A typical training rope features smooth, plasticised handles formed by dipping its ends into a waxy polymer. These are cheap to produce but uncomfortable to hold and provide poor grip when dampened by sweat. Knurled metal handles have a slightly better profile but also become slippery, and their increased weight and hardness heightens risk of injury when flung about or dropped.

Hubess challenged the team of Ember House Designs and Monochrome to design a safer, more ergonomic handle that could robustly but unobtrusively attach to a 1-inch thick, 30-foot rope that would be battered and abused on a daily basis.

The design process began with two core goals – design of an ergonomically-friendly profile for the handle and definition of a sufficiently sturdy means of attachment. Initially, rough models were tested to establish dimensions such as grip diameter then a variety of sketches produced. Because the brand was new, we were free to use our imaginations in terms of styling but eventually agreed with the client on a minimalist approach that stood out and enhanced shelf appeal. The greatest challenge in this assignment was identifying a manufacturing methodology that minimised tooling and unit cost.

The battle ropes launched Hubess’ product range globally, gathering positive reviews from industry experts and consumers who appreciated the product’s long overdue improvement of ergonomics and safety.