Trampolines
>> How to buy an outdoor garden trampoline
How to decide WHICH TRAMPOLINE to buy
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In recent years more and more families have become aware of the long term benefits
of having a trampoline in their garden - children never seem to lose their enthusiasm
for them, and parents are finding a new form of fun exercise. However, there are
many different trampolines out there, and quality does vary quite considerably
- this can lead to some confusion and, especially for those buying a trampoline
for the first time, it can often be quite difficult to know if the trampoline
you have chosen really represents good value for money. Here at uk-trampolines.com
we sell one of the broadest ranges of trampolines in the UK and we understand
the differences between the various manufacturers and models very well. Not being
tied to any one particular range, we can therefore expert advice with a level
of impartiality that we are sure you will find reassuring. Our sales team is always
on hand to advise, help and support customers who have bought, or are interested
in buying one.
How much should I spend on a trampoline?
Broadly speaking, there are three quality bands for trampolines. The Super
Tramp Excel range of trampolines clearly occupy the top band, almost
by themselves. These trampolines are strong with very good bounce dynamics and
the paddings around the edge of the trampolines are probably second to none. Mid-range
trampolines are the most popular, since they combine both good performance and
more affordable prices. Mid-range trampolines include the following: JumpKing
JumpPod Deluxe , SuperTramp
Springtime , Oval
Pod, Bazoongi
Trampolines , Ceetex
Premier Range, Zero
Gravity Trampolines. While there are subtle differences between these trampolines
(we will be happy explain these to you on the phone), you will generally not make
a mistake whichever of these trampolines you decide to buy. The third band is
what we term Budget Trampolines. The number of budget trampolines available
on the market is increasing rapidly as companies try to cash in on the trampoline
boom, often with cheaply-made models whose quality leaves a lot to be desired.
We therefore advise our customers to be wary of buying this sort of trampoline.
Not only is performance likely to be poor, but breakages may occur in the first
year or so, and spare parts may not be available. There are some budget trampolines,
however, that really do represent good value for money. Our favourites are the
JumpKing
JumpPOD range, and the Bazoongi
Popular trampolines.
How can I compare trampolines?
This is a question we are often asked. Customers looking to buy a trampoline for
the first time often come to us looking for advice, having realised that there
is an almost bewildering choice out there. We will gladly assess in a responsible
manner any trampoline you have seen elsewhere - just call us on on UK Freephone 0800 01 88844.
Things to look at are: Springs - the optimum for a 14ft trampoline is 96
x 8.5-inch springs (80 x 8.5-inch for a 12 ft trampoline). Unless you are buying
a budget trampoline, try to avoid trampolines that have shorter/fewer springs.
Also, try to avoid trampolines that boast more springs than 96 (14ft) or 80 (12ft)
8.5-inch springs - there is no benefit to trampoline longevity, yet performance
will be compromised as the "optimum" point is exceeded. Having looked at springs,
look at the Pads covering the springs. Thickness is not everything - it
is more important to look at the filling - lightweight foam, however thick, is
not as good as a heavyweight filling. Also, have a look at the coating - heavyweight
vinyl lasts a lot longer when exposed to the sun's UV rays. Also, stick to the
standard 4-leg pair frame configuration and 7" or 8.5" spring lengths
as you'll always be able to easily source new pads if you need them. Having compared
springs and pads, the last two things to look at are the bed (black jumping mat
in the middle) and the frame. The Bed is is almost always the same whichever
trampoline you buy. Polymesh, Permatron - whatever you wish to call it, there
is practically no difference. Beds on round trampolines do not contribute to bounce
performance, and on mid-range trampolines problems are very rare indeed, so therefore
not so much a distinguishing feature. In fact, in probably 99%+ cases in which
customers come to us to purchase a replacement bed, it is because sparks form
a nearby bonfire have burnt holes in their existing one. Also, stick to the standard
14ft,96x8.5inch or 12ft,80x8.5inch spring configurations, and you know you'll
always be able to source a new bed if you need one. Trampoline Frames these
days (on mid-range trampolines upwards) are almost always well galvanised (so
won't rust), and strong enough that they won't break. Frames do not contribute
to bounce performance. The only spare parts we do not stock on a daily basis are
frame sections - this is because there is practically no demand for them. Also,
guarantees on frames are almost always 10 years - why? Because the manufacturers
know this will be the last thing standing when everything else on your trampoline
has finally worn out. So, frames, like trampoline beds, are not usually the big
distinguishing factor. However, do avoid frames that are non standard (ie avoid
trampolines with 5 or six legs, or frames that are not 14ft, 12ft or 10ft in diameter,
or have a non-standard number of spring attachments) as you will find it much
harder to find spare parts or find a good safety net at a good price. The exception
is if you buy a non-standard trampoline (such as the JumpKing Oval Pod) that is
manufactured by a reputable company who is large enough to make sure they can
still continue to provide spare parts in 5-10 years time. To
summarize, it's mainly about Springs, Pads and being a standard
configuration (unless you are buying a very well known brand such as JumpKing).
Beware of suppliers who put too much emphasis on frames or beds - they are probably
emphasising these aspects because they have less to say about the other more important
quality aspects of their trampolines.
Which colour?
This is becoming increasingly an issue for customers. Five
years ago, most people opted for blue pads, as this is the
traditional indoor trampoline colour. These days, there
is a move toward green, as this colour tends to blend better
into the garden. Of course, colour isn't everything - you
should always make sure first that you are buying a good
quality trampoline.
Which is the best trampoline for me?
It's very important to us that you buy the right trampoline. The age and weight
guides we give are maximums; remember that children are growing rapidly. Will
the trampoline be the right size for them in 3 or 4 years time? We know from customers
ringing up for spare parts, that many customers wish to keep their trampolines
going even after 5 years. Is it really just the children that are going to use
it? Few teenagers and adults can resist the urge to 'have a quick bounce!' The
choice of our outdoor trampolines falls into 4 categories:
Round trampolines
JumpKing
JumpPod , Super
Tramp , Zero
Gravity
, Bazoongi , Ceetex
For general family fun in the garden, our round trampolines
are probably the best value for your money - in fact, we
probably sell more of these than any other trampoline. The
most popular sizes are 14 foot and 12 foot (this is the
outside diameter of the frame). People who buy 10 foot trampolines
generally do so owing to space limitations. In contrast
to rectangular trampolines, round trampolines are generally
safer to use with a more predictable bounce that tends to
direct the user back towards the centre of the trampoline.
Oval trampolines
Oval
Pod New!
The Oval Pod from JumpKing is a new development in garden trampoline design, combining
the performance of a rectangular trampoline with the inherent safety and value-for-money
of round trampolines. Not only is this a very good-looking trampoline, it is also
ideal if you you want a trampoline that blends well and doesn't take up too much
width. At only 10ft wide it can even fit in narrower gardens, but will completely
outperform a 10ft round trampoline in terms of jumping area, bounce performance
and maximum weight.
Children's Rectangular Trampolines
FROG
, PRINCE
18 , KING
110 , AIRBOUND
Childrens rectangular trampolines are easy to move and take
up relatively little space. Rectangular trampolines such
as the Prince 18 are ideally suited for children in the
7 to 11 age range and tend to give them a better bounce
than larger trampolines. However, bear in mind that they
are on average half the size of a standard full sized trampoline
designed for adult trampolining (with the exception of the
King 110). They have much smaller springs and lighter frames
and are not really suitable for adult use. Please remember
also that rectangular trampolines are designed for use by
only one person at a time.
Heavyweight
Trampolines
WALLABY
, KANGAROO
, SUPER
WALLABY , SUPER
KANGAROO , BOOMER
Our Super Tramp heavyweight rectangular trampolines are
the rigid outdoor equivalents of folding trampolines that
you would normally find in a sports hall or leisure centre.
Designed to give a comparable performance, they are properly
suited for adult use, with bed sizes and performance that
allow for even the most advanced trampolining moves. We
also offer two large rectangular trampolines from Ceetex
which, although classed as mid-range trampolines, are certainly
worthy of consideration: AIRBOUND
Z-20 , AIRBOUND
Z-17
SAFETY NET Enclosures
A Safety Net, sometimes called a trampoline enclosure or
fun ring etc, is a circular net, that fits around your trampoline
and prevents you falling off your trampoline. Although there
are many safety net models available, quality does vary
quite considerably, and is not always related to price.
How
to decide which Safety-Net to buy. In the past, trampoline
safety nets have always been supplied separately from the
trampoline, requiring fixture brackets to secure them firmly
to the trampoline frame. Our JumpKing
JumpPod range of trampolines represents a new trend
in trampoline design, integrating the net with the trampoline
frame. This new type of design avoids the use of fixing
brackets, resulting in a more attractive look to your trampoline.
Who is going to use it?
Just the children, and their friends? Don't forget older
brothers & sisters or older members of your extended family.
Will it be used by adults?
What are the users' expectations?
Is it to be just a bouncy play area for several children
at once or is it for more sporting use by one at a time,
i.e a young gymnast ?
Is it to be used by a child who trampolines as a sport?
Even if your trampolining child is only 9 or 10 years old
and quite light, you could possibly get away with buying
a Prince 18 but do be aware that the 56 x 7 inch springs
will be expected to do much the same job as 100 or more
10.5 inch springs down at the sports hall. Inevitably some
of them will break.
Round or Rectangular?
If you want performance and serious airtime always choose
rectangular. Proper trampolines in sports halls have always
been rectangular because all the springs work at a different
rate to give a quicker response and a more powerful lift.
For this reason we strongly recommend only one user at a
time on a rectangular trampoline. On a round trampoline
all the springs work at the same rate. Thus the larger the
trampoline the softer, slower and less high is the bounce.
Very safe though and ideal for multiple use, messing about,
and just having fun.
A Black Polymesh or 2-String bed?
As in so many cases there is a trade off between performance
and comfort. The 2-string bed being nylon and allowing a
good through flow of air will get you bouncing higher. It
will dry out quicker after rain. But it has a slightly rougher
surface and may cause "mat burns" i.e grazes to elbows and
knees. You should also be aware that swimming pool chlorine
will shorten the life of your 2-string bed. The black mesh
bed being polypropylene with absolutely no extra elasticity
and giving a poor through flow of air will give you less
lift. But its smooth surface will never graze even the tenderest
of skin.
Weight & Age limitation
Although we give you simple weight & age limits for each
model you must also consider experience, strength & skill
too. The greater the height attained by the bouncer, the
bigger the loading on the trampoline springs. So whilst
someone may be technically under the maximum recommended
weight for a particular trampoline, If they are very competent
& fit, they could manage to overload the springs. If in
doubt always buy bigger, you will not regret it.
Spare Parts
Always make sure that you are able to buy spare parts for
your trampoline. Our experience shows that you may well
need to buy the odd spring or pad after about five years
(for a good quality trampoline). You need to make sure,
therefore, that your trampoline manufacturer will still
be around after that time. The manufacturers from whom we
buy trampolines are all very welll established companies,
and we supply their full range of spare parts. It is also
worth adding that, as a leading supplier of trampoline spare
parts in the UK, we are aware of problems faced by people
who call us up requiring spare parts or accessories for
non-standard trampolines - try to avoid buying a non-standard
trampoline (eg 13 foot diameter trampolines, or trampolines
that have 5 or 6 leg pairs rather than the standard 4 leg
pairs), as it is always more difficult to get the parts
(13 foot replacement pads are difficult to source, and choice
of safety nets for 5 & six-legged trampolines is severly
limited!).
Guarantees and Breakages
Trampoline guarantees are usually specified for different
parts of the trampoline. A typical guarantee is 10 years
for the frame, 5 years for the bed and springs, and 1 year
on the pads. When trampolines go down-hill is is not usually
the frame that fails - frames do not usually buckle or rust
through (hence the long guarantee). What does tend to happen
is that the springs stretch - in general, especially in
the case of budget trampolines, the longer and more numerous
the springs, the longer the springs will last. Irrespective
of the length of the guarantee on the pads, mid-range trampoline
pads usually last a good 5 years. After this period, although
the pads may still offer satisfactory protection, some customers
buy new pads from us simply to make their trampoline look
"new" again.
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