Looks like a sex toy, but it's a skipping rope.

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SmartRope Rookie: rope pump 2.0

19.6.2020

Translation: machine translated

Rope skipping - or jumping rope, as it used to be called - trains your cardiovascular system. It is said to burn around three times more calories than jogging. The new SmartRope Rookie from Tangram Factory records more than just your calorie consumption.

Boxers swear by it. Rope skipping is part of the pugilists' daily training routine. Former world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko also used this method to get fit, or at least tried it:

Rope skipping 2.0

I've never been a fan of skipping rope, as you can read here. And I wonder whether every product really needs to be digitalised and equipped with an app. Even the skipping rope.

Skipping ropes

Tangram Corde Rookie

317 cm

The SmartRope Rookie skipping rope from Korean manufacturer Tangram Factory is made from polycarbonate and is designed to make your cardio training more effective with magnetic sensors. They count your jumps and display the result in the SmartRope app. Two sets of metal alloy ball bearings in each handle ensure smooth movement. Also included in the scope of delivery:

Nothing works without an app ...

Couple the skipping rope with the SmartRope app for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Android smartphone. Available from the App Store and Google Play. Each complete rotation of the rope is recorded as a complete jump. The app measures calorie consumption and training times. It gives recommendations for interval training, you receive awards and can connect with friends. The app can also be synchronised with Apple HealthKit so that you have an overview of your physical condition.

I should exercise more. — The dashboard of the app.

Are you over two metres tall and want to train with a skipping rope? You can adjust the plastic rope of the SmartRope Rookie up to 2.08 metres tall. Caution: Check the rope carefully before you cut it. One snip and it is as it is. You will find information on the rope length, from Rookie to Professional, in the operating instructions.

Cut off three times and still too short.

... and batteries

The SmartRope Rookie needs power to connect to the app. The scope of delivery therefore includes a button cell battery that is inserted into one of the two handles. Nice touch: the skipping rope switches on automatically as soon as you start training.

Looks like a ... oh, let's not go there.

First impression: lots of plastic and very feminine

In addition to the black version, the SmartRope Rookie is available in the colours Icecream Blue, Loving Coral and Icecream Pink. Too feminine for me. Apart from the stylish grey storage bag, the rope and the two handles are made of plastic. Not in keeping with the times, in my opinion. And what else? Lots of design, an app and some data. For those who like it. But I can't imagine that a Klitschko would train with it. He's probably not part of the target audience.

I'm about to put the skipping rope away when my 10-year-old daughter suddenly stands next to me, curious. "Cool colour. What's that?" Aha, now it's getting interesting. Let's see if my theory about female customers is true. "A skipping rope. Do you want to try it out? There's also an app for it," I reply. My daughter's eyes start to light up and she smiles. Cool colours and an app? Yes, she wants to. Conclusion: Vitali Klitschko and I are definitely not the target audience for the SmartRope Rookie. My daughter is. Then it's all good.

Header image: Looks like a sex toy, but it's a skipping rope.

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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