Buying Guide Buying a Trampoline

Have a look through this page, or for an overview visit our Quick Checklist which will give you a guide to what to look out for when buying a trampoline. We recommend a trampoline safety enclosure to promote safety when trampolining, especially for younger children.

Why Buy a Trampoline?

The popularity of trampolines and trampolining is soaring as families discovers the many benefits. Children will never lose interest, as it is fun for children and adults alike and become a great family hobby and exercise. There are numerous health benefits that come from rebounding on a trampoline.

Which is the best trampoline for me?

There are many different trampolines, both in style and quality. We have found this can be confusing for the newcomer, which is why we put together this page to help you find out all the information you need.

You need to be sure you have selected the right trampoline for your needs, and that represents good value for money.

Consider who is going to use the trampoline: just children or adults too? Check the trampoline weight limits on the models you are considering

Quality trampolines are built to last, and may cost a little bit more but the investment is worth it.

Will it be too small for your growing children in 2 to 3 years time? Think about the overall size. Bear in mind that a 14' round trampoline has 44% more jumping area than a 12' model making it suitable as your children grow.

Is it for family fun or for the more serious gymnastic practice? Round or rectangular

If you have young children then an safety enclosure is a option you should consider.

Ask youself the following questions and then use the menu below to help you pick the right trampoline for you.

• Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampolines?
• Trampoline Pads
• Springs
• Jumping Bed
• Ladders
• Trampoline Covers
• Safety Enclosures
• Weight Limits
• Warranty
• Check List

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Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampolines?

Professional sports hall trampolines have always been rectangular. The springs work at different rates giving a quick response and results in a more powerful lift. This makes it much more suitable for gymnastic use. However, because of these characteristics rectangular trampolines should only be used by one jumper at a time.

On round trampolines all the springs work at the same rate. This gives an even, softer, and more stable bounce, suitable for children of any age or ability. Round trampolines at the higher end are all suitable for adults, and for multiple uses.

On rectangular trampolines, the springs work at different rates giving a quick response and results in a more powerful lift. This makes it more suitable for gymnastic use. However, because of these characteristics rectangular trampolines should only be used by one jumper at a time.

Round trampolines have seen the largest growth in popularity among all types of trampoline in recent years, combining good work-out and health benefits for adults with fun for all the family.

Quick Guide to Round Trampolines

You can divide them into three bands; Top, Mid, Budget

Top. Robust frame (usually 48mm diameter) with thick steel (look for 2mm) .Superior pads (30mm) with heavy vinyl (minimum 18oz). Springs must be 8.5 inches ( a minimum of 96 on the 14' but preferably more).80 to 88 on the 12'. More springs naturally increase the upper weight limit.

Mid. The frame diameter is narrower (usually 42 - 45mm) than on the Top Band. The steel will be thinner(1.8mm). Springs will be 7 or 8.5'' .On the 14 they will range from 88-96 springs, with 80 springs on the 12'. Pads will also have a lower spec than on the Top Band.

Budget. Large number available and you will need to proceed with extreme caution. As a bare minimum we would recommend 88x 7 inch springs on the 14 foot and 72 but preferably 80x7 inch springs on the 12 foot model. The welded joints are of particular concern on these cheaper models, as this is the weakest point on any trampoline frame. We would recommend frames with a three way 'T-Junction' socket where the leg meets the toprail, as they are extremely strong and reinforce a lightweight frame. They are the safest option at this level.

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in the USA has already made two major recalls of lightweight frame trampolines due to welding and frame failures in the last two years; the last one for over a million trampolines. There are many poor quality, cheaply made trampolines, sold by outlets in the UK cashing in on the trampoline boom. Problems you will encounter are poor performance, weak springs, poor rust protection, inadequate pads and danger of breakages in the first couple of years.

Quick Guide to Rectangular Trampolines

You can divide these into three groups : Child, Adult/Advanced, Sports Hall/Club

Child These range from 7'x5' with 5.5 inch springs, up to 10'x 7.5' with 7'' springs. The upper weight limit on this range is approximately 12 st (83kg).The jumping beds are non abrasive polypropylene mesh. These trampolines are designed for solo use and would suit children age 7 to 11.

Adult/Advanced These range from 11'x8.5' with 8.5 inch springs, up to 17'x10' with 9.25 inch springs. The upper weight limit on this range is approximately 22st (140kg).The jumping beds are either polypropylene mesh or two-string woven nylon mesh.

Sports Hall/Club These are the type you will find at your local sports club or leisure centre and are professional gymnastic apparatus. Often a fold away design, they meet competition size and specification. They are not on sale to the general public.

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Trampoline Pads

The pad is the section of the trampoline that sits over the frame and springs, protecting the jumper. The pads should be extra wide so that they cover springs and overlap the edge of the jumping bed, this makes sure the jumper will not get caught in the springs.

The pad should fit snugly against the frame, with a deep surround 'skirt' hanging down. Choose closed cell polyethylene foam which is waterproof otherwise you might end up with a water logged pad. At the top end the pad should be encased all round by UV resistant, reinforced PVC as this improves the durability of the pad. A coated pad is superior to a laminated pad.Mid and budget range trampolines generally have pads backed by breather mesh or PE.

30mm of impact resistant foam offers excellent protection from the frame and springs. 20mm is adequate on budget trampolines.

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Springs

The springs are what provide the, er, spring in your trampoline. These should be made from high quality steel wire which is fully galvanised to protect against rust and corrosion. It should have a helical coil type. What's a helical coil type? It's piece of bar or wire that is wound into helix shape as pictured right..

Having established the quality of the springs, take note of the length and number. On domestic round trampolines springs range in length from 8.5" to 5.5".The heavyweight rectangular trampolines sometimes use a 9.25" spring. The longer and more numerous the springs the greater the upper weight limit will be.

Some trampolines have elasticated bands sewn onto the bed. They give an inferior and harder bounce than springs. Another disadvantage is when the elastic perishes you will have to replace the entire bed, as the bands cannot be replaced individually.

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Jumping Bed

The jumping bed of a trampoline fall into 2 main categories, either black polymesh or a 2-string bed.

Polymesh is generally found on round trampolines. It should be manufactured from Grade A non-abrasive, Permatron polypropylene. This does not provide any additional elasticity, but the tight 'weave' does provide a smooth surface which does not graze children's skin.

The 2-string bed is made of nylon, and is found more typically on rectangular trampolines. The wider weave allows good air flow giving a higher bounce, and will dry quicker after rain. However it does have a rougher surface and may cause grazes to elbows and knees i.e. 'trampoline mat burn'. Trampolines with a 2-string bed are better suited for adult use or gymnasts who are used to performing more advanced trampoline moves.

The bed should be attached to the springs by galvanised steel triangular rings or injection mouldings (UV stable) The perimeter stitching should be in UV stable thread, and in multiple rows for extra strength.

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Ladders

Although not essential for older children and adults, it is an extremely useful addition, helping younger children gain easy, safe access onto the trampoline.

Of course, removing the ladder helps prevent small children, who need to be supervised, from getting onto the trampoline by themselves. Some trampolines come with a ladder integrated into the legs, so it's advisable not to use this trampoline where you want to restrict the access of young children unsupervised onto the trampoline. A ladder also stops older children pulling on the frame pads to haul themselves up onto the trampoline

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Trampoline Covers

A cover is NOT to protect the trampoline from the rain, any good quality trampoline can be left out all year round. But it does protect against leaves, bird droppings, dirt, tree debris, and insects. It also offers additional UV protection to your frame pads when the trampoline is not in use.

It can also clearly indicate to children that trampoline is currently 'off limits' if it is left on.

The quality of covers varies enormously, from heavy PVC coated type which can be expensive, to ones which are inadequately lightweight, and rip easily in strong winds. We recommend a nylon version similar to tent material. It is strong ,light and permeable, negating the need to cut holes in the cover to allow water to drain away.

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Safety Enclosures

Safety enclosures surround the trampoline and are designed to provide a safe environment for young or inexperienced trampoline users to experience the fun of bouncing.

The net should be at least 6 feet (1.8m) high to stop high bouncers going over the top. The 8 support poles should be thickly padded to prevent nasty accidents. Some models link the poles in pairs with cross bars, which improve the stability and strength of the safety enclosure.

We recommend using a safety enclosure for children under the age of 6. Always use a ladder in conjunction with a safety enclosure as it makes it much easier for children to gain access. Use a safety enclosure when your trampoline is sighted in a position that does not have at least a 4' area of grass/play bark around it. It is not usually necessary to use a cover, as the safety enclosure netting prevents most debris blowing onto the trampoline. Do not site your trampoline directly under the branches of a tree.

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Weight Limits

Weight limits given by trampoline companies on any given model are a guide only. The skill of a user can also be a factor, since the higher the bouncer jumps, the greater the loading on the springs.

Bearing this in mind a jumper could be under the maximum recommended weight for a particular trampoline, but due to his adeptness could still manage to overload the springs. If in doubt buy bigger (space permitting) or a more robust model.

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Warranty

Trampoline guarantees which cover against faulty materials or workmanship are usually specified for different parts of the trampoline.

Frames you should look for a ten year guarantee on top quality trampolines, with 2 - 5 years on lower specification models.

Typical guarantees on the jumping bed and springs are 5 years, and 1 year on the frame pads.

'Lifetime' guarantees should be treated with caution as they are in reality meaningless.

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Checklist

Ideally you should have read all the other pages in the trampoline section before coming here so you are familiar with what is essential.

Use this checklist to make sure the trampoline you are buying is up to standard.

Shape:	Round or rectangular (Round trampolines are more suitable for family use, rectangular for gymnastic/ sport use)
Frame	Steel is between 1.5mm and 2mm?
	Thick steel (2mm) 'T- Junction' socket where the leg joins the frame ( essential on lighter frame models)
Surround Padding	At least 20mm thick, preferably 25mm.
Spring	Are they fully galvanised?
Jumping Bed	Is it non-abrasive, permatron polypropylene.
Ladder	Useful for households with younger children
Cover	Useful to keep debris (leaves, bird mess etc) off the trampoline
Safety Enclosure	Peace of mind with young children. Only essential for younger children. Make sure you get an enclosure that fits your make of trampoline. They are not always interchangeable between trampoline makes.
Weight Limit	What is the maximum weight that the trampoline will need to support?
Warranty	How long does the warranty last and is this for all parts of the trampoline?

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