Worlds Fastest Jump Rope
It is very easy to make one of the fastest jump ropes in the world. The use of plastic coated wire, aka cloths line cable, makes for an unbelievable fast rope. It is faster than leather or plastic. I used 1/2" PVC for the handles. They are 9" long. The extra length makes tricks a lot easier. A piece of tape is placed on each handle, for a feel point while jumping. I drilled holes in the end caps and ran the wire threw them. It is important to do this step before the next. The next step is to tightly wrap wire around the end of each wire. I cut up a cloths hanger for this purpose. After that is complete, put PVC primer and then PVC glue on the end cap and handle and push them together. Allow to dry overnight. Happy Jumping!
Heavy Ropes
The old-school heavy rope is a chain. I've used one, but be careful. It's no fun if it hits the back of your head! It is easy to adjust weight, just get a larger or smaller chain. Various swivels are available, that could be attached to a handle, so the chain doesn't twist..
A weighted handle would be easy to make. Just use large pvc and add sand or tire weights.
I'm experimenting with two other ideas. The use of thicker, heavier wire cable and using hose and adding sand. I have 2 true heavy ropes and they seem to be made of a streachable hose and some sort of weight. The streachable part adds greatly to the resistance, and will be hard to simulate.