Choosing a plastic jump rope can be a snap. A good rope for beginners, a plastic jump rope can be chosen after considering length and the surface on which the rope is going to be used. Plastic jump ropes can come in many colors, and the decision to purchase one jump rope over another often is left to your preference.
A plastic jump rope is the cheapest option for those who want to begin jumping rope. Beginners often choose to buy a plastic jump rope because of their ubiquity and the variety of colors in which they tend to be available. It's important to note that professional jumpers or those who are training for athletic competitions usually don't choose to use plastic jump ropes, because their needs typically are different from the average jumper's needs.
As with any type of jump rope, a plastic jump rope needs to be purchased carefully. Length is the primary factor that needs to be taken into consideration. There is no one-size-fits all jump rope. You have to measure the rope with your body when shopping for one, or you might need to make modifications to it. Generally, if you're less than 6 feet (1.82 m) tall, you should select a rope that is 9 feet (2.74 m) long, and if you're taller than 6 feet (1.82 m), you should choose a rope that is 10 feet (3.04) long.
Many plastic jump ropes cannot be cut, so you should physically measure ropes while you're in the store. To do this, you simply can take the rope, stand in the middle of it and stretch the handles vertically. A good plastic jump rope will reach to at least your armpits. The rope can be a little longer, if that's your preference, but a rope that is any shorter can present possible problems while jumping.
If your plastic jump rope is too long but is able to be cut, you can make modifications to it. Any cuts you make will be permanent, obviously, so you should make these modifications only 1 inch (2.54 cm) at a time. Of course, selecting a plastic jump rope that is capable of being adjusted can solve this problem for you.
Some beaded ropes technically can be considered to be plastic. Their cord usually is made out of vinyl, but the beads can be composed of plastic or polyurethane. These types of ropes come in many colors and are sturdy. They can be used against harsh or hard surfaces such as pavement and concrete and will suffer little damage. Other benefits of these types of ropes are that they are difficult to tangle, and the clacking sound that they provide can help you keep your jumping rhythm.
