Frequently Asked Questions – You Asked, We Answer!
Choosing a trampoline size that will best fit your need can be hard task. It is in human nature that people want to buy biggest trampoline available on the market. But is this really necessary?
Well, not exactly… Read on!
Do I need any previous gymnastics experience?
No, everybody can jump on trampoline as no previous experience is needed. Only make sure that you jump within your skill set. Don`t expect that doing flips is easy and that you should immediately try it. For a start, just some regular bouncing will need to suffice.
What size of trampoline do I need?
When trying to choose trampoline size you need to consider following:
- Who will be using it? As you might presume, there is no point buying 14ft or bigger trampoline if only bouncer will be toddler or small child. In that case, it is best to buy 8ft or 10ft trampoline. 12ft trampolines can be purchased if trampoline will be used by older children or teenagers and 14 ft only for teenagers or whole family. Always try to match children`s age and capabilities with size of the trampoline. Also, next aspect for decision is size of your garden. Take those facts into consideration and you will get perfect trampoline size which will suit your needs.
- Will it fit your backyard? We always want best & biggest, but there were cases when people forgot that their backyard is no big enough for trampoline ordered… Most likely this can occasionally happen when people order online, without seeing how big that trampoline really is.
What are available shapes of trampoline and when to use which?
Trampolines come in several shapes, where each one has it purpose. They are available in five main types: round, rectangular, oval, square trampolines (which were introduced for filling out a gap between round and rectangular and they take best qualities of both) plus some additional models, like octagonal.
Is there really any difference when jumping on different shapes of trampolines?
This answer is pretty straight-forward – YES.
If you really want best bouncing experience then only rectangular, oval and springless trampolines can be considered. Difference between them is that rectangular trampolines are better in bounce height, but they are not so safe as springless or even round trampolines are. So which one to take is all about what you really need it for, recreational or training purposes. If part-time recreation is main reason, springless trampoline would be my first choice.
If main reason is training, rectangular trampoline is what you need as round trampolines mostly do not have enough room for performing tricks (but are safer because jumpers in round trampolines are always directed to the center of trampoline mat) and rectangular will give you best performance and available space (but are less safer because jumpers alone decides where it will land on a mat).
With oval trampolines you can get enough room for tricks and as design is similar to round trampolines, as they also point bouncer back to the center of trampoline mat
Do all trampolines have same weight limit?
Of course not. Trampoline weight limit is different on all trampolines, based on several elements from which trampoline is made of. Frame thickness, springs, mat quality, number of stitches and overall quality of those parts has huge impact on maximum weight limit of the bouncer.
Some general specifications are like this:
Weight limit:
Shape – ROUND
- 8ft – 10ft trampolines – from 200 – 250 lbs
- 12ft trampolines – from 250 – 300 lbs
- 14ft – 16ft trampolines – from 250 – 400 lbs
Shape – RECTANGULAR
- All trampoline sizes – from 200 – 450 lbs
Shape – OVAL
- 16ft trampolines – from 300 – 450 lbs
Shape – OCTAGONAL
I want best available trampoline on the market for recreational purposes. Which should I buy?
If you plan to use your trampoline for recreational purposes on a daily basis consider buying 14 or 15 ft round trampoline, 9 x 15 ft rectangular trampoline or 8 x 13 ft large oval spring based or springless trampoline. Of course, size and available place in your backyard also count.
How NOT to get hurt on trampoline!?
This is interesting question but unfortunately there is no unique answer. But we can tell you this:
- always read trampoline user manual as it will help you get started with your trampoline training, if nothing more, you will learn some basic moves to start with!
- always use trampoline safety pads and trampoline enclosure – they are a life saver,
- check trampoline mat for cuts or tearings before every training session,
- check if trampoline springs are firmly attached to frames and mat,
- DO NOT over-estimate your abilities. Learn to bounce properly before performing any tricks,
- DO NOT let children inside trampoline without supervision. Trampoline is not a kindergarten,
- If neighbors kids will come to play any trampoline games, explain them how to act on trampoline. Rules must be known!