What to Know Before Buying a Budget Trampoline
The modern trampoline has been a common sight for over 60 years. The traditional design has largely remained unchanged for a very long time, until the early years of the 21st century. Engineers began to improve on the classic design and integrated more advanced techniques. Getting a new trampoline or replacing one can be a difficult undertaking due to the wide range of features and characteristics. There are several factors to consider before deciding on which is the best budget trampoline that will serve you accordingly. Below are some of the factors you should know of before purchasing a budget trampoline.
Important Aspects
The Manufacturer
Trampoline manufacturers are an important component when searching for a new trampoline. Before buying a trampoline, it is essential to research the best ones being made from which company adequately. You can study by checking online or asking from friends, experts, or those that have trampolines already. From the information gathered during your research, you will be able to know which company offers the best quality and durable product. Customer reviews on the product while finding information from online shopping sites like Amazon will be a great help on your decision to choose the best manufacturer of the trampoline you want to buy. Manufacturers such as Zupapa, Skywalker, Giantex, and Merax are a few examples of popular producers of backyard trampolines.
Weight Capacity
Having the correct information on the total weight of the users going to jump on the trampoline is vital. The trampoline’s weight capacity often dictates how it is best used. Higher weight capacity models are often used when the intention is to allow multiple jumpers simultaneously. Although some may accommodate many users, it may be dangerous if the trampoline is overloaded. Ensure that you are well versed in the capabilities of your new trampoline before allowing jumpers to use it fully. You can find cheap but good trampolines that can hold surprisingly high weights that can fit almost any situation.
Space Availability for Placement
When going to purchase a budget trampoline, it is good to have the correct information on the area it is going to be placed. In some situations, it is advisable to measure or draw with a rope on the ground where the trampoline is to be set as an imaginary trampoline. This will help as people tend to underestimate the size only to come and find maybe the entire backyard is not enough. Try to keep 5-10 feet of available space between the trampoline and any other obstructions in the yard such as sheds or branches. Additionally, ensure that the area in which the trampoline will be set up is level and doesn’t have holes or other dangerous areas in the ground.
Size of the Trampoline
After determining the maximum area allowable, based on the size of the yard, the trampoline’s surface area is relatively easy to determine. The number of users will often greatly factor into the size of the trampoline that best suits your needs. Furthermore, trampolines vary in sizes ranging from 6feet to 16feet, but the most common ones are the 8feet, 12feet, and 15feet. The greater the jumping area, the more jumpers that can be allowed to safely jump. Additionally, ensure that you account for the age, weight, and size of the potential jumpers. A larger size is recommended for teenagers and adult jumpers, if this is your target participant. A twelve-foot trampoline will often suffice if your jumpers are in the 10 – 14 year old range, but you may want to move up to a 14 or 15 foot trampoline to allow for multiple jumpers that are adults or older teens. Be aware that the cost of the trampoline often scales up relative to the size, so expect to pay more the bigger your trampoline is.
Safety Aspects
Trampolines’ safety aspects are one of the most important things to look at before buying it. Safety is very crucial for risky equipment, and a trampoline is often considered risky if the proper precautions are not taken. Although modern trampolines have incorporated several safety features, it is critical to ensure that the one you are buying has the important ones. For an injury-free jumping experience, it is vital to check if the trampoline has a gap-free net enclosure, springs are rust-proof, springs have protective safety pads, and the frames are made of high-grade materials to make it durable and sturdy. The structure should be made of galvanized steel to make it rust-proof and durable. Another essential safety feature is the safety enclosure or net. These devices can be a pain during initial setup, but they pay off in the long run in keeping jumpers within the target area and greatly reduce accidents.
Availability of Spare Parts
With time and continuous use of the trampoline, its components like mats, springs, and safety pads will slowly deteriorate. The springs elastic limits can be exceeded and break, pads, and the mats wear out due to continuous heavy use and the stress of enduring the elements. Because of this, it is crucial to get a trampoline that the replacements parts are readily available and can be purchased without any issue. While most manufacturers are easily contacted and have replacement parts readily available, it is a good idea to check that it is not a one-trick pony, as those companies can have a short lifespan, leaving you with a product that can’t be repaired when necessary.
Cost of the Trampoline
A cheap but still good trampoline gives buyers the best of both worlds. A high quality trampoline at a fraction of the cost of professional models. The cost is often reflective of the quality of materials used during construction. As the quality of the materials improves, the cost of that model will increase. It is important to find the right balance of price vs. quality. Fortunately, we have already done the research for you above to find the highest quality trampoline and ensure you are getting the “best bang for your buck”. It is important to also include the cost of the safety features, such as a safety net, while calculating how much you expect to spend on your next trampoline. Expect to spend between $250 – $600 dollars for a quality budget trampoline.
Construction Materials
A strong budget trampoline should be able to withstand any weather conditions like hot sun and other harsh weather. To endure this, you should go for a trampoline made of high quality and durable materials. Besides, getting a high-quality and durable trampoline will make your investment last longer and increase the value of your purchase. Although modern trampolines are made of high-quality materials compared to just a few years ago, it is vital to go for the ones with UV-resistance in their fabrics. The UV-resistant materials in the structures will ensure the trampoline can withstand harsh weather, protect the colors from fading and prevent unnecessary deterioration with time, making it last for an extended period.
Warranty
Whenever you are purchasing a trampoline, you should ensure the warranty is of adequate length and covers components that often wear out. Some of its components may wear out or fade before the time you were promised and having a warranty will ensure the parts are replaced by the manufacturer. Different companies offer different warranties ranging from months to a year. You must check the terms of the warranty the trampoline comes with as it will safeguard your investment. Expect to find 2-5 year warranties for the frames, with much shorter warranties being available for commonly replaced parts (safety pads, springs, jumping mat). The best trampolines offer some fairly incredible warranties, but don’t expect any gifts when searching for cheaper models. The cost of the product is often offset by the amount of “peace of mind”. It is up to you to decide if you want to pay the extra bucks for the stronger warranties and higher quality materials often found in more expensive models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age ranges are recommended to safely jump on a trampoline?
It is often advisable to only allow children age 6 and up to jump on a trampoline. If you are keeping a close eye on your child or are participating in the activities, it will be up to you if you will allow them on the trampoline. Smaller trampolines are available, tailored specifically to suit a younger audience.
What is a good weight limit for a budget trampoline?
Weight limits can regularly approach a 375 lb. total load capacity. Depending on the brand and model, you can expect a trampoline that is rated with at least a 225 lb. capacity to fit the bill for younger jumpers. If you expect heavier jumpers, try to find a model that support 300+ lbs. of weight.
What is the best way to maintain a budget trampoline that will increase its life?
The elements that trampolines must endure are the single biggest issue as far as durability is concerned. The constant abuse the product takes from cold winter weather, burning heat, heavy rain, and high winds can greatly decrease the lifespan of anything. To help reduce these effects, it is advisable to cover your trampoline when not in use to protect it from rain and other debris. While this may not be convenient, it is a sure way to extend the life. Additionally, the soft components (pads, net) wear out the fastest. Taking down the trampoline during the winter can protect these parts, although it may be a hassle.
Final Thoughts
Trampolines can be a purchase that can cause quite a bit of anxiety. Trampolines are considered a big purchase for many, as they are not cheap, even the budget models. Following the above guidelines can greatly help to ensure you are purchasing the perfect model for your budget and needs. Finding a cheap but good model is a difficult proposition as there are numerous features and characteristics one must sift through to find that perfect device. Take a look above at the models we have already selected based on their potential durability, performance, and price. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to find the best trampoline for your situation.
