Trampolines are a great way to get kids outside and active. Not only are they loads of fun for young children, but everyone in the family can enjoy what a good trampoline has to offer. We recently spoke with Mr Trampoline aficionado, Adam Richards, to get some tips on what to consider when buying the trampoline that’s right for you
1. In-ground vs. above-ground trampolines
There are obvious pros and cons with regards to in-ground and above-ground trampolines.
Budget and mid-level trampolines account for most above-ground trampoline installations. They’re relatively simple to assemble and don’t require any infrastructural changes to the surrounding area. However, choosing an above-ground trampoline comes with certain ownership responsibilities that need to be properly addressed; one is that lightweight trampolines are susceptible to wind and are at risk of flying away during a storm if the trampoline is not properly fastened to the ground.
Not being properly fastened to the ground has also left light weight above-ground trampolines vulnerable to tipping over when an excessive amount of weight is placed on one particular side. Owning an in-ground trampoline rules out any fastening and structural issues that can be experienced after its setup, and there are no bulky obstructions to the surrounding landscape. In-ground trampolines do need to be installed properly in order to be structurally sound, which does come at a premium.
Adam Richards believes that owning a Mr Trampoline trampoline is a life long investment, that will continue to keep kids of all ages bouncing for decades.
2. Shape and style
“It’s hard to beat the classic rectangular trampoline when it comes to overall performance.” says Adam Richards.
With trampolines available in many shapes, styles and size there are heaps of options to consider when choosing the right trampoline for your backyard.
Rectangular trampolines offer a more proportionate bounce, allowing for greater control than others. Premium rectangular trampolines often feature heavy-duty springs that offer a competition-level bounce and provide more space and additional padding for acrobatics.
Entry level circular springless trampolines are an adequate starting point for beginner bouncers, however their circular design offers a less powerful bounce than other styles and tends to direct bouncers to the centre of the mat, meaning that trampoline itself is less suited to acrobatics and quickly outgrown by children looking to expand their aerial skills.
3. Who will be using the trampoline? And for how many years?
All trampolines have weight limitations, so before buying a new one, it’s important to identify who will be using it in your family.
High quality trampolines will almost definitely take more weight, as the build quality and materials are much stronger than that of budget trampolines. This is a really important part of the purchasing process, as it’s common for trampolines to have more than one person bouncing on them at the same time, and it also means parents can have a go too!
4. Quality of build & location
“In our experience, It’s far better to mend than to end,” says Adam Richards.
Replacing springs and pads will ensure your trampoline is always safe, so it’s essential to make sure that you buy a trampoline from a company that allows you to buy spare parts!
If you live in a coastal area, it is important that your trampoline frame has been treated for the salty air. Quality frames are double dipped galvanised to guard against rusting and ensure longevity.
5. Decide on your price range
When choosing the trampoline that’s right for you, it’s best to break up your options into three pricing categories – budget, mid-range and premium (high-performance).
Whilst budget trampolines are a quick and easy way to get started, they should only ever be bought from reputable manufacturers as build quality across low-end brands is poor. Budget trampolines have a short, hard bounce and their life span is short. According to Adam Richards, mid-range trampolines are safer than most budget options, however, both categories of trampoline usually spend their lives above ground and require manual setup, which can lead to malfunction and injury.
Most premium or high performance trampolines are made from heavy duty components and are rectangular by design. This format offers a deeper, softer bounce that can be controlled easily by the bouncer and high-grade materials ensure longevity, allowing kids to bounce all year round. Kids will always enjoy and be challenged by the bounce of a high performance trampoline.
For more information and to inspect their range, visit the Mr Trampoline website
