The-Best-Tow-Ropes

You might think that buying a tow rope for wakeboarding, kneeboarding, water skiing, or tubing is as simple as finding the length you want and hooking it up. The reality is that it is not that easy, and if you will be active in any one of these activities in the summer, you need to know the differences among the different types of tow ropes.

The best tow rope breaks strength capacity as well as length and stretchability, giving you just the right balance to enjoy your riding. Thankfully, our list contains the best tow straps on the market that will help you make an easier decision. A comprehensive buying guide and FAQs, on the other hand, will provide answers in detail to your questions.

1

OUR TOP PICK

AIRHEAD AHTR-22 Float

AIRHEAD AHTR-22 Float


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Summary

Made from extremely heavy duty and durable material with an ability to exceed the required 2,375-pound break strength that WSIA set for double rider tubes, AIRHEAD AHTR-22 Float Tow Rope is the best tow rope on our list to enjoy water activities to the fullest.

Material

Great for families as its reliability is unparalleled, Airhead features cables that are crafted from UV-resistant, pre-stretched nylon, and meet the required break capabilities of the Water Sports Industry Association. The materials have convenient cable protection for fast handling and have been already pre-tensioned. An EVA foam (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) core is installed inside a 16-inch diameter 16-strand rope to increase the durability and to withstand stress without obtaining cracks or breaking. What we love is that a reflective material increases the brightness of the rope in low lighting conditions, thus making it easy to locate for the user. 

Capacity

Airhead is designed with a tensile strength of 2,375 pounds and has a capacity to tow 2 people. This section rope has protective tubes that are 60 feet long and have a loop at each end. The rope allows a minimal stretch and is mostly used for light water sport excursions due to its capacity. This 16 strand rope is thick to ensure that it doesn’t fray, thereby withstands the test of time. As there is limited space on board, this packaged deal comes included with a rope keeper for small and convenient storage.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Has a 2,375 Pound tensile strength
  • Pre-stretched and UV-resistant
  • Exceeds WSIA recommendations for 1-2 rider towable tubes
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Towable Amount: 2,375 pounds
Length: 60 ft long
Break Strength: 4,100 lb, for up to 2 to 4 Rider Towables

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

WOW World of Watersports, 11-3010,

WOW World of Watersports, 11-3010,


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Summary

Don’t let WOW World of Watersports, 11-3010, Tow Rope’s minimum stretch design fool you, as this 2.7 lbs lightweight and 60-foot rope is strong enough to tow a family of 4, therefore rightly earning the title of best water ski rope.

Material

WOW ropes are made of high-quality polypropylene fibers that provide outstanding moisture degradation and UV resistance. This 4K watersports tow rope is designed for tubing up to two to four drivers so that you could make memories with your loved ones. The boat tube rope floats on water but withstands the penetration of humidity and mildew, which degrades other materials. It is quick and easy to manage all the boating equipment and gadgets, and its higher strands can safely handle heavier loads. A heavy 5/8-inch 16 strand rope falls with the boat's accessories, too. 

Capacity

A minimum stretch design allows this lightweight rope to be one of the best tow straps on the market. With a four-person carrying capacity, this 60-foot rope from WOW can attach to virtually any tube. A floating foam buoy is a great added safety feature as well as the bright colored design that makes this rope incredibly easy to locate when in the water. Known to have a break strength of 4100 Pounds (1.86 mg), WOW comes with a braided construction technique, which improves its overall tensile strength, rope balance, abrasion and tears resistance. 

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Outstanding moisture degradation and UV resistance
  • Multiple riding positions; sit, stand, or kneel
  • Easy to locate due to bright color design
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Towable Amount: 2050 pounds
Length: 60 ft long
Break Strength: 4100 pounds (1.86 mg), for up to 4 riders

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3

BEST VALUE

Airhead Tow Ropes

Airhead Tow Ropes


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Summary

Designed to meet and exceed WSIA recommendations for 1-6 rider towable tubes with a 2,375 pounds tensile strength, Airhead Tow Ropes is the most affordable tow strap on our list if you like to enjoy your water sports activity with the utmost safety.

Material

The Airhead AHTR-60 rope for towing is constructed with a reflective material that is braided together with top quality Polypropylene. It comes with a unique Rasta color scheme that is distinctive and easy to spot on the water. To provide a tangle-free safety, a rope keeper is provided for easy storage and organization. The durability is simply fantastic as the Airhead is that one brand where you can blindly trust the quality of their products.

Capacity

The Airhead AHTR-60 is designed with a 2,375-pound tensile strength for 1-2 individuals towable tubes with different style options. The rope measures 60 feet long with a 6-inch loop at each end. What is great is that it meets and exceeds all the WISA’s rules and regulations. There is no room for worrying for your safety when it comes to this affordable tow strap.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Meets and exceeds WSIA recommendations
  • Ideal for towing boats
  • The bright color helps in clear visibility
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Towable Amount: 2,375 lb. (1,077 kg)
Length: 60 ft long
Break Strength: 3,350 lbs

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4

Kwik Tek AIRHEAD AHTH-2

Kwik Tek AIRHEAD AHTH-2


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Summary

Tested and approved to pull up to 5,000 pounds, Kwik Tek AIRHEAD AHTH-2 Tow Rope is another heavy-duty 12-foot long tow strap on our list that makes sure you’re far away from the boat to fully enjoy the ride without being too close to the engine or prop.

Material

Designed for all ages and skill levels, this heavy-duty tow from Airhead is ideal for pulling skiers, wakeboards, and up to 4 towable riders. It is perfectly made from the highest quality Nylon that keeps the attachment loop floating on top of the water, away from your boat's propeller, and has good visibility in the water so that you can enjoy your time without any worry. The hooks of the Airhead Water Sports Heavy Duty are galvanized carbon-reinforced steel, rust-resistant to zinc; therefore made to last.

Capacity

This 12 feet long heavy duty tow harness is suitable for towing up to 4 riders and needs more than 6 feet boats to be used. A harness like this is a must if you are pulling tubes or skiers behind a boat with an outboard. It also features a heavy-duty Kwik-Connect for ease of connection and creates a tow attachment point at the center of your boat, behind your outboard or sterndrive. 

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 6” float keeps the attachment loop floating on top
  • It should be used on boats wider than 6 feet
  • Ideal for all ages and skill levels
Model & Accessory Specs

Towable Amount: 3500 pounds
Length: 12 ft long
Break Strength: 5,000 Pounds

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5

SEACHOICE Tow Rope

SEACHOICE Tow Rope


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Summary

A 16-Strand hollow-braid polypropylene rope that resists rot and mildew, SEACHOICE Tow Rope is one of the excellent tow ropes on our list that will please worldwide lovers of sailing, boating, and watersports for all seasons long.

Material

Committed to offering premium aquatic equipment and marine accessories worldwide, Seachoice makes sure that all OEM parts are manufactured in compliance with strict specifications. The two ropes float on water to make it visible for quick and easy retrieval on the water. Plus, they resist the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. What is great is that the package includes a rope keeper so that you could keep your rope coiled and aside from when not in use.

Capacity

60 ft length allows riders to shorten or lengthen the rope according to their preferred area size. The towing rope has the capacity to easily facilitate 2 individuals tubing over the water. Seachoice provides a wide range of items keeping an eye on their customer’s needs, from anchors to anodes, to healthier and more enjoyable water experience.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • One of the best tow straps in an affordable price range
  • Floats for quick and easy retrieval on the water
  • UV rays protection increases durability
Model & Accessory Specs

Towable Amount: 340 lbs
Length: 60 foot long
Break Strength: 3,000 pounds

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6

AIRHEAD Bungee Tube

AIRHEAD Bungee Tube


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Summary

Reducing wear and tear by absorbing sudden jerks from slack in the line, Airhead Bungee Tube Tow Rope is another top rated tow ropes on our list that will make you enjoy short rises in speed even more.

Material

No doubt, this large elastic bungee tube rope is a true shock absorber. The quality of the tow rope is unsurpassed and simply made to last. What is great is that as it stretches and contracts, you will enjoy short rises in speed. We also love the fact that Airhead decreases wear and tears on tubes and riders by resolving all the sudden jerk issues from the slack in the line. It has reinforced loops ends and comes with a rope keeper for convenient storage.

Capacity

You don't have to worry about the rope entangling in your propeller when dealing with Airhead’s Bungee Tube Tow Rope. This 9/16” x 50 ft. tube rope has a 3/8” diameter bungee cord spliced inside. It is rated at 4,150 pounds tensile strength and has been confirmed to meet all the WSIA recommendations for 1 - 4 rider tubes. The best part of it is that it helps with the S-turns, and has nice tight turns with no slack.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Meets all the WISA recommendations
  • Reduces wear and tear by absorbing sudden jerks from slack
  • A rope keeper is included with the purchase
Model & Accessory Specs

Towable Amount: 2075 pounds
Length: 13.75 inches
Break Strength: 4,150 pounds, for up to 4 riders

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7

Sportsstuff Tow Rope

Sportsstuff Tow Rope


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Summary

Incredibly durable and built to last while being extremely lightweight thanks to its rugged construction, Sportsstuff Tow Rope easily deserves a spot in our best tow ropes list in 2023.

Material

Coming with a molded plastic caddy, its impressive break strength shows just how rugged this rope is expertly attaching to any tube with a maximum of four riders. The rugged construction is designed for the medium to small towable tubes and is as tough as 4100 pounds. It has double stitching and reinforced stress points in the rope to make the overall design reduce the drag and absorb more shock during a wide variety of fun water sports.

Capacity

Sportsstuff has a 4,100-pound tensile strength and is suitable for 1 to 4 person towable tubes. It measures up to 60 feet long (18.3 meters) with a 6-inch loop at each end, making it tougher and stronger. Made with minimal stretching style, this tow strap from Sportsstuff does meet and exceed all the WISA recommendations for 1 to 6 rider towable tubes.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Manufactured with minimum stretch design
  • A molded plastic caddy for easy storage
  • 1-year manufacturer warranty
Model & Accessory Specs

Towable Amount: 2050 lbs
Length: 60 ft long
Break Strength: 4,100 lbs

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8

Airhead Bling

Airhead Bling


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Summary

Approximately 50-60 feet in length, tangle-free, and glowing in the light Airhead Bling Tow Ropes is the last high-quality tow rope on our list for those who want a problem-free ride as well as an enjoyable one. 

Material

The reflective material used to build up the Airhead Bling Tow Rope is braided together with top quality polypropylene. It includes a “totally blinged-out” rope keeper for easy organization and storage for the users. The Airhead bling tow ropes are approximately 50-60 feet in length and always include a convenient rope keeper for tangle-free storage. It has a bright color that sparkles in the sun and glows in the twilight, a feature that fascinates its users.

Capacity

The rope has a 6,000-pound tensile strength and has the capacity for 1-6 person towable tubes. The inclusive rope keeper is a plus point for easy organization and storage. It measures down being 60 feet long with a 6-inch loop at each end. The Bungee Towing rope does exactly what it's supposed to do, make you feel all comfortable and safe. Of course, all the Airhead’s ropes meet and exceed WSIA recommendations for 1-2 rider towable tubes.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Shiny and reflective material is easy to spot
  • Rope Keeper included for easy organization
  • Braided together with Top Quality Polypropylene
Model & Accessory Specs

Towable Amount: 3000 lb
Length: 50 ft long
Break Strength: 6,000 lb, for up to 6 riders

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How To Choose A Tow Rope – Buying Guide

How-To-Choose-A-Tow-Rope

Here is a list of the most important criteria to consider in order to find the best rope for your needs.

Type and Material

Non-stretching tow ropes are made from an incredibly strong and durable material called “Spectra.” A great material choice, Spectra is 10 times stronger than steel, incredibly lightweight, and gives absolutely no elasticity to the rope.

A low stretch option, on the other hand, is made from either nylon, polyester, or polyethylene material, with a flexibility rate of 2-3%. A rope made from nylon has a much higher break strength and definitely an appealing option while Polyethylene has a UV resistant coating, which makes it last longer and far superior in terms of durability.

Length

Generally speaking, we recommend a tow rope that is a minimum of 50 feet in length with a maximum of 65 feet. Beginners, on the other hand, need a longer rope closer to the 65-foot range.

Capacity

The weakest tow ropes have a breaking capacity of around 2000 lbs. Some companies rate this by the number of riders a rope is able to accommodate. This can range from 1 to upwards of 4 or 5 people for some specialized tubes. 

Coating

In today’s market, most tow ropes are designed not to absorb water. In fact, you now get ropes of higher quality with features such as weather-resistant offering UV protection from the sun. Some ropes come equipped with a special coating to increase the overall quality of the rope making it much stronger and durable.

Hook and Handle

Most wakeboarding and wake surfing handles have a carabiner that allows them to be attached to the end of the tow rope. This allows you to quickly and easily transfer from a handle to tubing in no time. If you get a tow rope that has a handle braided into it you will only be able to use it for sports that don’t require it to be attached. 

FAQs

Why_Do_You_Need_A_Tow_Rope

Q: Why Do You Need A Tow Rope?

A: 

A tow strap makes riding a wakeboard or water skis possible. Without this key piece of gear, you won’t be able to ride behind the boat. A tow rope attached to the boat is what makes this sport so entertaining. The length of the rope also plays a key role in how fast your turns are and how much wake you ride.

Q: How To Attach Tow Rope To Boat?

A: 

Most boats these days have a wakeboard tower and have wakeboard tower speakers. If they don’t, they have a hook on the back of the boat where you can attach your rope to. 

Related Review: Boat Anchor Rope

Q: How Much Load Can Be Carried?

A: 

Most wakeboard tow ropes have quite high carrying capacities. This is because you put more strain on the rope than just the weight of your body and the skis. Even the ropes with the lowest breaking capacity are around 2 000 lbs. 

Q: How Long Should Tow Rope Be For Tubing?

A: 

For beginners, a longer rope at around 65 feet will be ideal. In general, your rope should be between 50 feet – 65 feet in length. This does vary with other types of water sports though.

Q: Should There Be Handles Or Hooks Attached To The Tow Rope?

A: 

You want a handle to hold onto when wakeboarding. It’s one thing to have a tow rope but it’s a whole other thing to have a rope with a comfortable handle attached to it. This will be a bar that both of your hands grab onto. It should be wrapped in a comfortable material that also increases your grip. This should be detachable as well. 

Q: How To Attach A Tube Tow Rope?

A: 

 Most tubes have a quick connect system where you simply feed the loop through a hole and attach it around a hook system, ensuring that the line stays connected without coming undone halfway through your run. It also makes switching from a tube to wakeboard or water skis easy.

Q: How To Attach A Tow Rope To A Pontoon Boat?

A: 

Most pontoon boats have a strapping system that you can attach a tow rope to. This will allow you to connect a tube so you can enjoy being towed by the boat. Some boats use a shackle to connect the rope to. This is one of the easier ways to attach a tow rope to your pontoon boat. You’ll simply have to loop the rope through and screw at the end of the shackle.

Q: How To Tie A Tow Rope?

A: 

Modern tow ropes come with loops on both ends. This completely eliminates the need for you to tie the rope. All you need to do is to loop it around the attachment point on the boat and tube or handle and you’re ready to go. 

Globo Surf Overview

Before you choose your next rope, we recommend reading through the rope reviews to learn the experiences of other users. Knowing the background information on the company, their warranties and the quality of the rope will make your decision much easier.

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