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Best Jump Trainers

Updated June 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
INNSTAR Vertical Jump Trainer
INNSTAR
Vertical Jump Trainer
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Top Quality
Bottom Line

This jump trainer is available in different sizes and resistance strengths that earn it our fitness expert's praise.

Pros

With resistance bands ranging from 50 to 120 lbs and 2 waist band sizes available, this jump trainer fits most people comfortably. Two resistance bands and a carrying bag are included. Customers love the padding in the waistband and ankle straps.

Cons

A few customers received incorrect sizes.

Best Bang for the Buck
WHITECLOUDZ Vertical Jump Trainer
WHITECLOUDZ
Vertical Jump Trainer
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Comfortable Materials
Bottom Line

The adjustable waistband and simple mechanism of this model make it an excellent starter jumping trainer, according to our expert.

Pros

Engineered with latex that won't scratch and cause friction against your skin. Designed to improve vertical jumps, making it an ideal pick for volleyball or basketball players. Full set comes with adjustable cuffs and a carry-on bag for added convenience.

Cons

Not as comprehensive as some users would have preferred.

SKLZ HOPZ Vertical Jump Trainer
SKLZ
HOPZ Vertical Jump Trainer
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This basic jump trainer comes from a very reliable brand that our expert personally vouches for.

Pros

This jump trainer has comfortable ankle straps and durable rubber resistance bands that are easy to adjust on the belt to target different muscle groups. Built-in shoe harness keeps straps in place. Customers find that this jump trainer works for a wide range of heights.

Cons

Many customers found the belt uncomfortable on the waist.

PER4M Jump Trainer
PER4M
Jump Trainer
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Comprehensive Set
Bottom Line

A jump trainer that our expert notes comes at a low price and includes a helpful set of materials.

Pros

Despite the low price, this jump trainer is highly durable and holds up after many months of use. Two pairs of resistance bands in different lengths are included. Kit comes with 10 drill cards and links to training videos.

Cons

Some customers reported issues with the stitching in the ankle cuffs and belt.

Ueasy Bounce Trainer
Ueasy
Bounce Trainer
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

Our expert says this is comparable with our current top pick, and it is easy to use and versatile.

Pros

This affordable jump trainer is well made. Different resistance band options mean you can find the right fit for your height and workout style. Customers find this jump trainer easy to use for a variety of workouts.

Cons

Some reports that the belt can pull uncomfortably on the waist.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
72
Consumers
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10
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best jump trainers

Whether you’re a basketball player, volleyball player, or track and field athlete, improving your vertical and horizontal leaping can go a long way in boosting your performance. A jump trainer is designed to help athletes of all ages and skill levels improve vertical and horizontal jumping, as well as work your hips, quads, and glutes.

Most jump trainers consist of straps that wrap around the ankles and are then connected to rubber bands that attach at the waist. As you jump up or forward, the bands provide resistance that can help improve the distance you get when you leap, as well as boost your overall strength and endurance.

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A jump trainer is so lightweight that it’s easy to toss it in your gym bag to take with you on the go.

Key considerations

Type

You can choose from three different types of jump trainers. Each has a slightly different design, but all can help improve vertical and horizontal leaping and strengthen the muscles used in those movements.

Belted resistance trainers: These aren’t meant exclusively for jump training, but they can be used to improve your vertical explosiveness. They consist of a belt that fits around your waist and is connected to a long resistance band. The band can be attached to a heavy, stationary object near your workout area or held by another person. To boost your vertical leaping, keep the band low to the ground and jump as you would during your sport. The band provides resistance, requiring you to work the muscles in your legs harder, so you’ll be better prepared for competition action.

Above-the-knee banded trainers: These aren’t specifically for jump training either, but they can definitely help boost your leaping abilities. These feature adjustable straps that wrap around the legs just above the knee. The straps have resistance bands that go between your legs, so you’ll experience resistance whenever you move your legs, even just walking across the gym. They can help boost your jump game by building the muscles in your legs overall, so you’re stronger and can get off the ground with more speed and power.

Waist/ankle trainers: These are the most common style of jump trainer. They consist of a belt at the waist and straps for the ankles. The belt and bands are connected with resistance cords that are meant to help you maintain a crouched position. When you jump upward or forward, the cords provide resistance that helps you strengthen the muscles you need for greater power when you’re leaping vertically or horizontally.

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Expert Tip
Jump training is also called Plyometric Training or Reactive, and it's a great way for competitive athletes to improve explosive strength while increasing the strength in their fast-twitch muscle fibers.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Features

Adjustability

Length and position: To make sure that your jump trainer fits well no matter how tall or large you are, you should choose a model that allows for some adjustments. Many belt and ankle or knee straps feature a hook-and-loop or buckle closure, so you’re able to size them to fit your body. The bands or cords themselves are sometimes adjustable, allowing you to lengthen or shorten them based on your height. Some jump trainers also allow you to reposition the bands or cords, which enables you to target different muscles depending on your training goals.

 

Resistance: If you want to be able to advance your workouts as you improve your jumping skills, opt for a jump trainer that offers several resistance levels that allow you to increase the resistance as you get stronger. In most cases, a jump trainer comes with multiple sets of resistance bands or cords. That means you can use the same belt and ankle or knee straps and simply swap in bands that offer greater resistance. Bands can range from as little as 2 pounds of resistance up to 120 pounds.

Some brands may require you to purchase additional resistance bands separately, which can drive up the overall cost of your jump trainer. There are even some jump trainer manufacturers that don’t allow you to replace the resistance bands, so when it’s time to up your workout, you have to buy a whole new system with the belt and ankle or knee straps.

Expert Tip
Jump training is a high-impact exercise. To avoid joint wear and tear, I recommend counting foot contact with each jump and not exceeding certain contacts or reps.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Comfort

A jump trainer should be comfortable to use, with no pinching or digging into your skin. Most models feature hook-and-loop closures, without any metal buckles that could irritate or pinch your skin. Make sure that all the seams are smooth to prevent any chafing when you jump. Some trainers even have ankle straps and waistbands that are padded with foam to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible.

Storage/travel bag

Most jump trainers are lightweight, which makes them ideal for taking with you on the road or to the gym. To make it easier to take your trainer on the go or to keep it organized for storage, opt for a jump trainer that includes a carrying bag for all the components.

Instructions

While most jump trainers aren’t complicated to use, it helps to have some guidance when you’re training with a new piece of fitness equipment. Some jump trainers include an instruction booklet, card, or online videos that show you exactly how to use the trainer. You can find some trainers that include detailed workout suggestions to help you design the ideal training program to improve your vertical and horizontal leaping.

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For your safety
Having the right form when using a jump trainer is crucial to avoiding injuries, so follow the instructions that come with your trainer carefully.
STAFF
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Jump trainer prices

Jump trainers vary in price based on the type and any special features they offer. Most models range from $19 to $65.

Inexpensive

The most affordable jump trainers are usually above-the-knee trainers. They typically don’t offer too many resistance levels or accessories, but they only cost between $19 and $25.

Mid-range

These jump trainers are typically belted resistance trainers that don’t usually offer many resistance levels or accessories. They range from $25 to $38.

Expensive

The most expensive jump trainers are waist/ankle trainers. These typically offer multiple resistance levels and include accessories like a storage bag and instruction booklet. You’ll pay between $32 and $65 for these trainers.

Expert Tip
For beginners, the recommended foot contacts per session are between 60-100. For advanced athletes, the recommended foot contacts are 150-200 per session.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Tips

  • Rest between sessions. To give your body time to recover, you should wait two to three days between training sessions with your jump trainer. In total, aim for two to three training sessions per week.
  • Limit the reps. When it comes to the number of reps you do with a jump trainer, it’s usually best to stick to about six per set. Lower reps done with more power tend to provide better results.
  • Increase the sets. In each training session, try to do four to ten sets. When you start, you may not be able to do many sets, but as you build strength you can work your way up to more.
  • Increase the resistance. If you’re doing the maximum number of sets and not finding it challenging, it’s usually a sign that you need to increase the resistance.
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Many jump trainer manufacturers color-code their resistance bands, so you know just by looking at them which resistance level they are.

FAQ

Q. How long does it take to see results with a jump trainer?

A. That can vary based on a variety of factors, such as your overall strength and leaping ability when you start, as well as how often you train. Athletes who train consistently often report seeing results in as little as two to four weeks, though it may take six to eight weeks for some people.

Expert Tip
Most people only need one jump training session per week. For serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts, 2 to 3 sessions are recommended at the most.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. How old do you have to be to use a jump trainer?

A. It really depends on the jump trainer and how much resistance it offers. People of all ages can use a jump trainer to improve their jumping skills for basketball or volleyball, but younger athletes shouldn’t work out with too much resistance. You can usually start jump training around the age of 10, but any athlete who’s 14 or younger should always be supervised. Keep the resistance low, too. Stick with 2 to 5 pounds of resistance until your child is older. 

Q. What type of athletes should use a jump trainer?

A. Jump training is effective for basketball players, but it’s also ideal for volleyball and netball players. Track and field athletes who participate in the high jump and/or hurdles events obviously benefit from jump training, too. Because jump training strengthens the leg muscles, any athlete can benefit from fitting it into their workout routine.

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