Tricep Rope Buying Guide

The humble Tricep Rope is a staple in most gyms, whether they be a commercial facility or a humble home gym. They are relatively inexpensive and great for training triceps. However in this article we will show you many other exercises that can be performed too.

Tricep ropes were a mainstay in our gym packages. If there was gym equipment with a high and low pulley we would include a rope. It was easily in the top five of the must have cable attachments.

Back then it was pretty simple as we only stocked one style of tricep rope. Now we have four. Plus many other cable attachments that can also serve the same purpose.

However this can cause confusion, especially for people that are new to weight training. What rope is best for them? After seeing the different types, along with the exercises that can be performed, choosing the right tricep rope will be a lot simpler.

Types of Tricep Ropes

Basic Tricep Rope

The basic tricep rope is the one which people would be most familiar with. They vary in length. The one we sell is 60cm, which is what would be described as an average length.

It is made with very durable black nylon. The attachment point can revolve around the rope. This is easier on your wrists.

The black knobs prevent your hands from slipping off. Plus they give you additional gripping options.

If in doubt, get this one. They are dirt cheap considering the number of exercises you can do. Plus they last forever.

Tricep Rope

Natural Tricep Rope

The basic tricep rope made with nylon does not feel like “traditional rope”. It can be a bit harder on the hands. However if you are a serious trainer your hands should be conditioned to much more abrasive surfaces like barbell knurling.

If you prefer the feel of traditional rope, ATX have the solution for you. Their natural tricep rope is made from synthetic hemp fibres. You get the best of both worlds.

It feels just like natual rope, but the synthetic hemp fibres are just as durable as the traditional nylon tricep rope. It will “wear in” too – the more you use it the better it feels.

G-2044 ATX Natural Tricep Rope

Long Tricep Rope

For those of you that like a bit of extra length, the ATX G-2051 is the rope for you. It is also made from synthetic hemp, giving it that natural rope feel.

The extra length allows you greater range of motion on exercises like rows and pulldowns. The downside is that you can’t always use the knobs to assist your grip.

Some actually like this as it makes you focus on grip. Next time when you are using your rope, try not to grip anywhere near your knob. It is quite a grip workout!

ATX G-2051 Long Natural Tricep Rope

Single Tricep Rope

A single tricep rope is used for single arm exercises. You can actually do single arm exercises with normal tricep ropes. However it can be a bit long and cumbersome.

Alternatively you can use two single tricep ropes together as a normal tricep rope.

Single Tricep Rope

Tricep Rope Exercises

We are very lucky to have an old school bodybuilder like Lee Priest to show all the exercises that can be done with a tricep rope. Many of you will be blown away at what muscles can be trained.

Tricep Rope Exercises – Pushdowns, Overhead Extensions, Face Pulls, Back Rows, Weight Ab Crunch, Lat Pulldowns, Upright Rows, Hammer Curls, Seated Rows, Poor Man’s Preacher Curls and One Arm Flys

Which Tricep Rope Is Best For Me?

If you are on a budget, or in any form of doubt, just get the stock standard nylon rope. For the cost, amount of exercises offered and durability, it really is a no brainer. If money is not an issue, then get the natural rope. It is made in Germany and just that bit nicer.

How Long Should a Tricep Rope Be?

The short answer is that it depends on what you want to do with it. If the rope pulldowns and rows look like something that would interest you, then get a long rope.

If you are unsure, get the basic nylon rope and see if that is good enough. If you feel that you are lacking in length, you can then get the longer tricep rope. Yes you will end up with two tricep ropes, but they are quite different. It will also allow you to set up some supersets.