Trampoline – Product Information - the nitty gritty
When looking to buy a quality trampoline, there’s some information that you must know to ensure that you buy the correct one for you. We believe that the most important things to consider are:
1. The size and shape of the trampoline for optimal user bounce experience
2. The sturdiness of the frame – determined by the gauge thickness of the steel frame for ensuring bounce and overall life of the trampoline.
Which is Better? A Round or Rectangular Trampoline?
Professional sports gyms always use rectangular trampolines. The springs work at different rates, giving the jumper a quicker response and resulting in a more powerful lift. Due to these characteristics, rectangular trampolines should only be used by 1 jumper at a time. Athletic kids who want lots of height and kids who want to jump but don’t want to work too hard are ideal users of rectangle trampolines.
As for round trampolines, all the springs work together at the same rate. This gives an even, softer, and more stable bounce albeit less bounce due to a users body weight needing to activate all springs evenly. Round trampolines are, suitable for inexperienced jumpers and children of any age and ability. Often the shape of a families first trampoline until the kids are really after some bounce and space to perform tricks or advance in a particular sport.
Why Size Matters
When choosing the size of the trampoline, you should always consider who will be using it. But an equally important consideration is the size of your yard. You don’t want to invest in a trampoline that’s too small as your children will quickly outgrow it. The difference between a 12-foot trampoline and a 14-foot trampoline may not sound much, but the 14-foot version has 45% more jumping area and if round much less bounce.
You’ll also need to consider that as the jumpers become more experienced, they’re likely to want to perform more complex and aggressive moves, so investing in a larger trampoline (space permitting of course) will mean that it can facilitate more advanced routines.
The Importance of the Trampoline Frame
The most important part of any trampoline is the frame – so it’s important to buy the best. The thickness of the metal, the size of the pipe and the quality of the welds will determine how long the frame will last before springs wear through the steel, the frame bows or distorts and finally rust weakens the overall structure.
The frame is the most important part of the trampoline because it ensures all the weight will be supported. Quality frames will be fully galvanised, inside and out to protect them against the elements and to resist rust and corrosion. Frames should also be easy to assemble in case you need to take the trampoline down or move it to another location.
The weakest point of the trampoline frame is the welded leg sockets on the top rail. However, on the heavy frames with a 2.5mm thickness and 48mm diameter, this shouldn't be a concern. On lighter and narrower frames, a 3-way T-junction leg socket creates a stronger and safer frame. The box joint construction gives rigidity, along with extra welded steel plates.
You should also bear in mind that while it’s relatively easy to replace your trampoline mat, as you can imagine, the frame is the hardest and the most important part of the trampoline to replace.
Frame Gauge - Thickness
If you can’t see the gauge thickness of the steel frame in the trampoline specs, you should ALWAYS ask your supplier to confirm this. If there isn’t a gauge specified or the supplier seems reluctant to answer your question, you have to assume that the frame is made of inferior quality steel.
Just so that you’re aware, the higher the gauge count, the weaker the steel and vice versa. The lower the gauge count, the sturdier the steel. Seems counter-intuitive right? But a steel frame of 10 gauge is stronger than a 16 gauge!
As we’ve said, the gauge represents the thickness of the material used to make the frame, and the smaller the gauge, the thicker the metal.
For example:
10 Gauge = 2.5mm GeeTramp - Force
12 Gauge = 2.0mm - GeeTramp Curve and Vuly
13 Gauge = 1.8mm
14 Gauge = 1.6mm
15 Gauge = 1.4mm Department stores
16 Gauge = 1.2mm
The thicker the steel, the more durable the trampoline frame will be. In general, you want a trampoline with the lowest gauge possible,
Why is Gauge Thickness Important?
When you buy a trampoline, you want it to get plenty of use. However, continuous bouncing can increase the wear and tear on the frame, especially when the steel is thin ie. gauge is too high. Therefore, you should always consider a low gauged frame, because – and you know what we’re going to say, the lower the steel gauge the thicker the steel. And thicker steel means that your trampoline frame will be sturdier and will last longer than those made with thinner, inferior steel. However, note that as the gauge gets smaller, the price of the trampoline will go up.
We recommend that you look for a frame made with 10 – 13-gauge steel (this equates to a thickness of 2.5mm to 1.8mm). Inferior frames usually come with a 1.2 to 1.5mm steel frame (14 – 16 gauge), and as a result offer shorter warranties and guarantees. (often viewed as disposable trampolines with short life as they are not supported with spare parts) Most of our competitors offer trampolines with a 15-12 guage frame.
This can be compared across brands too by looking at the overall product weight.
GeeTramp 12ft round – 99kg
Vuly lift pro - 12ft - 118kg
Department store 12ft round – 58kg
What about Weight Limits?
When you’re looking at the specs given for a trampoline, they will often indicate a weight limit. However, you should always remember that the weight limits given by the manufacturers on any given model are just a guide unless certified to a product safety standard. In general, our trampolines have a weight capacity of 90-150kg (depending on the model) making them some of the sturdiest trampolines on the market. As they meet the Australian standards AS 4989:2015
The skill of the user should also be taken into consideration when looking at weight limits as, the higher the bouncer jumps, the greater the loading on the springs. Bearing this in mind, a jumper could weigh less than the maximum recommended weight for a particular trampoline but, due to his adeptness and techniques, could still manage to overload the springs. Therefore, if you are in any doubt, buy a bigger model (once again space permitting) or choose a more robust model.
Trampoline Pads – What to Consider
The trampoline pad is the section of the trampoline that sits over the frame and springs, to protect the jumper. Trampoline pads should be extra wide so that they cover the entire springs and stop the jumper from getting caught in the trampoline springs should they bounce off course. For this reason, the trampoline pads must fit snugly against the frame with the skirt hanging down while also extending over the stitching on the mat to prevent early deterioration of the mat stitching from UV.
Quality trampoline pads should be made of closed cell waterproof polyethylene foam. The top end of the pad should be encased all around by UV resistant, reinforced PVC as this will improve the durability of the pad. We recommend an optimum 50mm of impact resistant foam as this offers excellent protection from the springs and frame, although 20mm pads should be adequate for budget trampolines. The polyethylene foam and PVC used should be of good quality. (.55mm PVC used for GeeTramp)
In short, you need to ensure that the pad is of sufficient thickness so that you can’t feel the trampoline springs underneath. Thick pads are well worth the extra cost, so be sure to invest in one that’s at least 30-50mm thick. Don’t be tempted to settle for less! Accidents and injuries can and do happen from hitting the springs or frame.
GeeTramp trampoline pads are built to last. Made of long-lasting PVC-Vinyl material on the top and closed-cell foam inside, they won’t absorb water, develop mildew or lose their shape! Also have a unique netted barrier secured at the springs and mat to prevent fingers or feet going under the pad to the springs.
Trampoline Springs
We now move onto trampoline springs. Did you know that it’s not just the length of the spring or the spring count that gives you the best bounce? It’s the resiliency (the recoil) of the spring. All our trampoline springs have a resiliency that is designed for a fantastic bounce when teamed with the right mat.
Springs should be made of high-quality steel wire, which is fully galvanized to protect against corrosion and rust. As the springs provide the bounce in your trampoline, they need to stay strong and functional. Trampoline springs should be helical coil type, in the form of a corkscrew.
GeeTramp offer on some rectangle, sizes Australian Galvanised springs which offer the best responsive bounce when teamed with the right mat and users.
Some trampolines have elasticity bands sewn onto the trampoline bed rather than springs. This type of trampoline has a harder bounce than a spring trampoline. They also have a distinct disadvantage when compared to spring trampolines – when the elastics perish (which they will), the entire trampoline bed must be replaced as it’s not possible to replace just the bands. (Quite often these brands don’t do spare parts at all)
The Jumping Mat
The trampoline jumping bed is attached to the trampoline springs, which are attached to the galvanized frame. The best kind of jumping mat is made from Grade A Permatron (polymesh) polypropylene (PPP). Mats made from this have been around the longest and for good reason – The true USA trade marked product is superior to the copies in that it’s non-abrasive and the tight weave provides a smooth surface for children and will not graze their skin.
The perimeter of the trampoline jumping bed should have V-rings and be stitched in multiple rows of heavy-duty UV stable thread for extra strength. We ensure that the GeeTramp trampolines sold are always of excellent quality with 6 rows of stitching to hold the V-rings securely in place. Plus, our mats have extra thick V rings compared to all other brands.
Trampoline Ladders
Trampoline ladders are not always essential for adults and older children. However, for younger children, trampoline ladders can be helpful to ensure easier and safer access onto the trampoline. Without the trampoline ladder, climbing onto the trampoline may be difficult without adult supervision.
Safety Enclosures
A safety enclosure net surrounds the entire trampoline. Safety enclosures are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable jumping environment for inexperienced trampoline users. These safety enclosure nets should be at least 2 meters high to prevent high bouncers from jumping over the top and the support poles should be highly padded to prevent accidents.
Safety enclosure nets are mandatory in Australia for any above ground trampoline to meet current Australian Standards.
Photo Credit to @twin_warriorz
