I invested quite a bit of money on a new style of jump rope system. I bought a kit that offers a single set of handles with various sized ropes. There is a green rope that weighs a quarter of a pound and a white one that is a half pound rope. They attach to the same set of handles by way of a metal clip. Onces I tried this new type of system, I was hooked on it. The ropes swing around far more smoothly than the old leather rope I replaced. I prefer the weighted ropes rather than using weighted handles. Plus, switching the heaviness of the ropes allows me to adjust how much weight I’m working with. After trying the ropes for a few weeks, I noticed that they were showing scuff marks. I realized that jumping on the pavement was scraping the coating off the ropes. I checked into it in addition and found that this same company offers a specialized jump rope mat. I spent nearly $70 to buy the rubber mat. Using the mat not only spares the ropes from wear and tear but is better for my feet. The mat provides a layer of a cushion. The mat remains nice and flat and doesn’t slide around while I jump. However, after jumping on the mat for around three months, it’s starting to disintegrate in the spots I use the most. After I jump rope, there’s tons of little black particles all over the floor and I’m forced to sweep. I got in touch with the company and complained. They say that this is normal and are unwilling to refund my money. I am not happy. If the mat is already disintegrating after just a few months, I can’t expect it to keep it very long.