Trampolines Buying Guide

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Written By Ethan Richards
UPDATED:
Trampoline for Adults

Trampolines – they’re not just a piece of backyard equipment; they’re a gateway to boundless joy and invigorating exercise. Picture the laughter of kids soaring through the air, the thrill of trying gravity-defying tricks, and the satisfaction of a heart-pumping workout. The world of trampolines beckons with open arms, promising a fusion of exhilaration and well-being.

Welcome to our comprehensive Trampoline Buying Guide, where we embark on a journey to unravel the wonders of this dynamic realm. Whether you’re seeking a haven of family enjoyment, a launchpad for gymnastic ambitions, or a platform for fitness goals, trampolines have something magical in store for everyone.

Navigating the World of Trampolines: Your Ultimate Guide

Our mission is simple yet profound – to serve as your trusty companion on the path to finding the ideal trampoline. We understand that the options can be overwhelming, the considerations numerous, and the excitement palpable. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted this guide to accompany you, step by step, as you make an informed decision.

Are you ready to dive into the world of trampolines? Allow us to be your guiding light as we uncover the secrets of selecting the perfect trampoline that aligns with your desires and aspirations. Let’s embark on this journey together, and let the bouncing begin! 🌟🤸‍♂️

Perhaps that experience just might be something you want to bring to your own home for your family. But with several kinds of trampolines in the market one might wonder, where to get started on buying best trampoline for the kids? 

A Variety of Trampolines To Choose From

Before you even get started with selecting the added features or accessories that come with the trampoline, you have to consider first who will be using the trampoline. If we are to divide the trampolines based on user age group you will have two kinds:

Kids paly on Trampoline
  1. Starter Trampoline for Kids
    Starter trampolines are designed for children ages three to ten years old. Because they were designed with safety as paramount, you can expect that this will not be as bouncy as the larger trampolines that are more advanced.
  2. Family Trampoline suitable for Adults
    These are much larger trampolines than the starter ones and you need your child to be at least six years old to be able to use it. Although some of these trampolines might have extra safety features, the overall safety still varies from product to product.

The starter trampolines are quite easy to choose from and would cost you around seventy to two hundred dollars depending on the size and extra features. Because of their size they can easily be placed indoors.

But for most kids who want the thrill and excitement of the ultimate bounce experience, you still have plenty of options to choose from based on the specifications that will fit your home’s outdoor space. Run through the following factors to help you decide which trampoline works best for your family:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trampoline Before Buying

Before you bounce into the exciting world of trampolines, it’s essential to define your trampoline’s purpose and usage. Trampolines offer a versatile canvas for a range of activities, from spirited play to intensive workouts. Clarifying your intentions will pave the way for a well-informed trampoline selection that aligns perfectly with your goals.

1. Unveiling the Trampolines Mission

Family Fun: If your aim is to create a hub of family enjoyment, complete with giggles and airborne antics, a trampoline serves as the ultimate backdrop for lively bonding sessions. Whether it’s spontaneous bouncing or organized games, trampolines are a source of pure joy for both kids and adults.

Fitness Focus: Seeking a dynamic addition to your fitness routine? Trampolines elevate workouts with low-impact cardio, toning, and enhanced coordination. Bouncing your way to better health and wellness is not only effective but also surprisingly enjoyable.

Combining Both: Perhaps your ideal trampoline adventure involves a mix of entertainment and fitness. Many trampolines seamlessly transition from family-friendly play to heart-pumping exercise, offering the best of both worlds.

2. Choosing the Right Size

Family Fit: Consider the number of potential users – whether it’s just the kids, the entire family, or even friends joining in the fun. A larger trampoline accommodates more bouncers, creating a vibrant social space.

Backyard Proportions: Let your backyard dictate the trampoline size. A sprawling yard might accommodate a spacious trampoline, while a cozier space calls for a more compact version.

The Common Range: Trampolines, like stars in the sky, come in a variety of sizes. The spectrum stretches from 8 FT to 16 FT, offering a range that caters to various family dynamics and spaces.

Sizing Up for Families: Your family’s composition and the size of your backyard are the guiding stars for your trampoline choice. If your family constellation includes a lone star, an 8 FT trampoline is a splendid choice. Families with a duo of energetic jumpers may find their perfect match in the 10~12 FT range.

Growing Families, Larger Dreams: As your family constellation expands to three or more, the horizon expands to 14 FT, 15 FT, or even the grandeur of 16 FT. These sizes provide ample space for everyone to jump into the fun.

3. Space and Ground

It’s easy to consider looking at your backyard and decide from there, but before you even consider sizing up your place for a trampoline, you might want to check the ground. Uneven ground can pose a hazard to your kids jumping on the trampoline because of the lack of a firm base to which the trampoline can stand on. If you are using a spring-free trampoline, this might even result in a deformation of the trampoline because of the uneven distribution of force. Is the ground soft? Are there uneven surfaces that make the trampoline stand unevenly?

Trampolines

With the trampoline base considered, you also want to make sure that you are not just allocating space for the trampoline but also considering the neighboring structures around that space. You need at least six feet clearance for the surrounding areas and twenty-four feet  in vertical clearance. This is why it is okay to have a trampoline indoors but with the space clearance factored in.  With all those things in mind you can then decide the diameter of the trampoline you want to choose from. Mat diameters can range from ten feet up to sixteen feet being the larger trampolines. 

4. Choosing Right Type and Shape

Sculpting Diversity: Trampolines come in an array of types and shapes, each with its unique allure. When it comes to shapes, the stage is adorned with three main performers: round trampolines, rectangle trampolines, and oval trampolines.

Places of Possibility: Beyond shape, trampolines take center stage in various environments. The stagecraft includes outdoor backyard trampolines, intimate indoor kid trampolines, and even the aquatic realm with water trampolines. For fitness aficionados, the spotlight shines on fitness trampolines designed for exhilarating workouts.

Guiding Your Choice

Rounds of Joy: Round trampolines, like celestial bodies, are known for their balanced bounce. They offer a consistent experience across the surface, making them ideal for casual bounces and family fun. These are popular choices for families with kids above 6 years old.

Rectangles of Finesse: Rectangle trampolines, akin to the stages of elite gymnasts, are coveted for their higher bounce and enhanced jumping control. If a future gymnast resides within your family constellation, a rectangle trampoline serves as a professional platform for daily gymnastic practices.

Ovals of Versatility: Oval trampolines bring a unique blend of round and rectangle attributes. They provide a balanced bounce like round trampolines while incorporating some of the bounce control of rectangles.

Matching Shapes to Dreams

Picture your aspirations as shapes in the sky, each with its graceful arc and dynamic rhythm. Whether your heart beats for backyard delight, gymnastic precision, or fitness elevation, there’s a trampoline shape that resonates with your dreams. By choosing a shape that harmonizes with your desires, you’re embracing a world of possibilities that match your unique tempo and style. 🕺💫

5. Choose A Trampoline by Weight Limit

The Burden of Safety: Even amidst the glitz and excitement, safety takes center stage. A trampoline’s weight limit underscores its capacity to withstand the force of jumping and ensure a controlled landing.

The Quest for Higher Limits: In the realm of weight limits, a simple rule prevails: the higher, the better. This principle safeguards against scenarios where jumpers surpass the capacity, potentially leading to contact with the ground or worse, damage to the trampoline and potential injuries.

Unveiling the Path: So, how does one navigate the journey to a trampoline with a commendable weight limit? Manufacturers often display the exact capacity of their trampolines. If this information isn’t readily available, a lifeline in the form of customer service can offer insights. Alternatively, keep an eye on the number of springs – an indicator that often correlates with higher weight capacity.

Safety in Numbers: Springs and Capacity

The Spring Connection: Springs play a dynamic role in a trampoline’s performance. Not only do they contribute to the bounce, but they also play a role in distributing weight. A trampoline with more springs generally boasts a higher weight capacity, as the load is dispersed more effectively.

6. Assembly and Parts

Check videos online on how trampolines are assembled so there is a comparison between the two major kinds of trampolines right now: Spring-free and traditional spring trampoline. The more common trampoline is the traditional spring trampoline and it is relatively easy to assemble however the spring-free trampoline has also been designed to be relatively easy despite the more number of points of attachment compared to the traditional trampoline. 

Based on several reviews online, it is easier to get parts and accessories for the traditional spring trampoline because the design is generally the same across different brands and manufacturers. This makes for easier purchase of replacement parts. 

Spring-free trampolines have more complex and detailed parts that need to be ordered from the original manufacturer so you will need to have a supplier that is easy to reach. The overall design of the spring-free trampoline feels consolidated rather than modular. 

7. Safety Features

Trampolines

By technical definition a trampoline simply is the frame and the surface which provides the bouncing experience. However, to avoid accidents from this rather adventurous activity, safety measures are in place over the springs, the frame and the surroundings. 

Your trampoline must have the following:

  1. Net – sturdy enough to keep the person inside the trampoline from falling off
  2. Safety paddings – this surrounds the springs near the edges and also covers the frame’s sharp points. Make sure the padding effectively covers these hazardous parts. Also check if the padding is thick enough to absorb impact. Cheaper products might compromise on this aspect.
  3. Enclosure: The first line of defense in trampoline safety is the enclosure. Picture it as a guardian angel – it encircles the bouncing zone, shielding jumpers from venturing beyond the boundary. This protective embrace ensures that every leap remains a contained and joyful experience.
  4. Spring Pads: Spring pads, like fluffy clouds, serve as a cushioned barrier between jumpers and the steel springs. They prevent unfortunate injuries by covering the springs, minimizing the risk of falls and impacts. With spring pads in place, even unexpected landings are met with gentle resilience.
  5. Solid Frames: The frame of a trampoline, akin to the backbone of an athlete, contributes to stability and longevity. A robust, solid frame ensures years of steady bouncing and stands as a testament to the trampoline’s durability.

8. Budget Considerations

A Spectrum of Possibilities: Trampoline prices span a vibrant spectrum, reaching from $198 to the lofty heights of over $3,000. Each note in this symphony reflects various features, sizes, and brands, catering to diverse preferences and pocketbooks.

Seeking the Ideal Harmony: Amidst the symphony of prices, the question arises: what is the ideal cost for your trampoline endeavor? While higher-priced trampolines boast premium features, and lower-priced options beckon with affordability, the middle ground often strikes the perfect balance between cost, quality, and customer service.

The Mid-Range Melody: A Sweet Spot

A Bridge of Excellence: The middle price range presents a bridge to excellence. Here, you’ll find trampolines that encapsulate value without compromising on quality. Brands like Zupapa, Aukfa, Anysun, and Homecare are harmonious partners in this mid-range melody.

Affordability Meets Excellence: Opting for a trampoline within this price bracket ensures that you’re investing in a product that offers top-notch performance, durability, and customer support – without breaking the bank.

9. Warranty and Service

Because you are dealing with safety and precaution, the quality of material can be backed with a company’s promise on warranty. If you are buying from a supplier that refuses to provide warranty and the price itself already looks too good to be true, it usually is. 

However, it is not always true that the highest price provides the best warranty. Read the fine print on the warranty. In some reviews in Amazon, users have revealed that they only found out much later that the ten-year warranty offered by the company only covered the trampoline frame and even shorter warranty for the safety netting. Though it is only fair that there can be varied warranty limits on the product parts, it helps to be familiar ahead of the policy so that you will not have any disappointments along the way.  It helps to set the expectations.

10. Brand Reputation:

When it comes to choosing a trampoline, brand reputation serves as your North Star. Opt for trampolines from reputable brands celebrated for their commitment to quality, safety, and impeccable customer support. Established names often come with the added assurance of robust warranties and post-purchase assistance. Let brand reputation be your beacon, guiding you toward a trampoline that embodies trust and excellence.

11. Longevity and Maintenance:

As you embark on your trampoline journey, consider the element of time. Delve into the trampoline’s longevity and maintenance demands. Some models are crafted with weather-resistant materials, braving the elements with resilience. Others offer ingenious foldable designs, simplifying storage during colder months. This marriage of durability and convenience ensures that your trampoline remains a source of joy for years to come.

12. Accessories and Add-ons:

Picture your trampoline as a canvas awaiting personalization. Beyond the bounce, think about the accessories and add-ons that can elevate your experience. From ladder attachments for easy entry to covers that shield against the elements, and specialized mats that add a unique twist to your jumps – these enhancements transform your trampoline into a realm of boundless possibilities.

13. Research and Comparison:

In the world of trampolines, patience pays off. Resist the urge to rush into a decision. Instead, embark on a journey of research and comparison. Delve into the intricacies of different trampoline options. Assess factors ranging from materials and construction to the tapestry of user experiences. By immersing yourself in this exploration, you’re ensuring that your trampoline selection mirrors your aspirations, resulting in a bounce-filled journey of wisdom.

Choosing Between Spring-Free or Traditional Trampolines

There are several mentions above about two different kinds of trampoline which is the spring-free trampoline and the traditional spring trampoline. When you do your own search in YouTube these are the two most popular categories being compared to each other. 

All the promotional videos will tend to lean on the Spring-free trampoline. In paper, spring-free trampolines are indeed far safer than the traditional ones simply because they have worked out the aspects of the trampoline which posed as hazards to children or any user. 

Spring-free trampolines have no sharp frame edges that you can hit your head on. Because of this they do not require the protective padding found on traditional trampolines. With no springs stretching the mat, you have no holes which an arm or a leg can get stuck in.

This is not to say that all traditional trampolines fall short on safety and quality. Some brands really focus on getting those dangerous parts covered and padded. Spring-free trampolines are not entirely free of fault either. Because of their consolidated design, repair and parts replacement come off as a challenge. You will find some feedback from Amazon buyers about this concern. 

a kid jumping on large trampoline

15. Choose A Trampoline By Fun Things to Do

Water Ball Games: Transform your trampoline into a water playground, where splashes and laughter blend in perfect harmony. Water ball games on a trampoline add a refreshing twist to the usual bounce, infusing joy with every splash.

Canvas of Creativity: Picture your trampoline as an open canvas awaiting the magic of paint. Let your imagination soar as you unleash your artistic spirit, creating vibrant masterpieces that mirror your bouncing zeal.

Movie Nights Under the Stars: Elevate your movie nights by taking them to the trampoline. Lay back, gaze at the stars, and enjoy your favorite films in a setting that’s both enchanting and cozy.

Sleeping Under Open Skies: In the warmth of summer, your trampoline can double as a magical bed under the open skies. Drift into slumber surrounded by nature’s serenade, relishing the unique joy of sleeping outdoors.

The Pure FunTrampoline Experience

A Realm of Possibilities: If you find yourself pondering the perfect trampoline, consider the world of Pure Fun Trampolines. These trampolines are crafted with both your enjoyment and safety in mind, offering a range of sizes and shapes to suit your needs.

A Companion for All Ages: Whether you’re in search of a vast outdoor trampoline for your bustling family or a cozy indoor trampoline tailored for your little ones, Pure Fun Trampoline caters to all. Competitive pricing and a commitment to quality make Pure Fun Trampolines an inviting choice for those who seek to embrace boundless fun.

As you step beyond the boundaries of traditional bouncing, you’re carving a path to experiences that transcend the ordinary. Unleash the magic of water games, artistic endeavors, movie nights, and even sleeping under the stars on your versatile trampoline canvas. And if you’re on the quest for a trampoline that encapsulates both fun and safety, let Pure Fun Trampoline be your trusted partner in this exhilarating journey of bouncing joy.

The Choice Is Yours

In conclusion, if you have the budget for it spring-free trampoline does have a great track record on safety. They have significantly lesser accidents compared to traditional trampolines.

However, if you feel that the price is just too much for the spring-free trampoline considering that they do go two to three times more expensive than the new spring-free ones, perhaps a spring trampoline will fit you. After all, there have been hundreds and thousands of households with spring trampolines that have at least five years of use and no record of accidents.

Our team has considered all the factors outlined in this buying guide, along with their expertise and knowledge in Trampolines, to recommend the top choice for you. You can shop being confident that someone has considered all relevant information and you will get the best Trampolines to meet your needs. Happy shopping!