Our Quick Trampoline Ratings
What to Look for in Best Rated Trampolines
Size
This is what many of us think about first while choosing the trampoline. It’s really important. The price of the model depends on its size, while the size depends on the space you own for the purpose. If you have a big backyard, you probably not limited to the dimensions. In other case, check up the available space.
The 15 ft round models are the average large ones. If proper quality, they will last you much longer than smaller options, because your growing (and getting heavier) kids will be still able to jump on them.
In case you can’t afford such a big one because of some reason, choose the 12- or 14-feet alternative. They are more versatile while keep being fun.
Smaller sized options are for young kids and toddlers. You will have to replace them to the larger one in couple of years. These trampolines are not the little copies of the large ones. The toddler trampolines require specific features to prevent accidents with young kids; we’ll cover them in the individual reviews below.
Shape
Round trampolines are the most popular ones on the U.S. backyards. They will bounce you to the center, so jumping on them is safe and fun.
There are several other shapes, for you know: square, oval, and octagonal. All of these are rarer on the market. The rectangular ones are closer to gymnastic equipment because they have better bouncing and are more controlled by the jumper. Moreover, they save space and provide more jumping surface compared to the round ones of a similar diameter.
Octagonal models are technically close to the round ones. These products are hi-end and quite expensive.
Enclosure
The safety net is the most vulnerable part of the whole thing. It has to be dependable enough to handle the body weight, although it’s not the wrestling ring. Next is the way the enclosure attaches to the construction. Ensure it is attached without gaps. The best available way of attaching is sewn directly to the edge of the jumping surface so that the kids’ feet won’t get stuck in the springs.
There are two ways of entrance to the trampoline; the conventional is the opening in the net with a zipper, and the new advanced method is slip-in. The latter is considered safer because there is no hole in the enclosure in this case. Plus, the zipper won’t break if it’s absent.
Mechanism
There are several ways to make a trampoline bounce. The known-by-all springs are the most wide spread, hint cheaper. You don’t want to buy a product with poor quality springs though. The right springs must be sturdy, completely covered by the padded material, and optionally but very desired quiet. All spring ones, even the best rated trampolines, squeak, it’s their main downside compared to the other kinds.
The spring-free trampolines use the leaf springs instead of the common ones. They are located under the mat and way safer because there is not a possibility of getting damaged by the sharp metal parts. Besides, the jumping area is larger due to absence of springs around it. The total space is 1-2 feet larger.
There are models with stretch stripes instead of the springs too. They are rare and used in small toddler trampolines for soft bouncing.
Additional features
The add-ons usually are ladder, basketball ring, handle, etc. They can come included by default or you will have to buy any separately. Consider this before clicking the “add to cart” button.
Weight Capacity
The weight the product is able to handle is one of the crucial points. While the cheaper models may be quite large and seem sturdy, the maximum weight for them is only up to 150-190 lbs. It’s less than almost any adult male weights. So, bye-bye bouncing for you! Leaving apart jokes, it can be a problem in case you’ll want to play on it with your kids. This would be a fail if your several not very young kids will overcome the weight limit too.
The quality trampolines can handle more than 300 lbs, which is enough for an adult or a company of school friends. These products have much more sturdy construction. The price depends on it though.