Why rectangles are favoured over round trampolines - especially for sports training
Rectangle trampolines are preferred by many people over round trampolines for a large variety of reasons. For starters, they are made with thicker frames, but this is not all. Let’s go over the most important aspects of a rectangle trampoline.
Narrower jumping mat
- A narrower mat means that there is less width or surface area of a mat for a child’s weight to have to compress the springs when bouncing.
- The bounce is more responsive.
- Typically for kids that are after bounce and height, 8x12 ft rectangle trampoline is preferred over a 12 ft round one, and 9x14 ft rectangle trampoline is better than a 14 ft round.
The double bounce factor
- Rectangle trampolines also have something that is called the double bounce factor.
- As kids jump up and down and impact with the mat they alternate the weight load evenly, so that the mat is not forced to support a lot of weight in the same area for a long period of time.
- Additionally, it is easy enough to get out of sync, often on purpose to create a super bounce for the other person.
- This also gives the kids a higher bounce, which can at times be dangerous but it is mostly fun.
Frame steel thickness
- Rectangle trampolines are made with 2.5+mm thick steel.
- Due to having long straight sides, they have always needed to have a robust, thick steel frame tubing and diameter while round trampolines are made with 1.5 mm or less thick steel. The diameter for round trampolines is also a lot less, around 3 cm for most brands.
- The engineering behind this is fairly logical. There is greater strength in a circle than there is in a rectangle hence round trampolines are able to be made a lot cheaper, making trampolines more affordable and accessible to more families across all demographics.
- Early in the introduction of round trampolines to the marketplace, department stores brought in frames that were very thin and flimsy so that the springs, over a short period of time, would tear away at the frame.
- Some quality trampoline suppliers are now importing with a 2 mm frame to ensure that the round trampolines will start to last longer.
- This small change actually makes a great difference, because rectangle trampolines last longer largely due to the time it takes for the frame to wear or rust through.
Overall, a rectangle trampoline is favoured by the majority of kids who partake in gymnastics, parkour, free running, dance, etc, where greater height is achieved for less effort than on a round trampoline.
An additional benefit to parents is that they will stay outside practising their techniques for longer.
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong trampoline. Kids will be happy with the trampoline that will fit in the space at home and the budget available. A trampoline is better than no trampoline and every trampoline is the right trampoline for someone.
If you do have any further questions, feel free to call us on (03) 5292 1100 or leave a message here. Scroll down this page a little further for more articles of interest related to comparing and choosing the right trampoline for your family.
