What to Know When Buying a High Weight Capacity Trampoline
Trampolines are an increasingly popular diversion for a variety of families, kids, and neighborhoods. They offer a healthy alternative to children (and adults!) playing video games or binging the latest show for their entertainment needs.
If you are thinking of purchasing a new trampoline, one of the most important aspects is to determine the proper weight limit for your use. Depending on the age, size, weight, and number of jumpers, the necessary weight capacity can fluctuate wildly. Many of us expect to have numerous participants in the activities, so a higher capacity model is usually desired.
Read further below to find out what you should know before buying a heavyweight trampoline to ensure you are getting exactly what you need.
Aspects to Consider
Weight Capacity
Obviously, one of the most important aspects to focus on is determining a good range of weight limit for your new trampoline. The safety of your family or the people to use the trampoline should come first and thus, make sure to choose the trampoline that can comfortably fit all the jumpers.
High weight limit trampolines are designed with different weight capacities restrictions ranging from 250 lb to 1000 lb weight limit and more. So, check out the weight limit and make sure to choose a trampoline that can withstand high weight capacity.
Overall, when considering a high weight limit trampoline, start by looking for those with at least 330 – 375 lbs. capacity. A trampoline with a 375 lb. weight capacity is usually a good indicator that it is intended to be used for those who expect to support multiple jumpers.
How Big Should It Be?
This is another crucial thing you need to keep in mind when buying this type of trampoline. The choice based on the size will be determined by the people to use it. For example, if you are a family of 6 or more people, you may want a large jumping surface compared to a family of around 3 people.
Most trampoline manufacturing companies indicate the number of people or adults that the trampoline can comfortably fit for safety and freedom when jumping. While it is often recommended for only 1 participant at a time, many models are built with multiple jumpers in mind.
Shape
Trampolines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular shapes of trampolines are circular/round, rectangular, and octagonal. Depending on the shape of the device, the weight capacity will fluctuate, as some shapes are built to handle heavier weights than a typical 375 weight limit.
• Round Trampolines – This is the most common style of trampoline that we see in backyards everywhere. Unfortunately, these trampolines also regularly support less weight than most other shapes. The maximum weight capacity for a round trampoline often supports approximately 375 lbs. The round trampoline features springs that are distributed around the jumping area. The equipped springs help gravitate the jumpers towards the middle area, especially when doing back jump tricks. The round trampoline is normally cheaper than other models.
• Rectangle Trampolines – One of the most outstanding features of a rectangular trampoline is that it often provides the highest jump and performance of any trampoline. Therefore, you can perform a wide range of jumping tricks on it than in other models. This type of trampoline is mainly used in gymnastics and by other athletes. Although they have traditionally been used in competitions, they have become a popular alternative for homes and backyards due to their high weight capacity. Expect to get extremely high maximum weights for this type that can easily exceed a 500 lb weight limt.
• Octagon Trampolines – Octagon trampolines are a solid middle-ground between the round and rectangle trampolines. They offer a slightly higher weight limit than round models and provide slightly better performance. Their cost is similarly somewhere in the middle of the rectangle and round trampolines range.
Frame
The base is the part of the trampoline that bears all the weight of the users; hence, for the high weight limit models, the base should be super sturdy and solid to ensure the comfort and safety of the people using it. The base should be made of strong material that can bear all the weight of the users without causing any injuries. Expect frames to commonly be made of galvanized steel to prevent rust.
Seasonal or All Season
Can the trampoline be left on outdoors throughout the year? This is a crucial aspect you need to ask or consider when shopping for a trampoline. If the device is not made of materials that are resistant to the elements, durability and longevity may be compromised.
Galvanized steel and UV-resistant soft materials are necessary to prolong the life of the trampoline when consistently exposed to the elements. A cross-woven mat is also essential in ensuring it is strong enough to support high weights and numerous jumpers.
Safety Features/Accessories
A heavy weight capacity trampoline is often designed with safety features and parts such as the T-sockets that safeguard the trampoline from bending when used under extreme pressure. Some trampolines are created with an enclosed net to safeguard the users, especially the kids from falling off the trampoline when playing.
Other safety features that are often associated with trampolines include a safety pad to cover the springs to help prevent injury. Additionally, ladders, wind stakes, and padded foam poles (for the safety enclosure) are commonly included as add-ons.
Budget
Trampolines with a high weight limit are often more expensive than those that can hold less weight (less than a 375 lb weight limit). While the price increase isn’t completely due to the load-bearing capabilities, this is something to keep in mind while shopping.
The size of the trampoline often dictates the weight limit of the trampoline, which is regularly reflected in the price. Normally, the larger the trampoline, the higher the weight limit, and the more it will cost buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can a trampoline really hold?
Trampolines include stated trampoline weight limits that can have a large range, depending on the size and shape of the device. Many often try to exceed the stated weight capacity.
While this may be possible for short periods, it is not recommended as it could damage the structure of the trampoline and/or cause injury. If the maximum weight capacity on your trampoline says not to exceed 375 lbs., ensure you stay under the listed weight limits.
Why is there a weight limit on trampolines?
The components that make up the trampoline (i.e. springs, mat, frame) operate at maximum efficiency with weights that do not exceed the maximum weight capacity. If you exceed this weight, the components could be damaged or broken and cause injury. For example, springs could pop or jumping mats could tear, which could easily cause accidents for those jumping.
How many people should be on a trampoline at once?
The bigger the trampoline, the more room that is available to safely jump. It is recommended to have a large enough trampoline to give jumpers plenty of “elbow room” so they aren’t jumping into each other.
Additionally, the weight of the jumpers must be considered so as not to exceed the stated maximum weight capacity.
Overall, the number of jumpers largely depends on the size and weight of each jumper. If you have a large trampoline (12+ ft), you can probably easily fit 2-3 young (age 10 – 12) children at the same time. Older teens should probably look into larger (15+ ft) trampolines to allow for multiple simultaneous jumpers.
Can adults jump on a trampoline safely?
Of course! As long as you do not exceed the stated weight limits and there’s enough room, the same rules apply for adults as they do for children.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect trampoline for your family can be a rewarding experience when you stumble upon that model that meets all your requirements. Following the above guidelines will ensure that you have selected the perfect model to support all future jumpers.
A high weight capacity model is greatly impacted by the size of the trampoline. If you are expecting more than 2 jumpers simultaneously, depending on their age and size, look into models that are at least 12′ in diameter (for round models) to provide adequate room and weight capacity.
We hope this helped you in determining which model will be best for you if you are currently searching for high weight capacity trampolines. Happy jumping!