Buying a Rectangle Trampoline
Trampolines come in various shapes, such as round, oval, and octagonal. With so many shapes available, why should you buy a rectangle trampoline? This may be the first question that comes to your mind and leaves you scratching your head. Is buying a rectangle trampoline worth the money, or should you look to spend on another shape?
First of all, rectangular trampolines provide the maximum jumping area. If you are buying the trampoline for your family, then a rectangular version makes more sense as all of you can jump on it together. Secondly, if you want to practice gymnastics, it’s wise to buy a rectangular trampoline, as they are the ones used in competitions. Want a few more reasons that will convince you to buy this type of trampoline? Here are some more benefits:
- Rectangular trampolines allow you to stay in your place more easily compared to oval or round trampolines. This is ideal for beginners who want to learn gymnastics as it helps maintain their posture.
- A rectangular trampoline distributes your jump’s force evenly, thus allowing you to control your landings better.
- It offers more square footage for jumping than round trampolines.
Things to Consider While Shopping
Here’s a small bit of trivia about rectangular trampolines: George Nissen invented the trampoline in 1934 and he used a rectangle as his first design.
Now that you know why you should buy a rectangle trampoline, let’s look at some of the factors that you need to keep in mind before buying one.
Springs
The size of the mat and its ratio with the springs underneath is crucial. The more springs the trampoline has, the bouncier it will get. That means, if you are buying the trampoline to practice gymnastics, consider looking for a model that has the maximum number of springs. On the other hand, if it’s for your family, you may not want a highly bouncy surface. That means a fewer number of springs can do the job. Therefore, you should choose depending on the trampoline’s purpose.
The tension of the springs is another area that you need to keep an eye on. As already mentioned, the force of your jump doesn’t distribute evenly on the jumping pad, thus allowing you to control your landings. However, it proves that the tension of the springs doesn’t remain the same once you start using the trampoline. Try buying a rectangle trampoline that uses durable springs and can handle variable tension.
Sometimes you may come across similar models with different numbers of springs. For example, two brands selling 7 x 10 ft. rectangle trampolines may have 56 springs in one model and 68 springs in another. As a general rule, the higher the number of springs, the better.
Frame
Rectangle trampolines usually have sturdier and heavier frames. You will notice that their frames are much wider compared to their oval and round counterparts. This allows jumpers to take a moment off from jumping and rest on the frame. Additionally, the frame makes the trampoline sturdier. It keeps the trampoline rooted to the ground and prevents it from wobbling if you jump on one of the sides.
Many people say that the wider the frame, the better it is for the trampoline. But it ultimately depends on which model you like. Remember, trampolines with wider frames are costlier than the others with a comparatively narrow frame. Apart from the frame’s size, you should also consider its build quality. Most of the frames are made of galvanized steel to protect the trampoline from corrosion and rust. They also have safety pads attached at the top and sides to prevent jumpers from injuring themselves.
Safety Features
Safety FeaturesThere are various aspects of the safety features that you should remember while buying a rectangle trampoline. It doesn’t matter whether you are the sole user of the trampoline or your family uses it; it should have a few essential safety features to prevent accidents.
Jumping mat – Sewing, stitches, waterproofing quality, and the softness of the mat are the key areas you need to consider before buying the rectangular trampoline. Most trampoline companies use a heavy-duty polypropylene mesh material with 8-row stitching to make the mat. This ensures that the mat can handle regular wear and tear for many years.
Safety pads – Safety pads are a must on every type of trampoline, including rectangular ones. The steel springs underneath are hard, and kids may injure themselves if they tumble over and fall. But the safety pads can protect them. In addition, these pads come with adequate cushioning on the springs and the trampoline’s frame.
Bottom net – Suppose you are buying the trampoline for your kids. They start jumping on it, but the jumping mat accidentally breaks. Without the bottom net, your kids fill fall directly on the ground. That can severely injure them. Therefore, try searching for a rectangular trampoline with a bottom attachment. The heavy-duty net prevents accidents if the jumping mat breaks.
FAQs
Q: On what surface can I use my trampoline?
A: Soil and grass are the two preferred surfaces on which you can use your trampoline. They absorb the forces of the trampoline’s frame better than any other surface. Make sure that you set up your trampoline on even ground. This prevents jumpers from bouncing downhill and injuring themselves.
Q: Should I buy a rectangular trampoline with safety nets?
A: Many trampolines come with a safety net included. Safety enclosures are an excellent way to promote safe jumping. We recommend always using a safety net.
Q: What is the cost of a rectangular trampoline?
A: The average price range of a rectangular trampoline is between $400 and $2000. The price varies according to the trampoline’s size, brand, and various add-ons like safety nets, enclosure entrance, bottom attachment, and wide frame.
Final Words
A rectangular trampoline is the safest among its counterparts as it allows jumpers to control their jumps better as does not nudge them toward the center, like round models. While they generally cost more than round trampolines, they also offer higher levels of performance. The increased levels of durability, performance and safety make rectangle trampolines a popular choice for many.
