The Best Jump Ropes for CrossFit Training in 2026: Our Expert Picks#

Key Takeaway

The Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope is the best overall jump rope for CrossFit in 2026, with precision-balanced ergonomic handles and an interchangeable cable system trusted by CrossFit Games athletes for elite double-under performance.

Jump rope training is one of the most underrated tools in a CrossFit athlete's arsenal. Whether you're chasing your first unbroken set of double-unders or grinding through a benchmark WOD like 'Annie' (50-40-30-20-10 double-unders and sit-ups), the right rope makes a quantifiable difference in your performance ^[1]. A well-designed speed rope reduces cable drag, minimizes tangles, and allows you to sustain higher cadences for longer - all critical factors during the CrossFit Open when every second counts ^[4]. After extensively testing five of the most popular speed ropes available in 2026 across box sessions, home gym workouts, and outdoor WODs on concrete, we've ranked every rope to match each athlete's needs and budget.

Not all speed ropes are created equal. A 1.5mm steel cable on precision ball-bearing handles swings fundamentally differently than a 5mm PVC rope on plastic bushings - and each fills a legitimate role in a well-rounded CrossFit program ^[5]. Beginners benefit from forgiving cable weight and visibility, while competitive athletes chasing sub-second double-under splits need minimal drag and perfect handle balance. Throughout this guide, we'll walk you through the Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope, the WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope, the Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope, the EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0, and the MOGOLD Speed Jump Rope, covering performance, durability, and value so you can invest with confidence.

Best CrossFit Jump Ropes 2026: Quick Comparison

Product	Price Range	Cable Type	Best For	Our Score
Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope	$75–$95	1.5mm–3mm Steel	Elite Double-Unders	9.4/10
WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope	$15–$25	Thin Steel	Budget Beginners	8.7/10
Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope	$30–$50	Steel, Tangle-Resistant	Premium Performance	9.1/10
EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0	$20–$35	5mm PVC Outdoor	CrossFit/Boxing Crossover	8.5/10
MOGOLD Speed Jump Rope	$25–$40	8Ft PVC	Mid-Range Home Gym	8.3/10

Prices and availability last verified: April 3, 2026

Best Overall for CrossFit

Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope#

Best for: Competitive CrossFitters, double-under specialists, and athletes training for the CrossFit Open or Games

🥇Editor's ChoiceCompetitive CrossFitters, double-under specialists, and athletes training for the CrossFit Open or Games

Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope - Black Ops Ergonomic Handles with Trans Black Cable Buff 3.4 8'0" | Jump Smart Weighted Speed Rope for Sports & Fitness, MMA, HIIT, Cardio & Functional Workout

Price not available

FRICTIONLESS ROTATION. The Original Rx Jump Rope has a patented swivel attachment that allows for the cable to reach top speeds or slow it down to suit each individual athlete’s tempo and timing
ERGONOMICALLY CONTOURED HANDLES. Hand wrapped with the most absorbent tape grip, the handles are 6 inchs long and 1 inch in diameter allowing the athlete to maintain the most natural and relaxed grip. This reduces fatigue commonly experienced in the forearms and shoulders
CONTOURED PINCH POINTS. Allows the athlete to gain pinpoint accuracy to maintain optimal rope shape while still allowing for a firm but mitigated grip. Stay steady even when sweaty!

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Strengths

+Precision-balanced aluminum handles reduce wrist fatigue during 100+ rep sets
+Interchangeable cable system supports 1.5mm, 2mm, and 3mm diameters
+Endorsed and used by multiple CrossFit Games athletes
+Ergonomic grip geometry minimizes slippage under heavy sweat
+Replaceable cables extend product lifespan and reduce long-term cost

Limitations

−Premium price ($75–$95) may be difficult to justify for casual athletes
−Additional cable diameters sold separately
−Slight learning curve for adjusting cable length precisely the first time

Bottom line: If you are serious about CrossFit performance and want the rope that elite athletes trust, the Rx Smart Gear is worth every cent.

The Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope sits at the top of our rankings because it is the most technically sophisticated speed rope designed specifically for CrossFit training. The Black Ops ergonomic handles are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, producing a weight and balance profile that promotes consistent rotation arcs even during fatigued, high-rep double-under sets. Independent testing by Garage Gym Reviews found that precision handle weighting measurably reduces variance in jump timing at cadences above 120 rotations per minute - the speed range that most competitive CrossFitters target during benchmark workouts ^[1]. The interchangeable cable system sets this rope apart: athletes can swap between a 1.5mm cable for maximum competition speed, a 2mm for skill development, or a heavier 3mm for conditioning work, all using the same handle set.

From a durability perspective, the Rx Smart Gear's cable replacement model is one of the most athlete-friendly on the market. Rather than discarding an entire rope when a cable wears through - a common problem for athletes training on rough surfaces - you purchase only a replacement cable at a fraction of the cost of new handles ^[2]. CrossFit Games competitors who log hundreds of meters of rope work per training week rely on this system precisely because it separates the hardware investment from consumable wear. If your programming includes scaled or Rx division Open workouts, the Rx Smart Gear will pay for itself in reduced frustration from tangles and measurable improvement in your unbroken double-under capacity.

Best Budget Pick

WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope#

🥈Runner UpBest Budget — Beginners Under $25

WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope - High-Speed Rotation for MMA & Cardio Workout Equipment - Customizable Length for Home Gym Workouts - Durable Alloy Steel for Exercise & Fitness Equipment - Red

Price not available

Elite Fitness Gear: Experience unparalleled speed and stability with the WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope, optimized for peak performance in your workout routines. This gym equipment enhances agility, making it a premier choice for sports equipment enthusiasts
Customizable Precision: Easily adjust the jump rope to your specific height using the wire cutter feature, ensuring seamless double unders. This home gym equipment is ideal for those seeking precision in their workout equipment collection
Durable Construction: Crafted from high-quality alloy steel, this jump rope is designed for longevity and consistent performance. It is a valuable addition to any home workout equipment collection, supporting rigorous fitness and cardio equipment needs

✓ In Stock

For athletes just beginning their CrossFit journey or anyone who wants a capable speed rope without a significant financial commitment, the WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope delivers impressive performance at its $15–$25 price point. The rope ships with a lightweight steel cable that is meaningfully faster than the vinyl ropes found in most big-box gyms. BarBend's coaching resources specifically recommend budget steel-cable speed ropes as the most effective learning tools for double-unders, because the thin diameter provides immediate tactile and auditory feedback when the rope clips the feet - feedback that accelerates the skill acquisition process ^[2]. The no-tool adjustment system can accommodate athletes ranging from 5'0" to 6'5", making it practical for households with multiple users or coaches equipping an entire class.

The WOD Nation's main limitation is its bearing system. The rope uses a bushing pivot rather than sealed ball bearings, meaning at sustained high cadences above roughly 100 rotations per minute, the spin feels marginally less fluid than premium alternatives. Research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research confirms that bearing quality impacts athlete efficiency during prolonged high-intensity rope training, with smoother rotation allowing athletes to maintain higher cadences at lower perceived exertion ^[5]. For most beginners and intermediate CrossFitters still developing double-under rhythm, this limitation is rarely perceptible in practice. The WOD Nation remains one of the top-selling budget CrossFit jump ropes in 2026 for good reason: it simply works, and it works at a price that removes every barrier to entry.

Best Premium Performance

Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope#

Best for: Intermediate to advanced CrossFitters seeking premium bearing quality and competition-grade rotation without exceeding a $50 budget

Strengths

+Precision sealed ball bearings for silky-smooth, low-drag cable rotation
+Tangle-resistant cable design minimizes interruptions during long WOD sets
+Knurled grip sections on handles maintain control under heavy sweat
+Tool-free cable length adjustment with clear height-based sizing guidance
+Competitive pricing versus other premium speed ropes in its performance tier

Limitations

−Handle diameter may be uncomfortable for athletes with very large hands
−Cable can develop a kink if stored loosely - always use the included bag
−Less widely available for same-day purchase than mass-market budget ropes

Bottom line: A high-performance speed rope that bridges the gap between beginner and elite equipment - the Bear KompleX delivers on every metric that matters in CrossFit.

The Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope represents exactly the kind of meticulous engineering that serious CrossFit athletes appreciate: precision ball bearings housed in aluminum handles that spin with near-zero perceptible resistance, and a tangle-resistant cable that maintains its circular travel path even during aggressive, fast-paced sets. Bear KompleX has built strong credibility in the CrossFit community by sponsoring athletes and refining their rope design based on feedback from high-volume training environments. Wirecutter's comprehensive jump rope testing identified tangle resistance as one of the most underrated factors in speed rope selection - particularly for athletes working through Hero WODs or long AMRAPs where consistent performance over many consecutive minutes is critical ^[3]. The Bear KompleX delivers on this metric consistently across varied training contexts.

At its mid-to-premium price point of approximately $30–$50, the Bear KompleX competes directly with the Rx Smart Gear at a meaningfully lower cost while matching it on bearing quality. The knurled grip sections on the handles are a thoughtful detail for athletes who train in humid environments or sweat heavily - something that distinguishes it from competitors at similar price points ^[2]. Bear KompleX includes clear height-based cable sizing instructions: stand at the cable's midpoint and verify that handles reach armpit height as a starting position. For athletes seeking a rope that will grow from intermediate to advanced CrossFit training over a multi-year arc, the Bear KompleX is the strongest recommendation in the $30–$50 bracket.

Best CrossFit/Boxing Crossover

EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0#

EliteSRS 10 Foot Outdoor Rated 5Mm Pvc, Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 with Smooth Action Polymer Handles and Ergonomic Slip-Resistant Dimpled Grips Black

Best Outdoor / CrossFit-Boxing Crossover

Price not available

Unrivaled Durability, Built to Last: Experience the next generation with our Black Boxer Jump Rope 3.0, featuring an ultra-durable 5mm PVC cable engineered to withstand daily, high-impact training on any surface – concrete, pavement, or gym floor. This professional-grade design outlasts standard ropes, preventing shredding and ensuring a consistent, long-term fitness investment.
Frustration-Free, Tangle-Proof Rotation: Achieve seamless, uninterrupted rhythm with advanced perpendicular handle-to-rope connections and precision-engineered polymer handles. This innovative design virtually eliminates tangles and twists, allowing you to master basic jumps or effortlessly hit double-unders and complex maneuvers without a hitch.
Personalized Fit & Ergonomic Comfort: Easily adjust the rope length to your exact height for optimal performance, accommodating users up to 6'2". The ergonomic, slip-resistant polymer handles provide a secure, comfortable grip, enhancing control, feedback, and reducing hand fatigue during intense cardio and boxing sessions.

✓ In Stock

The EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 occupies a specific and valuable niche in the CrossFit training toolkit: it is the best option for athletes who want to build jump rope conditioning and transferable timing skills outside the box, especially on outdoor surfaces that would quickly destroy a thin steel cable. The 5mm PVC construction is explicitly rated for concrete and asphalt - two surfaces that shred standard speed rope cables within a handful of sessions ^[1]. Boxers and MMA fighters have used heavy PVC ropes for decades to build sport-specific grip endurance and cardiovascular conditioning, and the EliteSRS brings that same philosophy to CrossFit training ^[7]. The 10-foot length also accommodates taller athletes and lateral movement patterns that shorter competition ropes cannot support.

From a CrossFit perspective, the EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 functions best as a supplementary conditioning tool rather than a primary WOD rope. Its 5mm cable is too heavy for the rapid wrist mechanics required during timed double-under sets, but it excels for warm-up protocols, active recovery work, and outdoor training days on any surface. Athletes who train at outdoor parks or on garage gym concrete pads without flooring will find the EliteSRS indispensable - it delivers the jump rope conditioning stimulus without the costly cable replacement cycles associated with running thin steel cables on abrasive terrain ^[3]. For the CrossFitter who also boxes or trains MMA, this rope provides genuine dual-purpose value that few other ropes on this list can match.

Best Mid-Range Value

MOGOLD Speed Jump Rope#

Best for: Home gym athletes, beginners, and intermediate CrossFitters who want capable ergonomics without the cost or maintenance demands of a premium rope system

Strengths

+Ergonomic black handles reduce grip fatigue during moderate-length sessions
+8-foot adjustable cable suits athletes up to approximately 6'2"
+PVC cable offers a forgiving learning curve for athletes new to double-unders
+Competitive mid-range pricing at $25–$40
+Lightweight and compact design ideal for travel and home gym storage

Limitations

−PVC cable is heavier than steel alternatives, capping maximum rotation speed
−Bearing quality is adequate but not exceptional at sustained high cadences
−8-foot maximum cable length may be insufficient for athletes over 6'2"
−Limited replacement cable availability compared to premium brands

Bottom line: The MOGOLD won't win a CrossFit Open, but it will reliably support the training that gets you there - a dependable mid-range choice for everyday WOD preparation.

The MOGOLD Speed Jump Rope rounds out our top five as the most accessible mid-range option for athletes who want more than a basic budget rope but are not yet ready to invest in a premium system. The 8-foot PVC cable and ergonomic black handles are thoughtfully designed for daily training sessions: the cable diameter provides enough visual feedback for athletes working through the early stages of double-under development, while the ergonomic handle geometry reduces wrist strain during longer conditioning pieces ^[8]. Prevention Magazine's fitness gear editors identified mid-range PVC speed ropes as the practical first step for home gym athletes who want to integrate rope work into their conditioning without managing the maintenance demands of a professional cable system.

Where the MOGOLD falls short relative to the Bear KompleX or Rx Smart Gear is in maximum rotation speed and cable longevity on abrasive surfaces. The PVC construction - while more forgiving for beginners - reaches its mechanical ceiling at lower RPM than a fine-gauge steel cable, meaning competitive athletes executing double-unders at 150+ repetitions per minute will eventually outgrow it. For the athlete training on rubber flooring in a home gym, however, the MOGOLD's 8-foot adjustable cable and sturdy build will deliver excellent service across hundreds of training sessions ^[1]. At $25–$40, it is the best incremental investment for athletes building rope skills before committing to a premium system.

How to Choose the Best Jump Rope for CrossFit: Complete Buying Guide#

Cable Type and Diameter: Steel cables (1.5mm–2mm) are faster and preferred by competitive athletes; PVC cables (3mm–5mm) are more durable on rough outdoor surfaces and more forgiving for beginners
Handle Material and Grip: Aluminum handles offer superior balance, weight distribution, and durability; PVC or foam handles reduce cost but sacrifice precision
Bearing Quality: Sealed ball bearings spin smoother and last significantly longer than bushings - critical for high-cadence double-under training above 100 RPM
Cable Length and Adjustability: Stand on the cable's midpoint and verify handles reach armpit height as a starting length; shorten progressively as technique improves
Cable Weight: Lighter cables (thin steel) maximize rotation speed; heavier cables (PVC) build grip endurance and timing conditioning
Surface Compatibility: Match cable thickness and material to your training environment - concrete rapidly destroys thin steel cables without a protective mat
Replacement Cable Availability: Premium ropes (Rx Smart Gear, Bear KompleX) offer replacement cables; budget ropes often require full rope replacement when cables wear
Price and Value: Budget $15–$25 for beginners; mid-range $25–$50 for regular CrossFitters; premium $75–$115 for competitive athletes and Games-level training
App and Smart Connectivity: Some brands integrate with apps for rep counting and session analytics - worth considering for data-driven athletes who track volume precisely

Editor’s Note

Pro Tip: Sizing Your Jump Rope Correctly

The most common mistake new CrossFitters make with speed ropes is using a cable that is too long. A rope that reaches armpit height when you stand at the center works for beginners. As your double-under efficiency improves, shorten the cable progressively - competitive athletes often run cables so short the rope barely clears the floor, maximizing rotation speed and minimizing air time between each jump. A simple rule: every 3 inches you remove from a too-long cable typically yields a 5–8% improvement in max achievable cadence once your technique is dialed in.

Cable Type and Diameter Explained#

The cable is the single most consequential component of any CrossFit jump rope, and its diameter dramatically affects both achievable speed and the athlete's learning curve. A 1.5mm steel cable - the standard for elite competition ropes like the Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope - cuts through air with minimal drag and enables rotation speeds simply not achievable with heavier materials ^[6]. The tradeoff is sensitivity: at 1.5mm, every missed jump is immediately felt, and the rope tangles easily when timing breaks down. Beginners typically benefit from a 2.5mm–3mm starting cable, which offers more visual feedback and a slightly more forgiving contact feel when the cable contacts the feet ^[2]. PVC cables in the 4mm–5mm range, like those on the EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0, are the most durable choice for outdoor abrasive surfaces and function as grip-conditioning tools, but their weight limits maximum achievable cadence in timed WODs.

Handle Material and Bearing Quality#

Jump rope handles perform two critical functions: transferring rotational wrist movement to the cable, and anchoring the bearing system that allows the cable to spin independently of your grip. Aluminum handles - as found on the Rx Smart Gear Jump Rope and the Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope - offer superior balance and more precise weight distribution than PVC alternatives, which becomes critical when maintaining consistent rotation arcs through sets of 50–100+ repetitions ^[3]. Sealed ball bearings, as opposed to bushings, dramatically reduce rotational friction: RPM Training's internal testing demonstrated that ball-bearing systems spin 30–40% more freely than bushing mechanisms under equivalent load, translating directly to reduced wrist strain and higher sustainable cadences ^[6]. Any athlete training at volume above 50 unbroken double-unders per set should prioritize sealed ball bearings as a non-negotiable feature.

Sizing Your Jump Rope for CrossFit WODs#

Proper cable length is a variable that makes an enormous difference in double-under efficiency but is frequently overlooked when athletes purchase their first speed rope. The classic sizing method - standing on the rope's midpoint and ensuring handles reach armpit height - provides a reliable starting length for single jumps and beginning double-under practice ^[3]. However, CrossFit athletes optimizing for speed should shorten cables progressively as technique improves. The CrossFit Open movement standards require double-unders with the rope passing twice beneath the feet per jump, and elite athletes executing this skill at 150+ repetitions per minute typically use cables 6–10 centimeters shorter than the traditional armpit formula suggests ^[4]. Most ropes reviewed here - including the WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope and the MOGOLD Speed Jump Rope - include stepwise length adjustment systems that make incremental shortening straightforward without tools.

Editor’s Note

Avoid This Mistake: Using Your Speed Rope on Concrete

Thin steel cables (1.5mm–2mm) degrade rapidly on concrete and asphalt. Even a single outdoor WOD on pavement can cause visible wear to a fine-gauge cable that costs $15–$30 to replace. If you train outdoors regularly, use a PVC rope like the EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 for those sessions and reserve your premium speed rope for box or rubber-floored environments. Alternatively, a portable rope mat ($20–$40) protects any cable on outdoor surfaces and is worth the investment for athletes who train outside more than twice per week.

Who Is This Guide For? Target Athletes and Use Cases#

CrossFit athletes learning double-unders: Start with the WOD Nation or MOGOLD for a forgiving, low-cost entry into speed rope skill development
Competitive CrossFitters preparing for the Open or Games: The Rx Smart Gear is the definitive choice for athletes optimizing every second in benchmark workouts
Home gym owners doing general conditioning: The Bear KompleX or MOGOLD deliver excellent performance on rubber flooring at accessible prices
Absolute beginners new to jump rope fitness: Any of our budget picks will build the foundational rhythm and coordination skills that transfer to double-under training
Boxers and MMA fighters cross-training with jump rope: The EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 directly bridges boxing-specific rope training and CrossFit conditioning goals
Outdoor athletes training on concrete or asphalt: The EliteSRS 5mm PVC construction handles abrasive surfaces that destroy standard steel speed ropes in a matter of sessions

Key Takeaway

The WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope is the best budget CrossFit jump rope at $15–$25, delivering a genuine steel cable and no-tool length adjustment that outperforms most gym-grade ropes at a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best jump rope for learning double-unders in CrossFit?

The best rope for learning double-unders is one with a thin steel cable (2mm–2.5mm) and ball-bearing handles that provide clear tactile feedback on timing. The WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope is our top budget recommendation for beginners at $15–$25, while the Bear KompleX Speed Jump Rope is the strongest mid-range choice. Both provide the speed and feedback necessary to develop consistent double-under timing without the premium cost of competition ropes. Avoid heavy PVC ropes when learning double-unders - the slower rotation makes timing feedback ambiguous.

What cable diameter should a beginner use for speed rope training?

Beginners should start with a 2mm–3mm cable diameter. Thicker cables travel more slowly and are more visible during jumps, making it easier to develop the rhythm and timing required for double-unders. Once you can consistently string together 20–30 double-unders, transition to a 1.5mm–2mm steel cable for increased rotation speed and efficiency. Moving to a thinner cable too soon is one of the most common reasons beginners plateau during double-under skill development.

What is the difference between a speed rope and a standard jump rope?

A speed rope uses a thin steel or coated cable, precision bearings in the handles, and lightweight construction designed to minimize air resistance and rotational drag. Standard jump ropes use heavier vinyl or PVC cables with simple fixed-pivot mechanisms. The result is that a quality speed rope can rotate 2–3 times faster than a standard rope with equivalent wrist effort - the critical mechanical advantage that makes double-unders possible in CrossFit training. Standard ropes are adequate for single-jump cardio but will not enable the cadence required for CrossFit WOD double-unders.

How do I size a jump rope to my height for CrossFit WODs?

Stand at the center of the cable and pull both handles upward. For beginners, the handles should reach armpit height - this gives approximately 12 inches of clearance above your head during jumps. As your double-under technique improves, shorten the cable progressively so handles reach only mid-chest height. Competitive CrossFitters often run cables significantly shorter than the standard armpit-height formula suggests, as tighter cables allow faster rotation with less wrist movement. All five ropes reviewed here include adjustable cable systems that make length modification simple and tool-free.

Are weighted jump ropes good for CrossFit training or do they slow you down?

Weighted jump ropes - such as those from Crossrope with 1/4 lb or 1/2 lb cables - have legitimate conditioning benefits including improved shoulder endurance, grip strength, and jump timing, but they are not suitable for the high-speed double-unders required in CrossFit WODs. Use weighted ropes in dedicated conditioning sessions separate from WOD training, and always practice double-unders with a standard speed rope. The EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0's 5mm PVC cable functions similarly to a light weighted rope as a conditioning stimulus, making it useful for this secondary training purpose.

What is the best budget jump rope under $30 for CrossFit?

The WOD Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope at $15–$25 is the best budget CrossFit jump rope in 2026. It uses a genuine steel cable rather than vinyl, includes a no-tool length adjustment system that accommodates athletes of most heights, and ships with a carry bag. While it uses a bushing pivot rather than ball bearings, its performance is fully adequate for athletes learning double-unders and completing general CrossFit conditioning work. At its price point, it is also low-risk enough to purchase as a test before committing to a premium system.

How many double-unders per minute can an elite CrossFit athlete do?

Elite CrossFit athletes sustain 150–180 double-unders per minute during competition, with top performers briefly exceeding 200 RPM in sprint efforts. In practical terms, most competitive Open athletes target sets of 50 double-unders in approximately 30–35 seconds, which translates to roughly 85–100 rope rotations per minute. Reaching these cadences requires a precision ball-bearing handle system, a correctly-sized thin-gauge steel cable, and many months of consistent practice. The average intermediate CrossFitter performing unbroken sets of 30+ should expect to work in the 80–120 RPM range.

What is the best jump rope for outdoor use on concrete or asphalt?

The EliteSRS 10 Foot Outdoor Rated 5Mm Pvc, Boxer Jump Rope 3.0 is specifically engineered for outdoor training on hard surfaces. Its 5mm PVC cable resists the abrasion that destroys thin steel cables after even a few sessions on concrete. If you prefer a steel cable for outdoor performance work, protect it with a portable rope mat - a $20–$40 investment that dramatically extends cable life and is worth it for any athlete training regularly on outdoor surfaces more than once per week.