Best Trampolines

What age is it safe to jump on a trampoline?

While kids of all ages love jumping, the generally accepted age for a child to safely play on a trampoline is six years old. While some manufacturers sell ‘toddler trampolines,’ medical professionals advise against buying these, as a toddler’s bone structure hasn’t fully developed fully to withstand the impact of jumping yet. According to a government report by Kidsafe on Trampoline Safety in Australia, children between the ages 0-4 also present in hospital with 45% of total trampoline-related injuries.

What are the benefits of trampolining?

Trampolining is an excellent way to inspire fun and laughter in both kids and adults. It’s an active at-home hobby that helps kids get some fresh air, and a break from the TV. They might not know it, but they’ll also be boosting their cardiovascular health, along with their balance and coordination.

Trampolining offers great benefits for adults, too. Rebounding on a mini trampoline elevates your heart rate in line with a cardio workout, but doubles as a detox. Your lymphatic system – part of your immune system – can house liquid toxins and absorb fatty acids. Rebounding increases lymph flow, which helps flush out these toxins.

There are even benefits of a trampoline for autism. This activity can improve sensory input as kids can replace stereotypic behaviours such as rocking with bouncing, which is calming and can help children cope with stress.

Trampoline Sizes

Make sure to measure your backyard before settling on a trampoline, as your backyard’s size may not be compatible with your first trampoline choice. It’s also recommended that you leave around 2 metres of free space around your trampoline that’s unobstructed by walls, fences, trees, etc. From the ground up, 8 metres of vertical space is a safe benchmark for avoiding obstructions like overhanging branches.

Most trampolines, including both round and rectangular shaped models, are measured from edge-to-edge with the frames included. However, check the specifications of an individual trampoline if you’re unsure.

Mini trampolines

These range from 3ft-4.5ft in diameter, and include the award-winning Jump Star Round 4.5ft. Mini-sized models are more affordable, but made strictly for one person. For example, the Jump Star has a maximum user weight of 50 kg, and only enough safe surface area for solo jumping.

8ft and 10ft trampolines

These small trampolines measure around 2.4m and 3m across respectively, and their round fit is also suitable for compact backyards. They’re a good match for younger jumpers 6 to 10 years old, especially as their position at only around 50cm from the ground makes them easy to climb onto. However, 8ft and 10ft trampolines can only accommodate one jumper at a time. Their maximum weight limit will also be lower, to help avoid collisions caused by multiple jumpers.

If you’re after a rectangle-shaped trampoline, the equivalent size is 7x10ft.

12ft trampolines

These are great all-rounder trampolines suited to families with two kids. Most models are amenable to two smaller kids or one younger child (6-8 years) an one older child (8-12) at a time. Just keep in mind that there’s always a higher risk of injury when there are multiple jumpers.

The rectangular version of a medium-sized trampoline has dimensions of 8ft x 12ft. This size is suited to younger teens, as it provides the length for slightly more complex manoeuvres like flips and tumbles.

Jumbo trampolines

These spacious backyard entertainers boast dimensions of larger than 12ft, typically 14ft or 15ft for round trampolines, and 10ftx17ft or 14x16ft for rectangular models. Since they have a higher weight limitation, they can accommodate small groups of kids. They’re suitable for teenagers, and provide a safe surface for practising gymnastics than the hard ground. On the flipside, these premium trampolines are pricey. For example, the 3.9m Springfree Jumbo Round R132 will set you back $2, 599.

Trampoline Shape and Configuration

Trampolines come in four main shapes; round, rectangle, oval and square. The round and rectangle shapes are the most popular by a landslide, and there are also more models to choose from in these shapes.

Round trampolines

• Bouncing zone: Circular trampolines incorporate a 'bouncing zone' in the centre of the mat, which jumpers are directed back towards when they venture towards the edges. This particular feature is safer than a rectangle trampoline, provided there aren’t multiple jumpers, which can cause collisions in the centre.
• Small-garden friendly: It's more common to find small or mini trampolines that are round. This makes them easier to fit into your backyard.
• More safety nets available: As these were the original trampoline configurations to add safety nets (and logistically it’s easier to fit a safety net around a round trampoline) you’ll find a wider variety of round trampolines are available to purchase with safety nets than rectangular ones.

Rectangular trampolines

• Grid-garden friendly: If your garden is more box-like in shape, a rectangular trampoline can slot more easily into a corner.
• For budding gymnasts: Rectangular trampolines are preferable if you’re doing more than just jumping, for example practising gymnastics flips or tumbles.
• Durable build quality is important: This is because rectangle trampolines that aren’t sturdily designed can tip over if there’s an imbalance of weight, like a sole jumper revelling on one side of the trampoline.
• Limited manoeuvrability: In most cases this shape is less ‘portable’ than circular trampolines as they are generally bulkier.

In-ground trampolines

An in-ground trampoline is installed in the ground, so it sits directly on top of the ground, rather than on stilts. However, these trampolines aren't neccessarily safer than conventional above-ground trampolines). Since falls can happen from the top of a jump at around 2 metres above the ground, it's still possible to become injured.

In-ground trampoline installation requires digging into the ground, and the space directly underneath the trampoline should be free of utility wires such gas wires. Drainage of water from underneath the trampoline (for example after hosing the grass) also needs to be considered. It’s for these reasons that the installation time and costs associated with an in-ground trampoline may make it more expensive than opting for an above-ground trampoline. However, since they take up less vertical space, in-ground models are also more aesthetically pleasing as they let you view your garden without a tall obstruction in the way.

Are springless trampolines better than coiled-spring trampolines?

Coil springs expand in and out when the trampoline is being used, and they contain small and sharp bits. If they become exposed and a jumper falls on them, it can result in pinching or other injuries.

Springless trampolines, on the other hand, use alternative bouncing mechanisms. Whether elastic straps, composite rods or fibreglass rods, these components are tucked securely under the rim of the jumping mat, as demonstrated by the Springfree 10ft Trampoline, pictured above.

However, springless trampolines are more expensive than coiled-spring trampolines, as their safer design makes them more sought-after trampolines. The Vuly Thunder Large (12 ft) features a promising 4.2-star rating, but costs $1,549.

If you’re looking for a more affordable trampoline, but would still prefer to prioritise a trampoline with a bevvy of safety features, the Little Nation 12ft Trampoline is a popular pick, and costs $369.95.

Its features include a curved pole design with padding on top, to minimise any chance of contact beyond the enclosure net with energetic bounces, a zipless entry that uses an overlapping flap to automatically close, a UV-treated net, and powder-coated galvanised frame.

Build quality

Choose a trampoline with a heavy duty frame that’s thickly built. Trampolines with a galvanised finish and power-coated finish help prevent rust and add to the durability factor. Since it'll live outdoors, your trampoline should also be UV-resistant so it doesn’t ‘crack’ under the pressure of the harsh Aussie sun. You can also get trampolines, such as a Vuly trampoline, with a fitted shade cover.

Choosing a trampoline with a solid build quality will make your trampoline purchase more expensive. For example, the Kmart 14ft Trampoline with Enclosure is made using coil springs, and is affordable at $269. The Vuly 14ft (Extra Large) Lift 2 Round Trampoline (pictured, above) is also designed with coil springs, but is dearer $1,647.

A significant factor in the price difference is build quality. The Vuly model's steel-galvanised frame includes powder coating as well as a UV-resistant enclosure, while the Kmart mdodel is constructed from steel and a poly-blend. Going with a company that specialises in making trampolines may also make it easier to source spare parts after your purchase.

Safety

While having fun on a trampoline is a priority, it should never come at the expense of keeping safe. To do this, there are a few essential safety precautions you can take to ensure everyone can keep jumping for joy, not pain.

• Padding: If you're investing in a coiled-spring trampoline, make sure the springs are securely and completely covered by thick padding. This helps safeguards against tears or torn skin in the event of a fall. If the springs are outside a safety net, this adds even more protection, which is ideal for safety reasons.
• Safety nets: This helps keep jumpers from falling off the edge of the trampoline, or rebounding onto the hard ground by accident. Look for an enclosure that's secured firmly to the edges of the trampoline. If you have an older trampoline that still offers good bounce but is in need of a safety revamp, you can purchase compatible padding and safety nets separately and attach them to your trampoline.
• Weight limits: Knowing your trampoline's maximum weight is essential to safe jumping. While weight limits will be specified by the manufacturer, check that a prospective trampoline has passed Australian safety standards, which are voluntary. When tested and approved, trampolines can take up to 5 times the weight of the load they claim to.
• Adult supervision: Needless to say, there's no substitute for quality adult supervision, especially when younger kids are jumping on the trampoline. As they're generally less spatially aware, a wild unsupervised trampolining sessions could result in some unhappy accidents.