How to Choose a Trampoline

If you're looking to buy a trampoline, you probably know it's not as simple as heading to your local mall and picking up the first one you see. If you've been looking into them or considering this for a while, you'll know there's an incredible amount of to choose include the trampoline weight limits, trampoline sizes, whether it will fit your yard, what shape trampoline is best, and whether to buy one that's netted or un-netted. All of these options can be daunting to consider, so here's a guide to choosing the best trampoline for your needs:

Size
Trampolines come in a range of shapes and sizes. So many in fact that we have to look more into shapes later. Available sizes include 10ft trampolines, 12ft trampolines, and 14ft trampolines.

If you're unsure what trampoline size is best for your backyard, measure out the area and mark where a trampoline would go. Is there still living space around these markings? Remember to budget a little more space as netting, poles and supports generally take up more space.

If you live in a windy area, you may need to consider anchoring your trampoline to the ground, so look for a trampoline that has an anchor included. Otherwise, you could have to buy it separately. A trampoline with a larger surface area is more likely to be swept away by the wind.

Another option for windy areas is digging a section out of your yard to place the trampoline in. This can reduce injuries as users have less distance to fall. If you're considering this, you may want to look into purchasing a smaller trampoline as there will be less digging required.

Weight limits
Before you purchase a trampoline, make sure you look into the manufacturers recommended weight limit. This is important, especially if you expect more than one person to use the trampoline in one single time (please note, many medical experts advise only having one person on a trampoline at a time).

Trampolines with a lower weight limit may succumb to more wear and tear and need to be checked for stretched strings and stitching, whereas those with higher weight limits tend to last a bit longer.

If you're buying a lightweight trampoline for young children, keep in mind that, like their clothes, they may grow out of it. So keep this in mind.

Choosing a trampoline that's safe
While having fun and getting exercise outdoors is usually the overall goal of buying a trampoline, it can't be ignored that trampolining is actually incredibly dangerous. In fact, trampoline injuries are so common that they resulted in over a million hospital visits between 2002 and 2011 in the United States, resulting in over one billion dollars spent. So to optimise fun while minimising the risk for you and children, you really should look into trampolines with the following features:

Padding
Look for a with that covers springs and exposed poles. This will prevent children coming into contact with any metal parts. Padding helps prevent toes or fingers being caught in springs, which is a serious hazard for children.

Safety Nets
Safety nets are an important feature for kid's trampolines. They ensure children (and adults) don't fall or try to jump off trampolines. Many trampolines also use arched poles instead of straight poles to hold up the netting. This ensures people don't jump into poles or netting.

Shapes
Buying a round trampoline is a lot safer than purchasing a rectangle or square one. This is because they offer less bounce, which means there's less risk of children falling off or crashing into each other. It also means children are more likely to bounce in the centre of the trampoline, as that's where they can bounce the highest, lowering the chances of them falling off.


Article kindly provided by jumpflex.co.nz

User Anecdotes

We've solicited a number of user anecdotes on this topic, and have hand picked some of the more interesting ones below. We feel that anecdotes can give a practical, human perspective on a topic.

"When choosing a trampoline for my family, I considered several factors like safety, durability, and size. I have two young kids who love spending time outdoors, so it was essential that the trampoline had a safety enclosure to prevent them from falling off. Additionally, I wanted a trampoline with a durable frame and a high weight limit to accommodate my husband and me as well. After much research, we decided on a 14-foot trampoline with a high-quality galvanized steel frame and a 330-pound weight limit. We've had it for over a year now, and it's been a fantastic investment. The kids love it, and we get to spend quality family time outdoors.
Anne D.

As a professional gymnast, I have had my share of experiences with trampolines. When I decided to get one for home use, I knew I needed to find one that could accommodate my training needs. I looked for a trampoline with a larger jumping surface and sturdy frame to support my weight and the force of my jumps. I also wanted one with a high-quality mat and springs to ensure it would last for years. After comparing several models, I ended up purchasing a 17-foot rectangular trampoline with a 450-pound weight capacity. It's been great for my training sessions, and the quality is exceptional. I would recommend that anyone who's serious about their trampoline training invest in a durable, high-quality model."
Miguel S.

My wife and I decided to get a trampoline for our backyard as a fun way for us and our teenage kids to stay active. We did a lot of research and were particularly concerned about safety, as well as the size and shape of the trampoline. We ended up choosing a 15-foot round trampoline with an enclosure, as it was supposed to be the safest option. The enclosure has a secure entry system that prevents anyone from accidentally falling out, and the round shape keeps jumpers more centralized. We also appreciated that this trampoline had UV-resistant materials and long-lasting springs, which were important factors considering the amount of sun and rain our backyard receives. So far, it has been a great addition to our backyard activities, and we feel confident in its safety features."
Aditya P.

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