Spring, Springless Or Spring Free Trampoline?

Spring, springfree or springless trampolines?

Lets demystify what each one means to you as a consumer

• Springless / free trampolines are the newest hype in the trampoline world.
• They are advertised as the safest alternative,
• There are no springs where users could get pinched or tangled
• No need for safety pads, as the rigid frame is below the mat level.
• Additionally, the safety net is installed in a way that makes falling off the trampoline practically impossible.
• Almost too good to be true, isn't it?

Unfortunately, as promising as spring less/free trampolines sound, they do have some disadvantages.

Spring-less Trampoline

• These trampolines are made with elastic bands replacing springs.
• The wide elastic is sewn into the matting as a loop and then a metal hook goes through and attaches onto the frame.
• There are no holes in the frame as the hook goes over the top of the frame. 
• Our own personal experience with this trampoline was that with a sample model 14 ft at home it collapsed with our 16 yo son on it.
• Our conclusion was not to import and sell this style trampoline at all
• We do think it has merit for younger kids where parents deem it necessary for them to be protected from springs.
• The frame tube is flattened off at the top which weakens the frame as well. (the likely cause of the collapse with our son on it)
• Many kids who come to test our display want to clarify that we don't have "elastic trampolines" because they don't like the bounce
• They also get a bad rap for the elastic deteriorating too quickly in the weather especially when the padding deteriorates and isn't replaced

Spring-free Trampoline

• It takes a lot of time to install and if you make a mistake during installation, it is quite time-consuming to fix it, as it passes through all the rods.
• Plus, installing the rods requires some skill and loads of strength.
• If you want to use your trampoline for gymnastics and you need a good bounce, spring free trampolines are unlikely the right choice for you.
• Spring free trampolines are said to be less efficient than many an average-priced round trampolines
• As the surface of the spring free trampoline rotates a little every time you jump, it puts a strain on your knees that could lead to long term injuries more noticeable to adults and heavier kids
• From personal experience, I would doubt young kids would feel the twist in the mat through their knees 
• A good looking trampoline with strong thick powder-coated frame.
• Continuing to improve their trampoline year on year with materials and finish

Vuly Thunder Trampoline - Pro

• Designed with metal leaf springs that curl in and attach to the jumping mat effectively allowing the mat to sit suspended in the air with no frame or metal for users to have direct contact with.
• It looks great, no denying that.
• Assembly much harder than their video makes it look 
• Users perspective and feedback from kids at our display - 
• Not ideal bounce for under most under 12 yo or 45-50 kg as the just don't have enough weight to get desirable height.
• Dads and older heavier teens like them
• Quite hard for most kids to bounce on (the mat is very taut)
• if multiple kids jump together then the natural place to jump on it is in the middle which isn't great for 2 or 3 kids. 
• The reason for the pooling of all jumpers in the middle is because the leaf springs are so taut is hard to bounce within a foot of the edge.
• Which then takes a 12 ft frame trampoline with a 10 ft sized mat down to an 8 ft jumping space. Not ideal for 2 or 3 older kids. 
• great looking trampoline, heavy and strong
• Fabulous net design to ensure kids stay on the trampoline

Spring Trampolines

• A spring trampoline resoundingly gets the thumbs up for having the better bounce all round over the non-spring designs.
• I often refer to the fact that the Olympic grade/competition trampolines are all still spring trampolines with nothing yet coming close to replace them.
• We sell so many more Vuly lift and lift pros than the thunder trampolines when kids come to test. 
• Kids and Parents often come with the Thunder in mind but the kids spend so little time bouncing on them and soon bail for the better bounce spring trampoline.
• Parents can clearly see the difference in how the kids are jumping 
• Spring trampolines have come a long way from when today's parents were kids and got their fingers, toes, and hair caught in the springs.
• Vuly brand and most department store bought trampolines have inside netting meaning there is no access to the springs anyway from inside the trampoline.
• Trampoline web and warehouse brand trampolines all have netting sewn into the padding and secure to the mat triangle hooks to avoid any way for contact with fingers, toes or hair from either inside or outside the trampoline.

Spring / Spring-less or Spring-free? 

• We can't tell you what is the right trampoline for you and your family but we do know all trampolines are right for someone.
• Hopefully, after reading and learning the pros and the cons of each style you will be better informed in making your decision on the level of safety you perceive in a product, the bounce and how the kids will use the trampoline.
• Then, of course, the look and price of the trampolines too.
• If we can help you further please feel free to phone us 03 52921100 or message us here
• Scroll down further for more articles to help you understand trampolines and decide which is right for your family.

Photo - Missie - Flickr