When looking to buy a trampoline, there are several issues to consider. Apart from price and size, you might be thinking of buying a trampoline for the whole family’s use, something suitable for your children as well.

Below is a set of criteria that you might want to use before you decide on the most suitable trampoline for your needs :

1. Goal

Are you buying the trampoline specifically for exercise or for your young children to bounce on as well? Will it be used for fitness or recreational purposes or both?

2. Space

Do you have space for just a mini trampoline, medium or large one? Can the space accommodate round or rectangular trampoline?

3. Safety

Consider enclosure for the trampoline, especially for full-sized ones

4. Price

How much are you willing to part with to buy the trampoline? If you intend to buy a trampoline for fitness, then you might want to consider a mini or rebounder trampoline. Due to its size, a mini trampoline is easy to store. Some are foldable, which can be useful to those with very limited home storage space.

Size and Weight Capacity of The Trampoline

1. Mini Trampolines, which are also known as rebounders are fitness-focused and range in size from 36 to 49 inches in diameter. You also want to get a trampoline that can adequately support your body weight. Bigger trampolines and those with higher weight capacity provides you the flexibility in the types of exercises that you can do, without you feeling as if you might fall off the equipment. With bigger trampolines, you can include side-to-side hopping or jumping jacks in your exercise routine in addition to simple bouncing or jogging on the spot.

2. Full-sized Trampolines – are usually known as backyard recreational trampolines. Its larger size offers a bigger jumping area and more flexibility in your exercise movements. For example, you would feel safe in doing “seat drops” (where you jump up into the air, then extend your legs in front of you, landing on the trampoline in a seated position), something you should not try on a mini trampoline.

Ranging in size from eight to sixteen feet in diameter, full-sized trampolines usually come in circular shape.

If you are going for a full-sized trampoline, you should consider having an enclosure as a safety measure. Enclosures wrap the jumping surface in a mesh surround, preventing you from bouncing off the edge of the trampoline. Enclosures come as a separate item or incorporated into the trampoline, depending on the models.

3. Professional Trampolines are the least common for use at home. They come in rectangular and circular shapes. The springs of a rectangular trampoline all act in the same direction, contributing to an enhanced rebound experience for the user and enabling him to jump higher.

One of the reasons why professional trampolines are rarely used at home is because they are made of heavy-duty steel, making it too heavy and cumbersome to move around.

If you are thinking of getting a trampoline to keep fit, the professional type is certainly not necessary. It won’t guarantee your weight loss either. You would be better off with a mini (rebounder) trampoline.

Spring or Springless?

The next thing to look into when buying a trampoline is whether it is the spring (coiled-springs) type or the springless (bungee-style) type. Springs, covered in pads, are used in most traditional trampolines. In springless trampolines, fabric straps or elastic materials are used to achieve the same effect as springs. As they are not made of springs, springless trampolines are less bouncy but generally safer.

Enclosures

Enclosures are generally made of netting and surround the perimeter of the trampoline. Trampolines with enclosures are usually preferred by those whose children (particularly the younger ones) are also using the trampolines. The enclosures function as safety nets and keep the user from falling off the edge.

Trampolines without enclosures, particularly full-sized ones, can be dangerous. Thus, when you decide to buy a larger trampoline, go for those with enclosures. These can be bought separately. However, some come with in-built enclosures such as the Jumpsport Elite 14-foot trampoline.