How do I make sure I'm getting good value for money? Trampolines look similar but can be very different prices
Ideally go to see the trampoline, as this will very quickly show you differences in quality that will be reflected in the price. If viewing the trampoline isn't possible, ask the retailer some questions about its specification:
Trampoline Frame
Is the frame made from heavy duty galvanised steel? That makes it suitable for all year round use. Ask the weight of the trampoline in its box. its a good guide to the strength of the frame. Generally the heavier, the better
Trampoline Pads
Trampoline pads are important as they protect the jumper from impact with the trampoline frame or springs. They are also the most vulnerable part of a trampoline in terms of resisting wind, rain, sun and frost. Check if the pads are guaranteed not to absorb water. Soggy pads are less effective, rot quickly and will make you wet when you lean against them. Its worth making sure that they are substantial both in depth and width. The trampoline pads should cover the springs, be securely attached to the frame, and not tear off in the wind.
Trampoline Springs
The better the spring, the better the bounce. Simply ask how many, how long and how strong? The low cost springs used in cheaper trampolines lose their memory especially if used by adults. A trampoline spring that will not spring back to its original shape is soon a disappointment and of little value.
Trampoline Mat
The mat is should be soft and smooth to touch to ensure it doesn’t hurt your child’s skin. Ask how the springs attach to the mat. A D ring system of attachment, rather than hooking the spring directly into the material, will greatly extend the life of the mat.
why there is a large difference in maximum weight between the Amsterdam Trampoline and the Big Bouncer when there is only 2ft difference in the diameter?
In terms of weight guidelines, the critical difference between the Big Bouncer and the Amsterdam trampoline is the height of the frame and therefore the height of the mat.
The Big Bouncer trampoline is approx 50cm high whereas the Amsterdam trampoline is 76cm high
This means that much younger children can safely access the Big Bouncer trampoline - hence an age recommendation starting at 3 years for the Big Bouncer trampoline compared to 6 years for the Amsterdam and the rest of the big trampoline range. However, this also means that it is possible to 'bottom out' the Big Bouncer trampoline far more easily than the Amsterdam. Bottom out means to be able to touch the ground whilst jumping. Bottoming out the trampoline could result in injury hence we issue very cautious weight guidelines on the Big Bouncer trampoline to avoid any potential injury risk of this nature. Clearly a heavier but energetic child would have a far greater chance of touching the ground when bouncing on a lower height trampoline than the same child on a trampoline which is 26cm higher off the ground. And children aged 3 years can be very energetic!
On our even bigger trampolines - Canberra and Washington - the height of the frame off the ground is 90cm so even higher than the Amsterdam. So again the weight limits can get higher. The maximum age for the Big Bounce trampoline is 6 years but the big trampolines are suitable for adult use within the weight guidelines.
In the case of the Junior trampoline - this product is very different from the trampolines with springs discussed above. It is designed for children 1-3 years old. Its mats size very small (approx 80cm x80cm) compared to the Big Bouncer trampoline (8ft diametre). Its spring comes from elastics. The 'give ' of the mat - how easily it moves up and down - is therefore less than the sprung versions above so bottoming out is less likely. Bottoming out is also far less likely because children of this age will not challenge a trampoline in the same way as children aged 3 years plus. So the gentle bouncing of the toddler age group means that the weight limit is relatively high because the risk of bottoming out in this age group is very low due to the skill of the user and the construction of the trampoline. However its play value is clearly limited to children of this younger age group and by three years it is appropriate for them to move on to a more challenging product like the Big Bouncer
In all cases our weight limits are cautious because safety is paramount. These guidelines do however allow even the heaviest children of the appropriate ages to use the products. A 95th percentile boy aged 3 years is 19.5kg and aged 6 years is 28 kg - so well below the max rec weights of the products in question