What makes a good trampoline?

With so many companies extolling the virtures of their brands, it's difficult to  know what makes a good trampoline.  Super Tramp have been in the trampoline business for nearly 25 years and based on our experience, this is how we see it.

Frame: The metal tubing must be strong enough and properly protected from rusing.  The component parts of the frame should not come apart easily when the trampoline is moved and certainly not when it is in use.

Springs:  These are the engine of your trampoline.  As a general rule of thumb, the greater the total weight of working wire, the better.  Too much is better than too little but there is really no point in having too many springs.  This is where the biggest difference exists between budget and quality trampolines.  A relatively small quantity of shorter springs costs less but gives a hard bounce.  Teenagers and adults are far more likely to experience "jarring" on a trampoline that is fitted with small, short springs.

Bed: The mesh fabric used for trampoline beds is standard across the industry and about 95% of it comes from 2 main US suppliers.  The real difference in beds lie in the spring anchor points which are sewn onto the bed fabric.  The more rows of stitching, the better and it is vital that good quality thread is used.

Frame Pads: These very hugely between budget and quality trampolines.  When you consider that frame pads consist of fabric and foam, resting on steel springs and attached to a sturdy steel frame, you need to be sure that they will be effective and safe.  People are going to climb on them, walk on them, sit on them, lie on them and bounce on them.  Look for a heavy covering fabric, a secure elasticated fixing system and a reasonable thickness of high density, non-absorbent foam.

Accessories: Safety enclosures have become increasingly popular.  Important features to look for are:  sturdy, well padded poles; strong netting suspended inside the support poles so that bouncers are kept away from the frame pads and the trampoline frame and a secure and easy access point.

Tie down kits: Look for strong webbing with secure fittings and effective ground anchors.  Ground anchors can be recessed below lawn level and will save time and effort when cutting the grass.

Weather covers: Make sure that the cover has a number of effective drainage holes.  With no drainage holes, a heavy downpour can quickly create a pond on the trampoline and the weight of the water can cause the frame to buckle.

Spare Parts/Servicing: Super Tramp have comprehensive stocks of spare parts to replace any component for their trampolines.  We can also supply beds, springs and frame pads to fit many other makes of trampoline.  We provide a re-conditioning service for performance "2 string" beds (required every 3-5 years).  We also provide a standard bed maintenance service, replacing webbing straps and spring anchors then restiching the outer edge.

What Makes a Good Safey Enclosure?

In recent years trampolines seem to have sprouted netting enclosures.  This is because the added enclosure greatly reduces parental worry especially if the children's friends are using the trampoline.  A good enclosure must not only stop the users from falling off but should also keep them away from the outer steel framework which, even though padded can cause injury.  An enclosure also does away form the need to have a large clear area around your trampoline as no-one will be falling off.