Checklist buying a trampoline

Trampolines are usually round and consist of a frame, a protective edge, springs and a jumping mat. And yet not all trampolines are the same! With a huge selection of different models with varying quality, safety and durability, buying a trampoline can be confusing. If you look at different trampolines, you might not think of the big differences in quality between the models. Most trampolines look quite similar. In bargainshops and discounters you can buy trampolines for just a few hundred Swiss francs. But how good are these products? Read our tips and advice here.

What should I pay particular attention to when buying a trampoline?

Here we have listed the most important points for you to consider first.

• Who is the trampoline for and what criteria should it meet?
• Is supervision possible if the trampoline is used by minors and inexperienced jumpers?
• Is there enough space available to place the trampoline safely? There must be free space above the trampoline and a safety barrier of approx. 1.5 m is required around the trampoline. If a safety net is used, a free space of approx. 1 m around the trampoline is sufficient.
• Can the trampoline be placed on a soft and flat surface?

Our checklist for a safe trampoline purchase

When you buy a trampoline, value quality! Only with the quality features listed below, the purchase of a trampoline guarantees you many years of movement, play and above all lots of fun. Cheap trampolines from discounters usually do not meet the required standards and quality features. Check whether the selected trampoline offers the following:

• A frame galvanized on the inside and outside?
  Galvanization is the application of a thick rust-protecting layer that increases the durability of the trampoline. If the frame is galvanized both inside and outside, the trampoline can remain outside all year round.
• A wide protective edge?
  The wider the protective edge, the more the springs are overlapped. This ensures that the springs are always covered even when jumping, so that jamming can be prevented. If the protective edge also has a wide overhang from the upper frame rail, it is held much better in place than a short overhang.
• A thick protective edge?
  The thicker the filling of the protective edge, the more safety it offers in the event of a fall. The filling material is also important; if it is made of closed-cell foam, the protective edge does not absorb any moisture, which benefits the service life of the protective edge.
• The required jumping performance?
  Double conical springs (where the spring is thicker in the middle than at the ends) not only ensure optimum and safe jumping comfort, but also a better distribution of the bounce force, which means that the forces acting on the body are lower (for example with a BERG "Goldspring" spring). This allows the jumper to jump higher, more smoothly and comfortably. If the springs are galvanized from the inside and outside, they are more durable than non-galvanized springs.
• A high quality jumping mat?
  The jumping canvas must be of good quality, as the quality of the canvas influences the jumping performance. A jumping net must not be too slack or soft so that it does not give way too much when jumping; the net must remain at least 60 cm above the ground. Particular attention should be paid to attaching the jumping mat to the springs. The more often they are quilted, the more solid the fastening. The centre mark on the cloth is also important so that you always jump in the middle.
• A high quality safety net?
  The safety net must always be tightly stretched towards the centre of the trampoline. The posts must be covered with your thick foam padding and, if possible, slightly curved outwards. The safety net must not be routed outside around the edge cover; it must rest on the edge cover. This prevents falling down between the safety net and the edge cover as well as knocking on the top tube. Entrance openings of safety nets must be designed to overlap and close automatically. On models where this has to be done manually, the zipper often breaks quickly, so that the net does not close properly and people can fall off the trampoline.
• Can the trampoline be set up and used without risk?
  If it is not clear how a trampoline should be constructed or used, safe use is difficult to ensure. Therefore, good instructions for use are important.
• Is there a long guarantee period?
  A high quality trampoline also comes with a long warranty period of at least 5-10 years to prove the guaranteed quality and untroubled jumping pleasure.
• Is a good customer service available?
  The good after-sales service is the guarantee for years of jumping pleasure. Among other things, this service can extend to the subsequent delivery of spare parts, even if the purchase took place many years ago.