Trampoline Buyers Guide - Big Round Trampolines
If you’re considering buying a trampoline your main considerations should include:
Who will use the trampoline?
Where will the trampoline be located?
How much should I pay for a trampoline?
Trampolines range in size from 8ft all the way up to 16ft. The most popular sizes, accounting for over 85% of all trampoline sales are 10ft trampolines (20%), 12ft trampolines (30%) and 14ft trampolines (35%) with mini trampolines and other sizes making up the remainder.
Big Round Trampolines – Trampoline Buyers Guide: Who will use the trampoline?
As a rough guide a 10 ft trampoline would be suitable for a single child, or two small children, with occasional adult use. A 12ft trampoline would be a good choice for a couple of children and regular use by adults and a 14ft trampoline would allow regular use by two or more children and adults. The larger the trampoline the higher the maximum trampoline jumping weight.
Big Round Trampolines – Trampoline Buyers Guide: Where will the trampoline be located?
Before purchasing a trampoline carefully consider the space available in your garden and bear in mind a 12ft circle measured out on the ground seems considerably bigger when it’s a real trampoline standing 3ft off the ground!
Allow a clear area of at least 3ft around the outside of your trampoline so if children do topple off then they are likely to have a safe landing. For example, if you are considering purchasing a 12ft trampoline you need a space of approximately 18ft diameter with no overhanging branches where the trampoline can stand.
Big Round Trampolines – Trampoline Buyers Guide: How much should I pay for a trampoline?
The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ applies. Even taking into account special offers and marketing flexibility if you buy a cheap trampoline it is highly likely that trampoline cost less to manufacture and this will show in terms of quality of materials, quality of finish and the trampoline guarantee.
A trampoline is much more than just something to bounce on and in our experience is enjoyed as much by teenagers as little kids. Apart from something to bounce on trampolines become a popular place to chill, do homework, chat with friends, sunbathe and sleep so bear this in mind and buy a quality trampoline with a decent guarantee.
If you’re confused by the jargon and obsession with specifications on many trampoline websites check out our trampoline comparison chart and refer to the key trampoline features we believe should influence a trampoline buying decison below.
Of course, you could save yourself a lot of trouble and just buy your trampoline from us and we’re always happy to help and talk trampolines.
Big Round Trampolines – Trampoline Buyers Guide: Key Trampoline Features
Tampoline Frames
Trampoline frame thickness: This is typically stated using the imperial British SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) measurement. The lower the gauge number the thicker the metal so 14 gauge (2.03 mm) is thicker and heavier than 16 gauge ( 1.63 mm) – most people incorrectly assume 16 gauge is preferable to 14 gauge because it’s a larger number! Since all our trampolines comply with all relevant safety standards the thickness of the frame is not a key factor.
Trampoline anti-rust treatment: There are two popular anti rust treatments. Galvanised steel is better than ‘Zinc Powder Coated’ steel.
Trampoline assembly: Most trampolines (certainly all our trampolines) slot together without needing any tools. The larger the trampoline the longer it will take to assemble, we give a rough estimate alongside each model.
Most trampolines stand approximately 3ft above the ground. Any trampoline which stands lower than than this may well indicate that trampoline is not as bouncy as our trampolines.
Trampoline Springs
Be warned, there's a LOT of mis-infomation around!
The bouciness of any trampoline is determined by its springs. Spring performance is dependent on many factors (the material the spring is made from, the diameter of the wire used, the diameter of the spring coil and the overall length of the spring) so without getting into the science and bearing in mind all our trampolines conform to all relevent standards you can rest assured all our trampolines are bouncy enough to provide fun without launching anyone into outer space or creating impact craters on your lawn.
We do not see the number or length of springs alone as key factors however we would not recommend any trampoline with 5” or shorter springs or trampolines which use elastic or rubber bands instead of springs.
Trampoline Beds
Virtually all jump beds are now woven polypropolene mesh with a UV resistant coating which ensures the trampoline beds can withstand direct sunglight for extended periods. Because trmapolines beds are made with a fine mesh water seeps through and falls onto the ground below.
Trampoline Pads
Two sorts of foam are used in pads and there are two popular shapes.
Cheap budget trampolines tend to use wedge shaped trampoline pads which taper from around 20mm on the outside edge down to 5mm on the inside edge. Trampoline pads are often the first trampoline component to wear out so buying a cheap trampoline and having to purchase replacement pads a year later could be false economy. Better quality trampolines (including our Jumpking trampolines, Hi-jump trampolines and Pro Sport trampolines) use flat pads throughout and vary slightly in thickness from 25mm upwards.
We believe closed cell foam (sometimes called impact foam) 25mm or thicker provides sufficient protection for children. Closed cell foam is designed to absorb impact so a trampoline with 25mm closed cell foam pads and is likely to perform better than a trampoline with thicker pads using traditional upholstery foam. We would not recommend buying a trampoline which doesn’t use closed cell foam pads.
Trampoline pads are usually covered in vinyl which can vary in thickness and quality. Our popular trampoline models feature 20oz vinyl compared to budget trampolines which use lighter weight vinyl or only partially cover the pad with vinyl leaving the underside covered with mesh. As trampolines have become ever more popular the marketplace has become more competitive and the specifications have improved so what was once acceptable is now considered below standard.
Pro Sport Trampoline pads attach using duffle-coat style toggles and feature a small 50mm (2") valance or skirt which help keep the padding postioned perfectly. As far as we are aware other trampolines are usually tied on and no not feature a valance.
Trampoline Covers
Trampoline covers are not designed to be waterpoof!
Most models include a hole or fine mesh in the centre which allows water to escape down through the bed to the ground underneath. During a heavy downpour it is preferable to remove the cover otherwise the trampoline may turn into a swimming pool and it is not good for the springs to be kept in tension for extended periods.
Trampoline covers are designed to minimise UV degradation to the trampoline bed and pads from direct sunglight and to keep leaves and bird droppings off the trampoline. Although trampoline covers are not necessary are a useful and inexpensive extra and they are included free with some trampoline models.
Trampoline Ladders
Trampoline ladders make it easier for younger children or disabled people to get onto and down from a trampoline. However this also means unattended younger children could play without your supervision.
Safety nets AKA "fun rings"
Brilliant! No one can fall off and hurt themselves which is one less thing to worry about. Unfortunately they are seen as an expensive extra. We especially recommend anyone with younger children (aged 5 or under) or anyone with a disability that affects their ability to use a trampoline gives serious consideration to purchasing a safety net. Children tend to topple off a trampoline rather than flying miles through the air before crash landing so for older children it’s not such a clear cut decision.
Level Ground
It is important that the ground is level and that all trampoline legs are touching the ground. If this is not the case the trampoline will suffer stress where it is not supposed to and this will affect its durability and safe usage - it's also more squeaky! If the ground on which the trampoline legs stand slopes by more than a few inches over the length of the trampoline we would advise digging a shallow trench where the higher ended legs stand – effectively levelling the trampoline bed.
Round or Rectangular trampoline?
Round trampolines are designed for fun. The lift is approximately 3ft from bed to bottom of foot and the impetus of the bounce is upwards and towards the middle which leaves plenty of room around the user. For these reasons round trampolines are generally considered safer than rectangular trampolines.
Rectangular trampolines are only suitable for use by single users. The impetus is upwards and along the trampoline and the bounce is higher. Rectangular trampolines are generally best suited to anyone involved in trampolining as a sport.
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