Battle ropes have found a place among fitness experts, coaches, and fitspo models alike. The reason battle ropes are so popular is simple—using one is an effective cardio and strength-building tool that will challenge your body in new ways. Not only is it one of the most multifaceted pieces of equipment on the market, but battle ropes are also a great space-saving option for those who have ">limited workout space. They also travel well, so you can take them to the gym or on vacation.
Join the battle rope fan club and grab one for your own home gym (or living room). If you're shopping for a battle rope but aren't sure where to start, you're in the right place. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has done the research for you. Read on for information about the best battle ropes so you can select the best option for your goals, fitness level, and style.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Battle Ropes - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Battle Rope: REP V2 Sleeve Battle Rope
- Best Battle Rope for Small Spaces: Rogue Fitness Hyper Rope
- Best Battle Rope for Beginners: TRX Battle Rope
- Best Battle Rope for your Budget: Titan Fitness 30 FT X 2-IN Battle Rope
- Best Battle Rope for Advanced Users: Kettlebell Kings Battle Rope
- Best Grip: POWER GUIDANCE Battle Rope
- Best Battle Rope with an Anchor Strap: Son of the Beast by Stroops
Best Overall Battle Rope - REP V2 Sleeve Battle Rope
SPECS
- Sizes: 30 ft, 50 ft
- Material: Poly dacron with Nylon sleeve
- Diameter:1.5", 2"
- Weight: 30 ft x 1.5 18 lbs.; 50 ft x 1.5 28 lbs.; 30 ft x 2 30 lbs.; 50 ft x 2 46 lbs.
- Grip: Rubber coated
- Color: Red, blue, and black
For beginners looking for easy-to-use, functional battle ropes, REP's sleeve battle rope is ideal. The nylon sleeve over the rope helps keep it protected no matter what kind of surface you're working out on. Simply select the length and the diameter of the rope to match your goals and your workout style: You have four different lengths and weights to choose from. And for beginners looking for an extra burst of motivation, REP offers multiple color options. So, if red helps you feel fierce, you can grab it.
No mount needed for this rope, but a simple wall mount is available for purchase should you want one.
PROS
- Great value
- Durable
- No mount needed
- Choose from multiple color options
CONS
- Can be stiff during first couple of uses
- Grip can come off
BUY: REP V2 Sleeve Battle Ropes
Best Battle Ropes for Small Spaces – Rogue Fitness Hyper Rope
SPECS
- Sizes: 20 ft, 25 ft
- Material: Soft, braided 100% Polyester exterior; flexible metal core
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Weight: 20 ft - 15 lbs., 25 ft - 19 lbs.
- Grip: Rubber coated
- Color: Blue
Limited on space? The Rogue Fitness Hyper Rope battle rope is designed for those who don't have the space for a full battle rope set-up or are interested in trying a unique workout experience. The rope comes in 20-ft or 25-ft options, and is available in either 15 or 19 pounds.
The Hyper Rope is braided polyester, which makes it durable, and is weighted on the inside with flexible metal. Unlike other ropes, it doesn't shed fibers and isn't as noisy. Also, this rope uses compact undulation which targets multiple muscle groups of the body, all while promoting greater core strength and endurance..
PROS
- Compact
- Killer workout
- Easy to store
CONS
- May be hard to use for beginners
- Expensive
Best Battle Rope for Beginners – TRX Battle Rope
SPECS
- Sizes: 30 ft or 50 ft
- Material: Polyester and Nylon
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Weight: 30-ft ropes are 19 lbs.; 50-ft ropes are 30.4 lbs.
- Grip: Rubber coated
- Color: Black with yellow accent
TRX Battle Ropes are our choice for best overall because of their heavy-duty design. Tightly braided and made from a combination of polyester and nylon, these ropes are made to withstand tough workouts without fraying. They also come with rubber-coated grips, so your hands stay on them during even the most grueling of cardio workouts.
With 30- or 50-foot options, you can select the size that works best for your space and budget.. Keep in mind that the longer ropes are more difficult because there is more rope to move and therefore more weight. And with a 1.5-inch diameter, the TRX Battle Rope's width can fit almost any hand. These ropes don't require a mount, but they need to be grounded by something sturdy like a tree or a pole. Mounts are available for purchase, however, should you want one.
PROS
- Durable
- High-quality
- No mount needed
CONS
- Can be stiff on first couple of uses
- On the pricier side
BUY: TRX Battle Ropes, 30' or 50'
Best Budget Battle Rope – Titan Fitness 30 FT X 2-IN Battle Rope
SPECS
- Sizes: 30 ft, 40 ft, or 50 ft
- Material: Poly dacron
- Diameter: 1.5", 2"
- Weight: 30 ft ropes are 19 lbs.; 40 ft ropes are 25 lbs.; 50 ft ropes are 31 lbs.
- Grip: PVC coated
- Color:Black
If you're looking to build muscle and improve your endurance—but also score a great deal—you may want to consider Titan Fitness's Battle Ropes. At just $44.97 for the smallest size, you can up your fitness game for a budget-friendly price. Made of twisted polyester dacron, these ropes are durable and made to handle all types of workouts. Plus, there's plenty of options to pick for whichever length and diameter suits you and your space best: Choose from 30-, 40-, or 50-foot options, each of which can be purchased in a 1.5-inch or 2-inch diameter.
The Titan Fitness battle ropes come with PVC-coated grips, making them excellent for sweaty workouts. You don't need a mount for these ropes, as long as they're grounded by something durable. You can also easily tie this rope around ceiling beams if you're feeling adventurous and wish to climb.
PROS
- Great value
- Durable
- No mount needed
- Personalize length and diameter based on your needs
CONS
- Frays with a lot of outside use
- Only comes in 1 color option
BUY: Titan Fitness Battle Ropes
Best Battle Rope for Advanced Users – Kettlebell Kings Battle Rope
SPECS
- Size: 50 ft
- Material: Poly dacron, poly dacron with canvas covering
- Diameter: 1.5", 2", 3"
-
Weight:
1.5" Canvas Covered Battle Rope - 31 lbs.
2" Canvas Covered Battle Rope - 44 lbs.
3" Canvas Covered Battle Rope - 120 lbs.
1.5" Braided Battle Rope - 28 lbs.
2" Braided Battle Rope - 40 lbs.
3" Braided Battle Rope - 110 lbs. - Grip: Rubber coated
- Color: Black
For battle rope pros looking for an extra challenge, Kettlebell Kings Battle Rope's are a great option. Choose from six different length and weight options—just be warned that the heavier you go, the more intense your workout will be. For those looking to up their strength training, opt for the heavier braided option.
Whichever diameter and weight you select, you can be sure of superb durability because these battle ropes are braided instead of twisted. And for outdoor workouts, you can select a rope with a canvas covering, which keeps the rope protected from harsher surfaces. Although this covering will add some weight, it will also ensure your rope can take an enormous beating.
PROS
- Heavy weight options
- Options for outdoor use
- No mount needed
- Heavy duty
CONS
- Expensive
- Braid makes movements are more difficult
- Only comes in 50'
BUY: Kettlebell Kings Battle Ropes
Best Grip – POWER GUIDANCE Battle Rope
SPECS
- Sizes: 30 ft, 40 ft, 50 ft
- Material: Poly dacron with Nylon sleeve cover
- Diameter: 1.5", 2"
- Weight: 1.5" x 30 ft - 18 lbs., 1.5" x 40 ft - 24 lbs., 1.5" x 50 ft - 30 lbs., 2" x 30 ft - 30.5 lbs., 2" x 40 ft - 40 lbs., 2" x 50 ft - 49 lbs.
- Grip: Plastic coated
- Color: Black
One of the most difficult things about using battle ropes can be the grip—anything less than a solid, secure grip and you may find it difficult to complete an entire workout without the ropes slipping out of your hand. But with the Power Guidance Battle Ropes, you won't have that problem. Made from plastic coated grips, these battle ropes are easy for you to grip, no matter how vigorous your workout is.
Plus, with a durable nylon sleeve cover, you can use these ropes on any surface, whether that be concrete or turf. The Power Guidance ropes also come in a multitude of weight and thickness options, so you can choose whichever suits you and your workout best.
PROS
- Secure grip
- Anchor included
- Affordable
- Can be used on any surface
CONS
- Only comes in 1 color option
BUY: POWER GUIDANCE Battle Ropes
Best Battle Rope with an Anchor Strap – Son of the Beast by Stroops
SPECS
- Sizes: 10 ft stretches to 30 ft
- Material: Elastic
- Diameter: N/A
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Grip: None
- Color: Black or orange
Looking for a battle rope that comes with an anchor strap? One of the more versatile rope options you can find is from Stroops. You can purchase these ropes in two packages, the second of which contains an anchor strap. The first is the OG, which contains two 10-foot battle ropes. For those looking for more accessories, the PRO package may be for you. It includes the battle ropes, as well as a belt, carabiners, anchors, and agility dots.
Their Son of the Beast battle ropes are made of elastic, which means you can use them to add resistance to running, jumping, lunging, and other exercises. Each rope ends with a cloth loop, so they're easy to use virtually anywhere. The ropes are also available in multiple resistance weights. You can choose from easy (47 lbs.) to very difficult (150 lbs). Choose your resistance based on your body weight, goals, and strength level.
PROS
- Varied uses
- Multiple resistance options
- Anchor strap included
CONS
- Not very heavy
- Hard to hold
- Expensive
What Exercises Can You Do with Battle Ropes?
If you haven't used a battle rope before, you may be wondering what kind of exercises to perform. We outline some of our favorite ones below:
Arm circles
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent and a rope end in each hand. Raise your arms so they are parallel to the ground. Make big circles with your arms while holding the ropes. Perform 2-5 sets for 30 seconds each.
Alternating waves with squat
To target your lower body, stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and a rope end in each hand. Move your arms so the rope begins to make waves down each side. As you do this, squat slowly down and up. Don't stop moving your arms.
Rope slams with jump
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and a rope end in each hand. Jump up in the air and raise your arms over your head. As you come back down, slam the ropes down hard into the ground. Repeat.
Shuffle waves
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and a rope end in each hand. Move your arms so the rope begins to make waves down each side. As you do this, shuffle laterally and don't stop moving your arms.
Jumping jacks
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and a rope end in each hand. Jump your feet out and bring your hands over your head. Then jump your feet back together and bring your hands down to your sides. Keep the ropes in your hands the entire time.
Side-to-sides
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and a rope end in each hand. Bring the rope ends to the right side of your body. Lift your arms in an arch position and bring them to the left side of your body. Repeat on the opposite side.
Lateral hope and slam
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and a rope end in each hand. Jump laterally and raise your arms over your head. As you come back down, slam the ropes down hard into the ground. Repeat on the opposite side.
Reverse lunges with alternating waves
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and a rope end in each hand. Start moving your arms so the rope makes waves all the way down. Keep moving your arms as you step back with your right foot and lower your right knee to the ground. Step the right leg forward and then repeat on the left side. Don't stop moving your arms.
What to Look for When Buying Battle Ropes
Length
While the average length for a battle rope is around 50 feet, generally the longer the rope, the heavier and harder it is to move. If you're a beginner, or are a smaller person, select shorter, lighter ropes (around 20-30 feet). If you are more advanced in your fitness, you can choose longer, heavier ropes.
Grip
Most ropes come with some kind of coating on the ends. Rubber or PVC coating works well to keep sweaty hands on the rope. The big thing to remember about the grip is the diameter of the rope. Thick ropes will be heavier and will challenge your grip as you use them, while thinner ropes will be easier to handle and grip.
Weight
The weight of the ropes will depend on the length and the diameter. You can find ropes anywhere from 10 pounds to 150 pounds or more. Select a weight that you know you'll be able to move for at least 30 seconds. If you can test a rope before you buy it, see if you can make the rope move all the way to the anchor point.
Anchor
Rope anchors aren't necessary, but they help, especially if you're in your garage and don't have a pole or something else to put the rope around. You can find them anywhere you buy your rope. If you don't have an anchor, a tree or a pole works great. You can also use a big dumbbell or plate in the middle of the rope.
Material
Most battle ropes are a polyester blend, which is generally durable. If you do a lot of outside rope work, you may want to purchase one that has a cover. Braided ropes tend to be more durable than twisted ones.
FAQs About Battle Ropes
What muscles can you work with battle ropes?
Depending on the movement, battle ropes can hit pretty much every muscle in the body. Battle ropes are especially good for torching the upper body and the core, but you can get your legs involved with exercises like alternating waves with squats. Battle ropes are also fantastic tools for conditioning to improve your cardio.
How do you anchor battle ropes?
You can anchor them by putting the middle part of the rope around a sturdy tree or a pole. Or you can purchase a wall anchor that you can loop the rope through. Some ropes come with their own anchor, and others don't need one at all.
How long should battle ropes be?
Most battle ropes are either 30-, 40-, or 50-feet long. The longer the rope, the more difficult it is to move. If you're new to battle ropes or new to fitness in general, going with a shorter length is the best bet. In general, you should be able to make the rope wave all the way to the anchor point, but if you can do that fairly easily, you should probably get a heavier one.
Are battle ropes worth it?
Battle ropes are great tools to improve your fitness. They're a great way to improve your cardio, strength, and overall fitness. They're especially helpful because they provide the opportunity for you to move your body in unique ways, which keeps your workouts fresh and fun.
What weight battle rope should I get?
Ropes come in many weight variations—anywhere from 30 pounds to over 100 pounds. The weight of your rope should depend on your fitness level and your goals. Heavy ropes are harder to move and are generally longer and thicker. Select a weight you can move, but that is heavy enough to make your exercise challenging.