This is also what you may be told by salespeople but keep in mind that it is not set in stone. Many ropes are now adjustable. Beaded ropes have little plastic segments as opposed to one piece of material. This means that they weigh slightly more than traditional ropes. Most trick jump ropers choose beaded ropes because they handle very well.
Beaded ropes are the best option for someone to learn the basics of jump-roping.
The slight extra weight also adds a workout benefit, and the segments can be rotated, which makes them more durable than other ropes. They can be made of leather, cloth, or plastic. Leather is the old standard, the traditionalist's jump rope. Cloth ropes have an advantage in that they provide the best control of speed ropes and don't bounce when they hit the ground. Their main disadvantage is durability.