.
The Comp4 is also £64.99 at WORKIT.
Best for: Experienced athletes, competitions and high-volume double-under sessions.
RX Smart Gear
RX Smart Gear takes a highly configurable approach to speed ropes.
The RX Jump Rope 2.0 platform allows athletes to choose different cable configurations, while the custom full set allows you to specify your handle colour, cable weight, length and colour.
This makes RX Smart Gear particularly attractive if you already understand what you want from a rope and want to fine-tune its setup to your height and training style.
The RX Smart Gear Custom Jump Rope Full Set is currently £62.99 at WORKIT, reduced from £78.97.
Best for: Athletes who want maximum customisation and a rope tailored to their individual setup.
Shop the RX Smart Gear Custom Jump Rope
RX Smart Gear also offers the EVO FRE and EVO G2 handle systems, giving experienced athletes even more options when building their setup.
Velites Fire 2.0
The Velites Fire 2.0 is another strong option for functional fitness athletes looking for a lightweight competition-style rope.
It features 37g aluminium handles, a smooth rotation system and an integrated adjustment tool. It is also marketed as the official jump rope of the CrossFit Games® and HYROX®.
At £44.99, it is currently the most affordable of the three main speed rope options featured in this guide.
That makes it particularly interesting for athletes who want to upgrade from a basic skipping rope without immediately moving into the £60+ price range.
Best for: Beginners moving into dedicated speed ropes, intermediate athletes and anyone looking for strong performance at a lower price point.
RPM vs RX Smart Gear vs Velites
| Speed Rope | Price | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velites Fire 2.0 | £44.99 | Beginners & intermediate athletes | Lightweight, accessible price |
| RX Smart Gear Custom | £62.99 | Custom setups | Cable, length and handle configuration |
| RPM Session4 | £64.99 | Everyday training | Durable training-focused design |
| RPM Comp4 | £64.99 | Competition | Bare cable and competition-focused setup |
Prices shown are based on the current WORKIT UK range and may change.
Which Speed Rope Should You Choose?
Best speed rope for beginners
If you are still learning double-unders, you do not necessarily need the fastest rope available.
The Velites Fire 2.0 is a strong starting point because it provides the lightweight, smooth feel of a dedicated speed rope without the higher price of some premium competition options.
Focus first on learning your rhythm, relaxed wrist movement and consistent jumping technique.
Best speed rope for intermediate functional fitness athletes
For athletes who can already perform double-unders but want to improve consistency and volume, the RPM Session4 is an excellent everyday option.
Its training-focused design makes it suitable for regular use, while its lightweight construction and smooth bearing system provide the responsiveness you would expect from a premium speed rope.
Best speed rope for competition
If you already have reliable double-unders and are looking for a competition-focused setup, the RPM Comp4 is the obvious choice from the current WORKIT range.
Its bare cable and competition-focused construction prioritise speed, making it particularly suited to athletes who want to maximise performance when every second matters.
Best customisable speed rope
If you want to configure your rope around your exact height and training preferences, choose the RX Smart Gear Custom Jump Rope.
Being able to select your cable weight, length and handle configuration means you can create a setup that is specific to your technique rather than adapting your technique to a fixed rope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best speed rope for double-unders?
The best speed rope depends on your experience. The Velites Fire 2.0 is a strong option for beginners and intermediate athletes, while the RPM Session4 is well suited to regular training. Experienced athletes looking for maximum competition performance may prefer the RPM Comp4.
What is the best jump rope for functional fitness in the UK?
For functional fitness athletes in the UK, the best jump rope is one that is lightweight, adjustable and designed for fast rotation. WORKIT stocks speed ropes from RPM, RX Smart Gear and Velites, giving athletes several options depending on their experience and budget.
Are speed ropes good for double-unders?
Yes. Speed ropes are specifically designed for rapid rotation, making them particularly suitable for double-unders. Lightweight cables and smooth bearing systems can make it easier to maintain the speed and consistency required for high-repetition sets.
Should beginners use a speed rope?
Beginners can use a speed rope, but the fastest and lightest rope is not necessarily the easiest place to start. Some athletes find that a slightly more forgiving cable provides useful feedback while learning the timing required for double-unders.
How long should a functional fitness jump rope be?
The correct rope length depends on your height and jumping technique. An adjustable rope gives you the flexibility to find the setup that works best for you. RX Smart Gear's custom rope system allows you to specify your cable length when ordering.
What is the difference between a training rope and a competition rope?
A training rope is generally designed to withstand frequent use and may use a more forgiving coated cable. A competition rope is typically optimised for maximum speed and responsiveness. RPM's Session4 and Comp4 illustrate this distinction, with the Session4 designed for everyday training and the Comp4 using a bare cable for competition-focused speed.
Find Your Speed Rope
The right rope will not magically teach you double-unders, but the right equipment can make practising them more consistent and enjoyable.
Whether you are learning your first double-under, working towards unbroken sets or preparing for competition, choose a rope that matches your current ability and how you train.
Explore the full WORKIT Speed Ropes collection to compare RPM, RX Smart Gear and Velites jump ropes and find the setup that's right for you.