Choosing the right trampoline for your property can be tough. With such a wide variety of models and prices out there, the options can seem endless. So, what factors should you focus on when it comes to selecting the perfect outdoor trampoline?
Before you purchase a trampoline, make sure you consider its price, the space available in your yard, its durability, the type of use expected, the shape you prefer, and whether you want one with a safety enclosure. If you have kids, it’s safest to opt for a springless trampoline.
Even if you’ve considered all of these factors, remember that part of the decision always comes down to personal preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider before buying a trampoline as well as some of the best models available, so you can choose a durable, safe trampoline that will last you many years.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Trampoline?
It’s important to note that choosing the best trampoline isn’t such an easy task, and it can require a lot of time and effort. However, as is the case with any large purchase, you can make the right decision as long as you have a clear understanding of all the important features and components:
Price
Of course, the trampoline’s price will be one of the most important deciding factors for most people. If you spend more on a premium-quality trampoline, then you’ll be able to save money in the long run. That’s because cheaper models won’t last as long, and you might need to purchase replacement parts or conduct repairs after only a few years of use.
The price of a trampoline depends on its size, shape, and the quality of the material. So, the bigger the trampoline, the costlier it will likely be.
It’s best to purchase brand-new trampolines, but some used ones are also available. Although it might be tempting to go for a used trampoline, such a purchase can be very risky.
Like any used product, it’s impossible to determine a used trampoline’s history. And since rust and damage aren’t always visible, you might end up buying something that’s relatively unsafe.
It’s also better to purchase a new trampoline because its parts and components are usually backed by a warranty. While this doesn’t guarantee that the trampoline won’t fail on you, it still allows you to get free replacements for faulty parts in most situations.
Yard Space
Before you purchase a trampoline, make sure you measure out the space in your yard. Trampolines come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, round, eight-foot ones to large, rectangular, 15-foot models.Â
It’s best to place the trampoline in an area that’s clear of debris, slopes, branches, and fences. Here are some other things you should keep in mind regarding your yard space and the placement of your trampoline:
Choose a flat and even surface. If you don’t have a level space, then make sure you place the trampoline on an area that has a slope of fewer than three degrees.
Make sure there’s a height clearance of at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the ground.
Keep the space clean and completely free of debris or obstacles.
Make sure there’s a safe clearance space of around 5 feet (1.5 meters) on all sides of your trampoline.
Durability
A recent survey showed that trampoline-related injuries have been skyrocketing because of poor safety features. For this reason, modern trampoline brands are setting better quality standards and enforcing stricter safety rules to avoid serious injuries.
Make sure you stay away from trampolines with very rigid canvases and soft edges, as they’re more dangerous in terms of accidents and injuries. For a safer bouncing and jumping experience, opt for a spring-based model that has a protective covering over its springs and frame, or a springless one with flexible rods or poles.
It’s also advisable to go for a durably padded model that offers both shock absorbency and fall protection. This will help ensure a safer environment while you engage in challenging sports like basketball and prison ball while bouncing on the trampoline.
Type of Use
Trampolines can be grouped into several different usage categories, with each category requiring certain conditions, such as a certain size jumping space and weight capacity. In order to determine which trampoline works best for your needs, let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these categories:
Round Trampolines
Round trampolines are mostly used for recreational purposes. In fact, they’re the most versatile and common type for outdoor use. These trampolines come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from five to 16 feet in diameter, making them ideal for almost any garden or backyard.
They also have several safety features that make them perfect for kids:
Safety-net enclosure-friendly
Portable and lightweight
Incredible force distribution for additional safety
Rectangular Trampolines
Rectangular trampolines are designed for athletes and professionals to practice, jump, and perform on. The unique rectangular shape makes them more location-friendly, portable, and compact than other types. In fact, you can place them near patios, corner fences, and even in narrower yards.
Square Trampolines
While there’s not a lot of information available on square trampolines, we can tell you that they’re the perfect combination of rectangular and round trampolines. They’re completely safe to use and offer more than enough jumping space for recreational activities.
Their shape makes them ideal for limited spaces, and their bounce and performance are similar to that of round trampolines.
Mini Trampolines
Mini trampolines are ideal for fitness-related uses. Along with being compact and affordable, they’re also the best alternatives for indoor balance and strength training. So, if you already have a gym room in your house, a mini trampoline will be a beneficial and exciting purchase.
Jumping on a trampoline boosts your heart rate, burns calories, and tones the muscles in your body. In fact, a 30-minute trampoline workout routine is as intense as jogging on a flat, level surface for that same amount of time.
Safety Enclosure vs. Open Trampoline
Trampoline enclosures are simply attachments or nettings that provide additional safety. They’re secured to the sides of the trampoline to prevent users from falling over the edge of the trampoline.
Since a safety enclosure is wrapped around the trampoline edges with fiberglass poles, it absorbs sudden impacts and shocks without breaking down. Simply put, it creates a more unified and compact system to support everyone and everything on the trampoline.
A safety enclosure also helps increase the trampoline’s playing capacity, making it perfect for those who have small kids or young adults in the house.
Keep in mind that a trampoline secured with a safety enclosure will be much more expensive than one without it. However, the additional safety it provides makes it well worth the investment.
Spring-Based vs Springless: Which Is Better?
There are two categories of trampolines available today: spring-based and springless trampolines. Springless trampolines are much safer for both kids and adults compared to spring-based ones.
This is because the unique springless design helps reduce the number of injuries, while the higher-quality enclosure and padding offer better shock absorbency than conventional models. In order to determine which build better suits your needs, let’s take a closer look at both of them:
Spring-Based Trampoline
Spring-based trampolines are those that have the stretched mat or stretched canvas fixed onto the steel frame with metal coil springs.
These high-tension springs have a minimal shock absorbency rate and only offer a limited bounce because of the rugged sealed construction. The stretched canvas also feels a bit rigid to land on.
While there are a few spring-based trampolines designed with low-tension springs for a higher, less rigid bounce, they result in more trampoline-related injuries because of improper padding.
Springless Trampoline
Springless trampolines, like this one from Springfree (on Amazon), have fiberglass rods surrounding and supporting the jumping surface. The trampoline frame and jumping surface are also perfectly parallel to the ground and to each other, providing better safety and support.
The fiberglass rods further eliminate the use of both the metal coils and frame build, making the trampoline the safest and most effective one for children and adults.
What Are Some of the Best Trampolines on the Market?
Trampolines are an extremely fun way for both children and adults to play and exercise in the backyard. To help you choose a model that best suits the needs of your family, here are some of the best trampolines available on the market today:
Skywalker Round Trampoline
The Skywalker Round Trampoline (on Amazon), which comes in 8-, 12-, or 15-foot options, is perfect for those who want a large jumping surface but only have a budget of less than $500. Certain models even come with a basketball hoop and a safety net enclosure.
This trampoline’s frame is constructed with heavy-duty galvanized steel, which makes it secure, stable, and weather-resistant.
Also, instead of the steel frame, its innovative safety enclosure is attached to the jumping mat itself, eliminating any gaps between the enclosure and the jumping mat, and providing a safer experience.
Its spring cover mat is available in several different colors as well, allowing you to choose a model that best suits the aesthetic of your backyard.
Its patented dual spring assembly improves both bounce performance and shock absorption, while its 96 primary springs and 32 power springs make the trampoline perfect for all different ages, weights, and skill levels.
The JumpSport model has a weight capacity of 295 pounds, and its frame is built with cold-rolled, powder-coated steel to protect it from the elements. Its jumping mat has a UV shield and 10 rows of stitching and its 35-inch frame height allows for good clearance.
Lastly, instead of a zipper, the model’s safety enclosure net boasts an overlap safety feature, so you don’t have to worry about any open holes through which your child can fall out.
Zupapa Trampoline
The Zupapa trampoline (on Amazon) is available in three different sizes and provides you with everything you could possibly need (and more).
Along with the trampoline, you also get a trampoline ladder, a trampoline cover for rain, a T-hook for installation, a trampoline safety pad, and a safety enclosure net.
The included ladder attaches to the side of the trampoline, making it easier to climb in and out. The ladder has a bar running along the bottom as well for additional safety and stability.
This model also boasts 12 more springs than previous models to give it a higher bounce, and each spring is made with galvanized rust-resistant steel, ensuring this trampoline will last for a long time.
