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Best Jump Boxes
For plyometrics, success can be found in being able to propel yourself off of the ground just a little bit higher. The best way to train and measure your success is with a great set of jump boxes. These products are far safer to use than trying to use the stairs in your home (like many do) and many can be adjusted so that you can increase the intensity as well as the challenge. In this guide, you will find some of our favorite picks.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
It may seem silly that something like a box could be difficult to use, but there is much more to these products than meets the eye.
One of the biggest things that we looked at was how easy it is to put together. While the designs that are made from PVC or steel typically come fully assembled, there are some wooden options that are going to require that you dust off your toolbox. In those cases, we wanted to make sure that assembly was going to be at least under 30 minutes, and came with easy to read instructions. The biggest thing you want in these products is stability, and if you run into difficulty putting it together- you run the risk of building a wobbly product. We also wanted to make sure that we selected jump boxes that were going to be easy to adjust. The platform models are typically adjusted using a set of pins in the base, so we made sure that users found that raising it and lowering their device was simple to do in a moment’s notice.
Materials
The quality of materials used is going to dictate how sturdy it is going to be, and how well it will treat your joints.
For the frame, you are going to want something that is a naturally strong material. We found that metal or steel bases were regarded as the most sturdy with few users complaining about them being uneven. Wooden options are another great option that is almost as strong as their steel counterparts. Wooden frames are usually composed of ¾ thick construction grade materials that are reinforced with beams on the inside of the cube for a good deal of additional support. As for the base- we wanted to select something that your shoes are really going to be able to grip to eliminate the possibility of slipping. We found that grooved rubber (or sometimes foam or neoprene) is the best material to ensure that you get a really good grip, and this material is also going to absorb some of the impacts to give a little bit of relief to your joints.
Durability
These take a pounding- quite literally, so we wanted to make sure that we selected something that was durable.
Materials play a big part in how well it is going to wear, but weight capacity, as well as design, also play a big role. Some of the stability of design comes from simple engineering. If you look at the shape of most jump boxes you will notice that they are shaped more like a trapezoid and less like a cube. This simple design feature is going to eliminate a good deal of stress on the sides of the unit, and therefore give you a more sturdy and durable frame that isn’t going to crack under the pressure. We also made sure that we looked to find listings for weight capacity to ensure that it was going to be something that would work for everyone. From what we gathered, the minimal weight for most topped out at about 300 pounds, and there were some designs that were actually able to withstand over 660 pounds of pressure!
Size
How high it sits off of the ground dictates how high you can fling out body up off of the ground, so we wanted to select sizes for newbies as well as seasoned veterans.
From what we found, sizes typically start at around 12 inches (with a few shorter exceptions), and cap out at 30 inches. For inexperienced users, the 12-inch mark is a great place to start, and many products allow users to flip the cube over on its side to gain a few more inches when your skills start to improve. We liked products that would allow users to change the difficulty level when their skills improved. Most cubed designs would allow for this, but the platform designs were the best in adjusting the height. The metal stand options, unfortunately, do not allow for making height adjustments, but they compensate for this by coming in at a really affordable price point.
Value
It is always important to use to save you some money whenever we can, without sacrificing the quality.
The price tag of these is a little bit higher than you may expect, especially when it comes to designs that offer a high level of adjustability or added foam and padded features. If you are looking to save a little bit of money and give these products a try, we found that the steel frame hollow designs that do not allow users to adjust the height are going to be your most affordable option. We noticed that the price tag would make large jumps when various features were added, such as adjustable settings or padding. Keep in mind, however, that these are very versatile, and there is quite a lot of compound exercises that you can engage in, which makes them well worth the slightly higher price point in our opinion.
Top 10 Picks
1. Garage Fit
The reason that we made this jump box from Garage Fit our number one choice is that it is made from strong, high-quality materials that are going to be able to take quite a beating, and it sports an innovative design that is going to keep your shins safe.
Read moreEase of Use
What users really like most about this option is the rounded edges feature. Not every rep is going to be a textbook, especially when your legs start to get tired. The rounded edges mean that less than ideal reps aren’t going to tear up your shins.
Materials
The base of this unit is made from wood that measures to be a ¾ inch and is a construction-grade material. The outside is lined with a soft foam that will provide you a soft surface to land.
Durability
Users can feel good that this unit is solid and is designed to hold quite a bit of weight. It as has a maximum weight capacity of an impressive 350 pounds.
Size
While you will only be able to select one size per purchase, there are other sizes to choose from as well. Users will have the option to select from three of the most popular sizes that include 30, 24, and 16 inches high.
Value
For the smaller options, the price tag is considered to be quite affordable. However, when you get up into the bigger options- such as the 30-inch model- the price tag is going to set you back quite a bit of money.
Overall
If you are serious about your training, and you are willing to pay a higher price point for something that is going to be safe to use and is made from high-quality materials- this option from Garage Fit is going to be one of your best options in our opinion.
2. j/fit
This option is great because it is strong and sturdy, and because it has a hollow frame means it is going to be a lot easier to store in your garage or home gym when not in use. The best part is that it comes in at a really affordable price point.
Read moreEase of Use
The bottom portion of this design may be composed of hard and sharp edges, but the top surface is what we liked most. The top is made from a material that is really going to grip the bottom of your shoe for a firm grip and will help you gain your footing even with less than ideal dismounts when your legs start to become fatigued.
Materials
The frame of this design is made from heavy-duty steel that can handle quite a bit of weight. However, we love that the bottom is composed of strong rubber grips so that it is going to stay securely in place, and the top surface is composed of grooved rubber material for sure footing.
Durability
We could not find an exact weight capacity for this unit, but taking into consideration that it is composed of high-quality steel that is fused into one solid unit, and coupled with the tapered design for added stability, we feel that this unit is built to hold quite a bit of weight.
Size
What is great about this option is that users can select from some of the most popular and accessible sizes that include 12, 18, 24 and 30 inches, or for a higher price point you can buy all 4 and stack them under each other.
Value
The best part about this option is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points of many of the other designs out there on the market, and the durable materials make it a really incredible value.
Overall
For those are limited on space as well as cash, this design from j/fit is going to save you on both. Plus, the innovative design makes it a really great training tool.
3. Titan Fitness Foam
Versatility and stability are the two biggest takeaways when it comes to this design from Titan Fitness. The incredibly heavy frame is going to stay in position no matter how sloppy your dismounts get as you get tired, and the innovative design is three sets in just one package.
Read moreEase of Use
What is great about this design is that the sheer weight of the unit means that it isn’t going to shift around or wobble, which is going to prevent injuries, and the rounded soft edges are going to be perfect in protecting your shins.
Materials
The frame of this box is composed of an incredibly heavy wood material that is going to be able to stand up to quite the beating. To help promote safety and comfort, the exterior is coated in soft rubber.
Durability
There is no specification of how many pounds that it is going to be able to withstand, but considering the design and materials that are used, we feel that weight is not going to be much of a problem.
Size
The one thing that we liked most about this design is that it is three sizes in one unit. If you lie it flat, it measures to be 20 inches up off of the ground. When it is time to graduate to a higher setting, simply flip it over to one clearly labeled size to increase it to 24 inches, and you can also flip it again for 30 inches.
Value
The cost of this design is one of the more expensive designs that we have seen out there on the market. However, if you take into consideration that this is 3 units built into one- it is actually a really great value.
Overall
It is important to note that the starting height of this unit is 20 inches- which may be a little too high for beginners. The weight of this unit (65 pounds) means that it is going to be incredibly sturdy, but it also means that it is going to be a little difficult to move around when you need to put it away.
4. Rep Fitness Wood
If you need something that is going to be versatile and easy to use, this design from Rep Fitness is made for exactly that. It is made from incredibly strong materials with an innovative design that is really able to take a beating, and the best part about it is that it comes in at a really affordable price point.
Read moreEase of Use
The great thing about this design is that it is simple and lightweight enough to be moved around the gym with the handles along the side (the handles also makes it great for dips). One of the downsides to this model is that the edges are a little sharp, so you might suffer some scuffed up shins if you aren’t careful.
Materials
This unit is made from simple and strong wood materials that are reinforced with interlocking sides and predrilled holes to increase the level of durability.
Durability
There isn’t any reference to maximum weight capacity, but past users have found that it is built to be incredibly strong. What makes this unit special is that there is a central framework that adds a higher level of security when under stress.
Size
No matter if you are just starting out, or you are a seasoned veteran, there are many sizes to fit your needs. There are three size options offered, and each unit offers 3 different highs. The smallest unit offers 12, 14, and 16 inches, and the larger units offer users an impressive 20, 24, and 30 inches.
Value
One thing that users liked the most is that each option is offered at an incredibly affordable price point. It is important to add that users will also have the option of selecting a unit that comes fully assembled at a slightly higher price point.
Overall
For those that are looking for something that is simple and affordable, this is going to be one of your better options. We do have to add that the sides aren’t as clearly labeled as some of the others that we have seen, and the edges are going to be just a little sharper than those coated with a rubber finish.
5. Bound
This is a jump box that is designed for users that are looking to save a little bit of money. If you are unsure about how well you will like using these products, this option from Bound is going to be an excellent place to start because it is offered at one of the lowest price points of any others out there on the market, and that includes even the taller models.
Read moreEase of Use
This design ships flat, which means that there is going to be a little bit of assembly required on your part. The good news, however, is that the sides are cut to fit together like puzzle pieces. You will simply need to fit the pieces together and reinforce it with the screws that are included. Users have found that it will take you about 15 minutes to completely assemble.
Materials
Made from plywood wood that measures to be ¾ of an inch thick, this unit is going to be incredibly secure.
Durability
Plywood may not sound like it is something that is going to be secure, but this unit is able to hold quite a bit of weight. While there isn’t a specific weight capacity listed on their product description, we did find a photo of a Jeep parked on top of their product.
Size
Users will have the option to select from three different size boxes that include 12, 14, and 16 for the smallest option, and 16, 20, and 24 for their largest option.
Value
The best part about this design is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points of any of the other designs out there on the market. It might not have as many of the added features as some of the others, but the quality of craftsmanship makes it an excellent value.
Overall
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design. It may not have all of the added features as some of the others, but it is built incredibly tough and will be a great addition to your workouts.
6. Rep Fitness Steel
Rep Fitness is no stranger to this list or the fitness world. This addition is constructed from steel and features three different height adjustments. You can set the height to be 16, 20, or 24-inches. The landing pad has been said to be too small for some people, but for most this is a near-perfect option.
Read moreEase of Use
Wonderful news! This product arrives completely assembled. In the past, it did not and proved to be quite a pain. However, the company took these complaints into consideration and made the big change to deliver the product assembled and ready to use. Another attractive feature of this model is the spin-lock handles that can be tightened around legs for extra security and to ensure the product doesn’t squeak while you are using it.
Materials
One feature that makes this item stand out from the rest is the pins that are used to change the height. The pins are solid, not hollow like some competitor’s options, making them much stronger. The product itself is made from strong steel. To keep the item from slipping out underneath you, there are rubber feet attached to each leg. Additionally, to keep you from slipping and to protect your joints, there is a rubber mat on the top of the plyo box as well.
Durability
The weight limit of this product is 400-pounds. This is a great limit that allows most people to also incorporate weighted jumps into their routine. Reviewers are very pleased with the overall stability and durability of this option.
Size
Using the solid spring pins, you can change the height of this product. You can choose between 16-inches, 20-inches, or 24-inches. Changing the height takes only about thirty seconds. The size of the landing platform measures 16-inches by 16-inches. The product weighs forty pounds total and has handles on all four sides for easy portability.
Value
At first glance, the price does come as a bit of a shock. However, when you think about the fact that you are receiving three different heights in one solid product, the price is about average.
Overall
This is a solid, durable, and adjustable option. The negative reviews that you see about this product almost all refer to the pain of assembling it. However, thanks to Rep Fitness’ great customer service, that is no longer an issue.
7. Stamina | X
This option from Stamina | X is a little bit different than many of the other options that we have seen. Instead of being a basic cube, this unit is designed more like a platform, giving users the option for more adjustments as well as being something that is going to be a lot easier to store.
Read moreEase of Use
There is going to be no need to worry about putting anything together because this unit comes totally assembled. To set various heights, simply pull down on the pins along the side, raise the base up to the desired height, and then push the pins back into place.
Materials
The frame is made from high-quality steel that is going to be able to take quite a beating. The base, as well as the surface, is coated in a non-slip rubber so you can feel good about your landing to prevent injury.
Durability
One thing we really liked about this device is that it is able to handle quite a bit of weight. It is able to handle up to 300 pounds, making it a durable frame.
Size
Users will have the option to adjust the height in more ways than with standard cubes. It is able to be adjusted to 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches. It is important to note that it isn’t able to reach quite the same heights as some of the other options.
Value
The price tag of this unit is slightly higher than many of the other cubed options out there on the market. However, when you consider the level of adjustments that you can make as well as how easy this unit is to store, we feel this is a really great value.
Overall
For those that are in the market for something that is really easy to adjust to accommodate various types of movements, this is going to be one of your better choices if you are willing to pay the higher price point.
8. Rep Fitness Foam
Using these devices can be a little intimidating because a botched dismount can lead to an injury or scraped shins on the edges of sharp wooden boxes. That’s why we wanted to include this design from Rep Foam with the incredibly soft edges.
Read moreEase of Use
As we mentioned before, the soft surface on the top as well as the sides is the best feature of this design. Even if you slip and fall, you won’t have to worry about scraping your shins on the side of a hard wooden surface. Plus, there is no assembly required because it ships as one solid unit.
Materials
The base of these products is very heavy which is going to provide a very stable surface. Users will then zip an incredibly thick foam mat over the top of the unit. This foam mat is going to not only provide a soft surface that protects shins, but it will also help joints by absorbing some of the impacts.
Durability
Even though they have a soft foam surface, this product is able to hold quite a bit of weight. The 20-inch model, for example, weighs a whopping 75 pounds, which means that it is going to be able to hold quite a lot of weight.
Size
Users will be able to select from sizes that include 4, 6, 12, 20, and 24 inches. The great thing about this option is that if you are looking for a real challenge, you can opt for a 20-inch base, and then buy smaller 4 or 6-inch sizes that can be stacked upon the base.
Value
The bad news about this design is that it comes in at a price point that is almost three times as much as some of the more expensive designs that we have seen out there on the market. However, if you are looking for something that is versatile and safe, this is going to be well worth the higher price.
Overall
We loved this option because it is incredibly durable and tough, but it has an exterior shell that is going to be incredibly kind to your shins as well as your joints.
9. MAT EXPERT
The thing that we liked most about this option was its tapered design. Landing on these products can sometimes be a little difficult because you are naturally going to move a little forward when engaging in the movement. However, this style of unit is going to compensate for that to prevent tripping.
Read moreEase of Use
This product come completely assembled, so you are going to be able to use it right out of the box. Plus, they are stackable, so you can remove or apply inches simply by adding more units to the base.
Materials
This option is a little bit different because it is made from PVC rather than your standard wood or steel option. It is also covered with a soft foam padding that will protect shins as well as joints.
Durability
The best feature of this option from MAT EXPERT is that it is able to handle quite a bit of weight. It is able to hold the weight of up to an impressive 661 pounds!
Size
Users will get a choice of 3 trapezoids that can be stacked on top of each other. The base measures to be 12 inches and the top unit will create a base of an impressive 30 inches. This makes it perfect for beginners as well as experts.
Value
The downside to this unit is that it is one of the more expensive designs that we have found. However, when you take into consideration the high weight capacity as well as the versatility, this is actually a really great value.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is sturdy and easy to use and gives you the power to change up heights with ease, this is going to be a great choice if you are willing to pay the slightly higher price point.
10. Rage Fitness
Perhaps you are looking for something that is a little more simple that comes in at a really low price point. If that’s the case, this option from Rage Fitness is going to be a wonderful place to start. While it isn’t able to be adjusted to different heights, it is made to be sturdy and reliable and is a perfect addition to any plyometric routine.
Read moreEase of Use
It doesn’t get any easier to use than this model. It ships completely assembled, and it doesn’t require any adjustments to be made. Simply take it out of the box, and you are ready to go!
Materials
The frame of this design is made from a very strong tubular steel structure that is going to be able to handle quite a bit of weight. The base, on the other hand, is made from a layer of plywood that is coated with a layer of rubber to create a secure and soft landing.
Durability
While we couldn’t find an exact weight limit for this unit, we can assume that is it going to be able to handle well over 200 pounds based upon the quality of materials used in conjunction with the slightly tapered frame.
Size
Rage Fitness provides sizes that are ideal for novices as well as experts. Size options start at 12 inches and include 20, 24, and 30 inches.
Value
The best part about this design is that it is priced to be one of the most affordable options out there on the market. Keep in mind, however, that you aren’t going to have the option to adjust the height as you do with some of the more expensive options.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is simple and affordable, this option from Rage Fitness is going to be an excellent addition to your plyo routine.