GeeTramp Force Black Edition Trampoline Benefits
Here is some information on what the "Black Edition" trampoline means and when this model would be best considered when purchasing.
Buying the wrong trampoline is common for several reasons, one reason is just buying a trampoline on the aesthetics alone. The look of a trampoline needs to be balanced with the other factors – cost, safety, bounce, durability, standards availability of spares, etc.
In general, we see a lot of parents inclined to put back yard aesthetics ahead of bounce and most other factors. Unfortunately, this can mean they end up with kids that aren’t too fussed with the trampoline they have. Kids then often finding a friend’s trampoline more fun to use, leaving parents wondering why.
The kid’s viewpoint is a bit different. When the kids are young, they are happy to just about bounce on anything, so at this stage, you can get away with nearly any trampoline for several years. However, as they grow with experience and skills (typically starting around the age of 8+) they are keen to develop what they can do further if they are active in their jump routines and learning tricks then the trampoline bounce becomes what they care about most. They will start noticing and comparing the differences in bounce on other friends’ trampolines or at bounce parks.
Parents are then much more discerning shoppers and use the kid's input further when seeking the second family trampoline. To combine both considerations, we now offer a black powder-coated frame in a matt finish on our most popular family trampolines.
Customers Q&A about our Black Edition typically goes like this:
Kids:
Question - does the Black Edition have a better bounce?
Answer – No, the visible part of the frame is powder-coated to primarily look better in the garden.
Kids simply don’t tend to care about the color any further.
Parents:
Question – what are the benefits of the Black Edition compared to the galvanised finished version?
Answer – it looks great in the yard and because it’s an additional coating on top of the normal galvanised finish it adds another layer of protection, so we anticipate even longer life.
GeeTramp trampolines are designed and built primarily for safety, bounce, material durability, spare parts availability, standards and cost. Aesthetics is also a large factor but not at the expense of these factors.
Differences on steelwork finishes in the general market for outdoor products:
- Galvanised – This durable zinc coating is the standard finish on our trampolines and provides long life protection on steel components
- Powder Coating – this can be put directly on steelwork, it has many colors options, however we don’t just use this as it won’t last as long on its own.
- Powder Coating & Galvanised – The powder coating is done in additional and on top of the galvanised finish, the best of both worlds, this is the coating our Black Edition gets.
Partially assembled Black Edition Trampoline
Partially assembled Galvanised Trampoline
How long does this coating last?
We have only been offering the following Black Edition trampolines for 3 years.
- Mini Gymnastics
- 8x12ft GeeTramp Force
- 9x14ft GeeTramp Force
We haven’t experienced the full life cycle to know exactly the lifespan for you. However, there have been no problems to date, and we don’t expect any from what we have seen of the professional and clean factory where it is done.
As a result of the thermal bonding process, powder coatings are resistant to weather, chemicals, corrosion, scratching, chipping, and other wear and tear. This makes it a consideration for those with acidic soils or those living near the coast with the extra salt content in the air.
Bearing in mind that the powder coating is adding extra years life to what the frame was going to do anyway 10-15 years. Potentially making it an heirloom!
Is Powder Coating better than paint?
Yes, is the simple answer – the powder-coating process means it’s applied very evenly give a reliable covering and also because they don't drip or run, the colours remain vibrant for longer than hand or spray painting.
What is Powder Coating on Galvanised Steel?
Powder coating over galvanizing is a two-step coating process. In the first step, the steel part is galvanised in a very hot bath with a layer of zinc. The zinc layer provides cathodic and barrier protection, preventing the steel from oxidizing, resulting in a longer part life. This gives a grey/silver appearance. The powder coating is then applied on top as the second step, this done in matt black.
What is the difference between Galvanised and Powder Coated?
A primary difference between galvanized and powder coating is the way they protect the surface of the workpiece. Galvanisation provides sacrificial protection, meaning the coating will absorb corrosive materials before being detrimental to the core metal object. If Powder Coating was used on its own on the steelwork then a scratch can expose the steelwork directly to corrosion, if a galvanised surface is scratched the coating in the surround area still acts as a sacrificial protectant so scratches are less of a corrosion risk. This is why we still retain the use of galvanising under the powder coating.
What does Powder Coating do?
It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as household appliances, window frames, automobile parts, playground equipment including trampolines and so much more.
Does Powder Coating come off?
Powder coating is mostly a permanent process. I say mostly because it can be removed just like any “paint”, but it takes a lot of effort to do so. Powder coating is more durable than normal paint so it's tough to get off.
It produces a durable and exceptional looking finish, but like all “paint”, eventually it will fail.
Is Powder Coating rust proof?
Powder coating is resistant to cracking, peeling, chipping, abrasion, rust and damage due to chemical exposure. While it isn't indestructible, it is highly durable, retains colour, goes on uniformly, has excellent UV stability and is a far more environmentally friendly option than traditional liquid paint.
Is there any downside to the Black Edition?
- It means additional materials and steps in the manufacturing process, so the Black Edition model costs a bit more.
- Extra care needs to be taken during manufacturing, handling, packing, packaging and assembly to minimise scratches of the black surface, however even if you experience some scratches during the lifetime of the trampoline most people agree the trampoline still looks good.
