Rectangle trampoline vs round trampoline - the duel - featured image

Rectangle Trampolines VS Round Trampolines – The Duel

Today standard trampolines come mostly in two shapes – round (circular) and rectangular. Main difference between them is not just in appearance, but in quality, safety, price and overall user experience.

Trampolines are not just pure pleasure and fun which costs money. Better think of it as an investment into the future. It is great for health, it is great for fun, it is even great for sunbathing. Just think of all possibilities it has to offer, they are literally numerous.

As you will see next, rectangular trampolines are overall winners when it comes to everything jump related, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t even consider round trampoline as your first choice! Read on.

How do I pick – Which is better??

There are a few ways you can do it. First, decide which shape would best fit your backyard, take a measuring tape, and check, leaving at least 3 ft from each size. You wouldn’t wanna get your self huge rectangle trampoline, unpack it, and realize there is not enough room to accommodate it. Some people were there. Don’t be one of them.

When you have narrowed down the shape, then consider who will be using it. Do you have a semi-pro gymnast at home? The choice is definitely rectangle. Or are you buying it for occasional jumping sessions and playtime? Then the choice is again clear – round trampoline it is.

But fine, now that we tried to explain the first steps in choosing what you really need, let’s go deeper into the matter and see what really are the main differences between a rectangle and round trampolines!

Round vs Rectangle trampolines image
Image of: Skybound Stratos round & ACON rectangular trampoline

Rectangle vs Round Trampolines – PERFORMANCE

Rectangular trampolines combine the great bounce of square trampolines with usability of oval trampolines. They provide among the best bounces of all types and lend themselves well to various tricks, somersaults and flips. As such, we would recommend them to more experienced jumpers.

The bounce is gentler, more free-form and more pleasant. However, the trampoline requires the use of stronger steel structure, which lends itself to higher costs. They are a must if you or your kid plan on doing any kind of professional moves.

Rectangle vs Round Trampolines – WEIGHT LIMIT

Weight limitation is also one important element to consider. Will it be used by older jumpers or only children? If children, how many of them will you allow on it? (We recommend only one jumper at a time, as multiple jumpers are the number 1 reason for accidents). So when you’ll have those answers then and only then you can select a trampoline that will handle those requirements.

Rectangular trampoline generally has a lot higher weight limit than round counterparts, and it ranges from 250 – 450 lbs on rectangular and from 175 – 350 lbs on round ones. Of course, there are models with much higher limit, like ACON Air 16, so definitely go and check it out.

Rectangle vs Round Trampolines – USES

Round is the most common shape you’ll find around. It’s only natural since making a round trampoline on average requires less material and thus, costs less. The round shape allows for the impact forces to be uniformly distributed around the trampoline, so there is no need for using as much steel or rebar. These savings are transferred directly to the consumer, which explains why round trampolines are usually the most economical option. Round trampolines are designed for home and recreational rather than professional use. They accommodate less weight and force than rectangular trampolines, which are best suited for the ever-growing demands of gymnasts, divers, and aerialists.

Also, regarding user experience, the main difference is in that that rectangular trampolines will give you much more room for doing tricks, while round trampolines will try to direct you into the center of the trampoline, allowing you to jump high without so much required experience. Simply, rectangular is a choice that more professional users typically stick with.

Rectangular vs Round Trampolines – PRICE

Round trampolines often feature a lower price than rectangular counterparts, and this is due to the inherent natural strength of the circular frame, which requires less added steel support than a square or rectangular frame design. Manufacturers can build round trampolines relatively easily, and at a low cost, which then gets passed on to the consumer. But, not only does it have to do with the extra cost of the frame, there are other factors worthy mentioning, besides frame alone:

  • Size of the trampoline – bigger trampoline means that more materials will be used, from jumping mat and enclosure size all the way to weight, as shipping costs for trampolines are not exactly small.
  • Quality of materials: The used materials of what’s trampoline made of will affect the price. That especially goes for jumping mat, where some material, like Permatron, adds significantly to the overall price.

Rectangular vs Round Trampolines – SAFETY

„The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia“ suggests that parents weigh the risks of trampolines carefully before making a purchase. If you decide that a trampoline is the right choice for your family or children, the hospital recommends sticking with round designs, which offer a less powerful bounce than rectangular models. The reduced spring number and size on circular trampolines lowers risk of injury. Also, do not forget to read general guidelines on trampoline safety!
ACON Air 4.3 Round trampoline without enclosure -imageVERDICT:

If you’re an average user looking for your first trampoline on a budget, it will certainly be round. Round trampolines are the cheapest to make and are also considered the safest since they pull you towards the middle when you jump. Maybe they aren’t as fun since the bounce is less high and not as responsive. Space is also not optimally used since most back yards are square-shaped. On the other hand, most trampolines are round so the choice is huge.

Rectangular and square trampolines are fantastic for more expert users. They are more expensive, but the space allows for more advanced gymnastics techniques like flips and twists. In fact, pros mostly use rectangular trampolines for bouncing. Thus rectangular trampolines are great gifts for kids and teens who train gymnastics. Pro grade quality trampolines cost thousands of dollars, but even semi-pro consumer-grade units are satisfactory.

General recommendations for parents of toddlers & small children, who still aren’t skillful bouncers.

  • Never have more than one child jumping on a trampoline. Multiple jumpers are great fun (click here for list of trampoline games) but also makes one of the most common reasons for accidents to happen.
  • Always use trampoline enclosure. It is a MUST HAVE safety system, not expensive (mostly included in the package) and can prevent a lot of accidents.
  • Always do full inspection of trampoline integrity. Check trampoline mat, check springs and at last, check frame for possible cracks. If you need to replace any part of trampoline, replace it first and only then continue to use trampoline.
  • Never let children on trampoline without supervision. It is not a kindergarten.