Are you looking to boost your vertical for enhanced sports performance? Are you looking to enhance your jumping ability? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you’ve reached the right article. A plyometric jump box is a box that’s crafted to be jumped on and off of, for various forms of physical activity.
A plyometric box is, certainly, an incredibly simple and effective concept. You might even consider building one yourself, for it wouldn’t be that tough of a task to complete! We’d suggest, however, leaving the building to the pros and going out of your way to purchase a great plyometric jump box. A wobbly homemade plyo box can lead to falls and injury. The search might not be straightforward, but we can certainly help you decide what plyometric jump box is the right buy for you!
There are myriad features that can enhance your plyometric box usage, which we’ll mention below. After we go through these features we’ll take a glance at 10 phenomenal plyometric boxes, all of which are sure to hold up well under the force of your jumping workouts. It’s time to jump on it!
Top Plyo Box Comparison Chart
Critical Features
Material
We have three options here, as far as different materials are concerned. All three options have their advantages and disadvantages. As far as we’re concerned, each one can make for a great plyometric box.
Wood
Plywood is the primary wood used to manufacture plyometric jump boxes. Plywood holds one primary advantage – Setting up a wooden plyometric box is incredibly easy. It’s also simple to disassemble and store a wooden plyometric box, as well. As far as disadvantages are concerned, durability can be called into question. It’s clear that plyometric box composed of steel will last longer and hold better to impact than one composed of wood.
Metal
Metal plyometric boxes are highly advantageous in the world of plyometrics. For the most part, they come with the ability to be adjusted, as far as height is concerned. You won’t have to worry about flipping a metal plyometric box on its side for a different height, as you would for a wooden box. A disadvantage of a plyometric jump box with a metal composition is that, unless otherwise noted, the grip is rather poor. This means that you’ll need to keep an eye out for a metal jump box with some form of foot grip on its top.
Other
There are other materials a plyometric box could be made of. Some are made of a soft, latex material, ideal for those looking for a safe box that won’t hurt them if they mistime a jump. Some can also be composed of hard plastic, as well.
Adjustable Height
Adjustable weight is a crucial component of an excellent plyometric box. While most plyometric boxes are adjustable in some way, some are slightly more adjustable than others. When it comes to wooden plyometric boxes, for instance, you’ll find that they’re usually only adjustable by a turn to the side, back, or bottom. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that each side of the box is sturdy enough to jump on and off of, at a high level of impact.
The height increment between each level of height on a plyometric box is an important consideration to keep in mind, regardless of the material the plyometric box is made from. For example, even if a wooden plyometric box doesn’t have the ability to be adjusted by hand, it could possess the changes you need from a plyometric box, just by turning it on its side.
This would be better than a box that’s adjustable to three different heights but has huge gaps of height difference between each one of its levels.
Safety Features
For the most part, safety features aren’t often present on a plyometric box. In some cases, however, you’ll find that features exist on a plyometric box to smooth the landing of a mistimed jump, or to cushion a collision with the box itself.
In some cases, the material of the plyometric box is soft enough that a collision with it wouldn’t cause much pain. If you’re unsure of your ability to jump on top of a box safely, look for a material that will easily and safely absorb impact from a mistimed jump, as well as grip on the top of the plyometric box that will ensure a secure landing.
Assembly
Some plyometric boxes may be shipped “as is”, whereas others have to be assembled. While you might be great at following directions, keep one thing in mind – many plyometric boxes can only be assembled with a power drill.
This holds particularly true with wooden plyometric boxes, as they’re often too large to be shipped in one piece.
Non-Slip Surface For Landing
Getting on and off of a plyometric box is the basis of any workout you plan on doing. You’ll want to ensure that any plyometric box you plan on purchasing is outfitted with something that keeps you safe when you step on and off of the box.
This could be the material, or it could be a piece of grip tape that’s placed on the box by the manufacturer. Whatever the case may be, safely landing on top of and off of the box is an important aspect of a worry-free workout!
Stability
We just talked about a form of plyometric stability, the non-slip surface. Now, we’ll shift our attention to the stability of the box itself. Could you imagine what it would be like if you jumped on top of a plyometric box only for it (and you) to tumble to the ground?
It wouldn’t be that fun, which is why you want to make sure that the box you’re considering purchasing is outfitted with internal braces, for added stabilization. Wooden plyometric boxes often have these braces in their interiors.
Now, let’s get to the ten best plyometric boxes for this year. We’ll start with the best one and work our way down. Keep one thing in mind – the box isn’t bad because it’s at the bottom of the list!
Best Plyometric Box Reviews
1. Rep 3 in 1 Wood Plyometric Box
This wooden plyometric box is designed by a reputable company, Rep Fitness. Its simple design makes using it a breeze. Just because it’s simple, however, doesn’t mean that it’s not worth purchasing! It’s constructed from durable plywood, which provides you, the jumper, with a secure surface to land on. It’s easy to set up but might require some tools. It’s versatile in that it can be used on all of its sides. This means that you can shift it on a different surface for enhanced workout height. This plyometric jump box is the perfect addition to your at-home gym. Get it while it’s still in stock!
PROS
- Multiple jumping heights
- Simple design
- Secure landing surface
- Plywood construction
CONS
- You’ll need tools to set it up
- Height isn’t very adjustable
2. Stamina | X Adjustable Height Plyo Box
If you decide to purchase the Stamina X Adjustable Plyometric Box, you won’t be disappointed! It looks like a car jack, and functions similarly; its height can be easily adjusted at the touch of a finger! This makes it perfect for beginners who want to progress up towards a jumping goal, especially those who are new to the world of plyometric exercises. The landing pad on the top of the box is laden with a grip tape that’s similar to that of the tape found on skateboards – you won’t be going anywhere, even if you land awkwardly. The kit includes a workout guide as well and doesn’t require any assembly. This plyometric box is an insatiably good buy. We’d recommend it!
PROS
- No setup required
- Great surface for safe landings
- Steel construction
- Extremely adjustable height
CONS
- Quite pricey
3. Titan Fitness 3 In 1 Foam Plyometric Box
Jumping on and off of a box repeatedly may seem like a daunting task for one glaring reason – it could be unsafe for those who try to jump too high! With the Titan Fitness Foam Plyo Box, however, you won’t have to worry about safety. It’s designed with a plush but durable material that will keep your legs and body safe, in the event you mistime or misjudge a jump. In addition to its safe padding, it’s able to be rotated and used in several different ways, in order to increase or decrease jumping height. It’s blissfully stable, especially for the material it’s composed of; it can support jumpers with a maximum weight of 350 pounds. You might want to take off your shoes while you work out on it, however; we’ve found that the exterior fabric gets grimy real quickly.
PROS
- Holds a considerable amount of weight
- Extremely safe to use
- Can be rotated for differing heights
CONS
- Gets dirty quickly
4. BOUND 3 in 1 Wood Plyo Box
The classic wooden plyometric boxes aren’t ever going to leave the world of exercise. They’re cheaper and easier to use than many of the new forms of plyometric boxes that have broken into the market recently. The BOUND Plyo Box is no exception and will hold up remarkably well to many forms of jumping exercises. While the setup of this box can be a little tough, BOUND makes it easier on you by including a variety of bits and screws to get the job finished quickly. With the straightforward directions included with this plyometric box, all you’ll need is a basic knowledge of drill use to get it fully setup. Other notable features are the box’s stability, which is augmented by three internal braces. Unfortunately, this means that that you won’t be able to adjust its height. The top of the box holds up quite well when jumped on, and provides the user with a safe surface to land on.
PROS
- Durable
- Safe to land on
- Directions are easy to follow
CONS
- Requires supplemental tools for a secure setup
- Non-adjustable height
5. Garage Fit Wood Plyometric Box
Another classically designed plyometric box, the Garage Fit Plyo Box has a lot to offer to its users. First and foremost, it can be used in three different directions, a unique trait for a plywood jump box. Its plywood design is quite durable and holds up well in the face of stress from high-impact jumping. It can also handle up to 350 pounds, a considerable load for a plyometric box that isn’t composed of steel! We didn’t find many things that were wrong with this plyometric jump box. We’d advise you that you’ll need a set of power tools to get this box setup and ready for use. Apart from that, the Garage Fit Wood Plyometric Box is a great purchase for plyometric exercise enthusiasts.
PROS
- Stability, even when positioned at a different angle
- Hardy Plywood Construction
- Three different jump heights
CONS
- You’ll need a power tool to set it up
- Setup can be a little confusing
6. Ader Black Plyometric Platform Box
The Ader Black Plyometric Box is a plyometric box that’s durable, stable, and simple by design. Its concept is similar to that of a barstool, which is quite a different approach than the typical design of a plyometric box. It’s painted black, meaning it will fit into any environment, regardless of its surroundings. It’s also made of steel, which means you’ll have a lifetime of use, for the most part. The top of the plyometric box is outfitted with a rubber mat that helps keep you on your feet when you jump onto or off of it. Beware of a few flaws, however. While it would seem logical for there to be metal at the top of the box, there’s a thin strip of plywood. This makes the Ader Plyometric Box susceptible to breakage if used by someone who weighs a lot. Another thing to take note of is that this plyometric box can’t be adjusted. You have to buy separate sizes, based on the type/height of the jumping you need to do.
PROS
- Steel Construction
- Rubber top
- Black paint
CONS
- Non-adjustable
- Support under its top is plywood
- Pricey
7. j/fit Plyometric Jump Box
The j/fit Plyometric Jump Box has a lot to offer, with some exceptions. For starters, it’s made of steel. This fact alone guarantees not only durability but also longevity. You’ll get years of use from it. A huge safety feature is its rubber stoppers, which it has four of. Each one of its legs has a stopper, used to present sliding on slick surfaces such as hardwood floors. The safety features don’t stop coming, either. The top of this box, which j/fit calls the jump platform, has a stable surface that’s safe to jump on and off of. As far as issues are concerned, there aren’t many. You won’t be able to adjust this plyometric box, however. You’ll have to buy one size for the time being, and purchase another if you want to increase or decrease your jump height. Also, it can be tough to store.
PROS
- Composed of Strong Steel
- Safe to use with rubber stoppers and stable top
CONS
- Storage can be tough
- Can’t be adjusted
8. POWER GUIDANCE 3 in 1 Wood Plyometric Box
Plyometric exercises are extremely beneficial to our bodies. Why not get the most out of them with some of the best equipment you can find? The POWER GUIDANCE Plyometric Box offers versatility, sturdiness, and ease of assembly. Let’s go deeper into why this plyometric box is so great. First off, it’s adjustable to three different heights with three total size selections. That means that with each size of box available, you’ll get three different heights to work with. Secondly, it’s made of hard plywood, touted as “construction-grade”. We can’t vouch for the quality but we can surely vouch for the toughness! While you’ll need a power drill to set it up correctly, the directions are easy to follow and the box panels come with pre-drilled holes for accurate setup. Finally, we’ll note that the two largest sizes of this plyometric box come with internal bracing, making the biggest and riskiest jumps the safest jumps. We didn’t note any inconsistencies with the product, apart from the fact that you won’t be able to set it up without a drill on hand.
PROS
- Directions are easy to follow
- Three different heights to choose from
- Largest two models have two internal braces
CONS
- Requires power tool for assembly
9. Ultra Fitness Gear 3 in 1 Anti-Slip Wood Plyo Box
Many of the boxes in our list have similar features, so our goal is to get the box that represents the best value given price, build quality and functionality. The Ultra Fitness Gear works perfectly to give us one of the best values on our list. As with many boxes, this one features 3 heights – 20″, 24″ and 30″. The difference between the Ultra Fitness and others shows in the details. For starters, no other box on the market looks like this one (many others look like each other). But looks are not nearly as important as function. The second thing that’s different about the Ultra Fitness is that the screw holes are not only countersunk, but they’re sunk deeper than others so there’s NO chance of getting a clothing snag by accident.
Then, you’ll get well-routed corners to prevent splintering and slivers, and the box features large larger finger/hand openings for easier carrying. The 3/4-inch plywood is more than adequate in thickness given the size of the box, so sturdiness and toughness are guaranteed. Even so, there are further internal braces to make it even stronger. The box has been tested up to 450 pounds and it still held well!
Though it’s supposed to be non-slip, we’d suggest using it on a rubber surface (or any non-slip surface like concrete) and use a good, light pair of running or performance athletic shoes to reduce the risk of slipping.
There’s a 1-year guarantee we think you’ll like!
PROS
- Sturdy
- Safe to jump on with at least up to 450 pounds
- Great attention to detail
CONS
- May not be as “Anti-Slip” as advertised. Take extra precautions!
10. Fuel Pureformance Adjustable Plyometrics Box
The Fuel “Pureformance” adjustable plyometrics box is more of a stool than a box, but it still gets the job done. It’s easily adjustable to three different heights, meaning you’ll be able to change the intensity of your workouts without a problem. The top of it is safe to land on, due to a non-slip finish on its top. It’s made out of steel, as well, guaranteeing it’ll hold up well to the impact of jumping on and off of it. It looks cool, although that doesn’t really matter. Now, there are a few flaws to take note of. First, the legs of this stool aren’t as sturdy as they could be. Secondly, the setup is tedious. You’ll need to have patience or someone who knows what they’re doing to get it set up correctly. Finally, the design seems to beckon for more levels of adjustment, but there are only three levels. You might want to consider drilling your own holes in its legs, to make finer increments of height, or to widen the box’s range of height adjustment!
PROS
- Steel construction
- Easy adjustment
- Neat design
- Stable top
CONS
- Tough setup
- Legs are rather wobbly
- Could have more height adjustments
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our journey, but yours is just beginning! With all of the information in the article above, you’re more than well-equipped with the knowledge that will help you find the best plyometric box for your workouts to increase your vertical jump ability.
While a plyometric box might be a straightforward tool for exercise, there are many aspects that, if overlooked, could lead to an uninspiring experience. If you pay attention to the fine print, however, you’ll surely get the most out of your next plyometric purchase!
We’d recommend purchasing the Stamina X Plyometric Box. It’s made of steel, so you’ll get a decent amount of life out of it. It can easily be adjusted to three different heights, giving you the ability to spice up your workout routine. This plyometric box also has a landing pad that’s incredibly easy for your feet or your shoes to grip, adding to the boxes safety.