The spring versus springless question is one of the most common a parent asks when buying a trampoline, and it deserves a straightforward answer rather than marketing from either camp. A spring trampoline uses metal coil springs to connect the jumping mat to the frame — the standard design used by most UK garden trampolines for decades. A springless trampoline replaces those springs with composite rods, fibreglass rods or bungee cords positioned beneath the mat, eliminating exposed metal springs entirely.
Both types can be safe, high-quality trampolines. The difference is in where each type's safety advantage lies, and whether that advantage is worth the trade-offs in price, choice and availability. TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems, and produces spring trampolines across four ranges — Junior, UP, Genius and Infinity — with a range of spring coverage and safety specifications across the lineup. This guide presents the evidence on both sides honestly.
Are springless trampolines safer than spring trampolines for children?
Springless trampolines are safer in one specific way: they eliminate the spring-contact injury risk entirely — the pinching, cutting and catching injuries caused by exposed metal coil springs, which account for approximately 20% of product-related trampoline injuries. In that respect, yes: springless trampolines have a clear and meaningful safety advantage. However, spring-contact injuries are not the leading cause of serious trampoline injuries. The majority of serious trampoline injuries — fractures, sprains, head and neck injuries — result from user behaviour: multiple simultaneous users, landing awkwardly, or inadequate supervision. These risks are present on both types of trampoline. A well-specified spring trampoline with full spring coverage and a solid enclosure system can match the overall safety profile of a springless model at a similar or lower price point.
The most honest answer is: springless trampolines eliminate one category of risk that spring trampolines carry; they do not eliminate the more significant sources of trampoline injury, which are behavioural rather than design-based.
How do spring and springless trampolines work differently?
How does a spring trampoline work?
A spring trampoline works by connecting the jumping mat to the steel frame with metal coil springs positioned around the circumference of the frame. When a jumper lands, the mat and springs stretch and store kinetic energy, which is then released as the springs recoil — pushing the jumper back upward. The springs are what generates the bounce. The quality, number, length and gauge of the springs directly determines the bounce quality, consistency and weight-bearing capacity of the trampoline.
The safety risk specific to springs is spring contact: the exposed metal coils between the mat and the frame padding are hard, can trap fingers and toes, and can cause cuts and pinching injuries if a jumper lands near the edge. Well-designed spring trampolines address this with thick foam padding over the spring area and precise placement of the enclosure net to direct jumpers back to the centre. The TP Toys Infinity range uses SurroundSafe® spring enclosure pads that fully encompass the springs, while the Genius range uses wrap-around spring mats — both designs significantly reducing the spring-contact risk compared to basic frame-edge padding.
How does a springless trampoline work?
A springless trampoline replaces the metal coil springs with an alternative tension system — typically composite rods or fibreglass rods positioned beneath the jumping mat, which flex under load and spring back to generate bounce. The key difference from a safety standpoint is that these rods are positioned below the mat rather than at its edge, which means there are no exposed metal components in the area where a jumper's hands, feet or body might contact during a fall or awkward landing.
Springless trampoline designs — most notably the Springfree brand, which pioneered the category — also typically move the steel frame below the mat surface rather than surrounding it at the edge, and use flexible enclosure rods rather than rigid poles. This combination addresses multiple injury points simultaneously. The trade-off is cost (springless models command a significant price premium), a more limited size and shape range, and fewer suppliers and accessories available in the UK market.
How do spring and springless trampolines compare?
The table below covers the key features that parents typically use to compare the two types — safety mechanisms, bounce quality, maintenance, price, size range and UK availability.
|
Feature |
Spring trampoline |
Springless trampoline |
|
Bounce mechanism |
Metal coil springs connect the mat to the frame; springs stretch and recoil to generate bounce |
Composite rods, fibreglass rods or bungee cords beneath the mat create bounce without exposed metal |
|
Spring contact injury risk |
Springs account for approximately 20% of trampoline injuries — pinching, catching and cuts from exposed metal coils |
Eliminated — no exposed metal springs to contact; this is the primary safety advantage |
|
Frame proximity |
Frame sits at the edge of the bounce area; padding reduces but does not eliminate contact risk |
Frame positioned below the mat in leading designs; cannot be contacted from above |
|
Bounce quality |
Consistent, powerful bounce across all price points; well-established across decades of use |
Can match spring bounce; premium models deliver excellent performance; budget springless models vary |
|
Maintenance |
Springs require periodic inspection for stretching, rust or uneven tension; replacement springs are cheap and widely available |
Rods or cords require less frequent inspection; replacement parts may be more specialist and expensive |
|
Price range |
Broad — from entry-level to premium; the widest range of options at every budget |
Generally higher — the technology premium is real; fewer options at the budget end |
|
Size availability |
Full range from toddler to 14ft+; round, oval, rectangular formats all available |
More limited size and shape options; fewer manufacturers; specialist market |
|
EN71 / UKCA compliance |
All UK-sold models from reputable manufacturers should be EN71 compliant; spring padding required under EN71 |
Same standards apply; springless design addresses the spring-contact risk that EN71 padding mitigates |
|
UK availability |
Widely available from all major outdoor toy retailers; full accessory ecosystem |
More specialist; fewer UK stockists; Springfree is the dominant brand in this category |
The most important line in the table is the first safety row: spring-contact injuries are real, account for approximately 20% of product-related trampoline injuries, and are genuinely eliminated by springless design. But the table also makes clear that this is the one area where springless is categorically superior — on bounce quality, maintenance simplicity, price range, size options and UK availability, spring trampolines match or exceed springless alternatives.
Where do most trampoline injuries actually come from?
Understanding the injury data is essential to a fair comparison between spring and springless trampolines, because the answer has direct implications for which type of trampoline — and which safety features — actually matter most.
The majority of serious trampoline injuries do not come from spring contact. RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics all point to the same primary injury causes: multiple simultaneous users colliding, jumpers landing awkwardly after attempting tricks, and jumping near the edge of the mat. These are behavioural causes, and they apply equally to spring and springless trampolines.
|
Injury cause |
Prevalence |
Addressed by springless design? |
|
Multiple simultaneous users (collision) |
Leading cause of serious trampoline injuries |
No — this is a user behaviour issue, not a design issue |
|
Landing awkwardly / bad technique |
Very common; causes sprains, fractures |
Partly — softer mat edges in premium designs; but landing mechanics remain the primary factor |
|
Falling off the trampoline |
Common; enclosure netting is the primary mitigation |
Partly — enclosure netting is standard on both types |
|
Spring / frame contact |
Approximately 20% of product-related injuries |
Yes — fully eliminated with no exposed springs or frame |
|
Insufficient supervision |
Significant contributing factor across all injury types |
No — supervision is required on all trampoline types |
|
Data note: The figure that springs account for approximately 20% of product-related trampoline injuries comes from research cited by Springfree Trampoline, the leading springless trampoline manufacturer. It is an industry figure rather than a peer-reviewed study, and it is reasonable to interpret it as an upper-bound estimate from a source with a commercial interest in the finding. Even accepting the figure at face value, it means that 80% of product-related trampoline injuries arise from sources other than spring contact — and that the leading causes of serious injury (multiple users, bad landing technique) are not addressed by springless design. |
The consistent finding across all major safety guidance for trampolines — from RoSPA, from EN71 standards, from paediatric medical bodies — is that the single most effective way to reduce trampoline injuries is supervision and one-user-at-a-time rules. No trampoline design, spring or springless, changes the risk calculation as significantly as these two behavioural factors.
Can spring trampolines match springless safety through better padding?
Yes — a premium spring trampoline with full spring coverage like the TP Genius or TP Infinity addresses the same spring-contact risk without the extra cost of springless. This is the most important practical question for most UK families buying a garden trampoline, and this is where the distinction between a basic spring trampoline and a premium spring trampoline matters most.
The spring-contact risk on a basic spring trampoline comes from inadequate spring coverage — thin frame-edge padding that leaves gaps above the springs, or padding that degrades quickly and creates exposed metal. A premium spring trampoline with full spring enclosure substantially addresses this risk without the price premium of a springless model.
How TP Toys addresses spring safety within spring trampoline design
· TP Infinity SurroundSafe®: the top-tier TP range uses SurroundSafe® spring enclosure pads that fully encompass the springs from all angles — ensuring zero possibility of contact with springs from any direction. This is the most direct spring-trampoline solution to the spring-contact problem
· TP Genius wrap-around spring mat: the Genius range uses full wrap-around spring mats that cover the entire spring surface, providing significantly better protection than standard frame-edge padding while remaining more affordable than the Infinity tier
· TP UP extra-thick pads: the UP range features extra-thick frame pads and precision-placed enclosure netting designed to keep jumpers away from the frame and spring area during normal use
· IGLOO® zip-free door across all ranges: TP's patented zip-free door eliminates the common injury point of catching clothing or fingers in enclosure zip mechanisms — an injury risk on spring and springless trampolines alike that is resolved at the design level across all TP models
|
Practical note: A TP Infinity trampoline with SurroundSafe® enclosure addresses the spring-contact risk as completely as a springless design — while also delivering longer springs (higher bounce), a 10-year frame guarantee, and the YOYO quick-assembly enclosure. The Infinity range starts from £799.99. An entry-level springless trampoline from Springfree starts at a similar price point. At this budget, the spring vs springless question becomes a choice between TP's spring technology and Springfree's springless technology — both addressing the core safety concern but through different means. |
Is the bounce different between spring and springless trampolines?
The bounce experience is genuinely different between the two types, and this is worth understanding before buying.
Spring trampolines provide a well-established bounce that most people are familiar with — responsive, powerful, and consistent across the mat with the characteristic 'bounce-to-centre' effect on round models (where the round geometry naturally guides solo jumpers back toward the middle). The bounce quality on a spring trampoline is directly related to the quality, number and length of the springs — longer springs produce higher, more consistent bounce, which is why the TP Infinity range's longer-than-standard springs are a meaningful feature upgrade.
Springless trampolines — particularly premium models using composite rods — can produce excellent bounce quality, but the feel is different from spring bounce. The rod-based mechanism produces a somewhat different energy return profile: typically described as slightly softer and with less spring-back sensation than a coil spring. For recreational garden bouncing, this difference is minor. For older children or adults who want maximum bounce performance for tricks or gymnastics-style use, premium spring trampolines are generally considered to deliver better performance at equivalent price points.
What is the UK market situation for springless trampolines?
The springless trampoline market in the UK is significantly more limited than the spring market — a practical consideration that goes beyond the spring-versus-springless safety debate.
· Limited size range: springless trampolines in the UK are available in fewer sizes than spring models; families who want a 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft or 14ft model — or specifically a toddler model — will find far more options in the spring category
· Fewer suppliers: Springfree is the dominant springless trampoline brand in the UK; this means limited competition and less price flexibility compared to the spring market, where multiple established manufacturers compete at every price point
· Accessories and spare parts: the spring market has a well-developed accessories ecosystem (covers, ladders, anchors, replacement springs and pads); the springless market is more limited in this respect, and replacement rods may need to be purchased directly from the original manufacturer
· Delivery and support: TP Toys spring trampolines are available with next-day delivery across the UK and backed by a UK customer service team; springless trampolines in the UK may have longer lead times and different support arrangements depending on the supplier
For UK families, the practical reality is that the spring trampoline market offers far more choice, better availability, and a more developed support ecosystem than the springless market. The full TP spring trampoline range can be browsed at tptoys.com/collections/trampolines.
What safety considerations apply to both spring and springless trampolines?
The most important safety factors for garden trampolines are the same regardless of spring type. These are the behaviours and setup decisions that the evidence shows have the greatest impact on injury rates — and they apply identically to both types.
· One user at a time: this is the single most evidence-backed safety rule for trampolines. RoSPA explicitly recommends one user at a time. Multiple simultaneous users are the leading cause of serious trampoline injuries on all trampoline types
· Supervision under 10s: children under 10 using full-size trampolines should be supervised by an adult; this applies equally to spring and springless models
· EN71-14:2014 compliance: RoSPA recommends that new trampolines meet EN71-14:2014 — 'Safety of toys: Trampolines for domestic use' — the UK and European standard for domestic trampoline safety. All TP Toys trampolines are EN71 compliant
· Anchoring: UK wind conditions make anchoring important, particularly for exposed gardens. An anchor kit should be used with any garden trampoline, spring or springless, to prevent the frame from lifting in high winds
· 1.5m clearance: at least 1.5 metres of clear space should surround the trampoline on all sides — this is a safety requirement for both types
· No somersaults without supervision and training: somersaults and trick jumps are the most common cause of head and neck injuries; these should never be attempted unsupervised or without appropriate skill level, regardless of trampoline type
· Regular inspection: at the start of each season, inspect springs or rods, frame, padding, enclosure netting and the mat for wear, damage or degradation. Damaged components should be replaced before use
Which type of trampoline should you choose?
The decision framework is clear once the evidence is understood. The table below gives a direct answer for the most common buying scenarios.
|
Choose a spring trampoline if... |
Choose a springless trampoline if... |
|
Budget is a significant consideration — spring trampolines offer more choice at every price point |
Eliminating spring-contact injury risk is your absolute priority and budget is flexible |
|
You want a wide range of size and shape options (4.5ft toddler to 14ft large family) |
You are comfortable with a more specialist purchase from a smaller range of suppliers |
|
You want a modular range with accessories (anchors, covers, ladders) |
You have specifically researched the springless category and are confident in the brand and model |
|
A premium spring trampoline with full spring coverage addresses your safety concerns — the Infinity SurroundSafe® range resolves the spring-contact risk at the same price point as entry springless models |
Your child is very young or particularly prone to reaching toward the spring area |
For most UK families, a well-specified spring trampoline from an established manufacturer — particularly the TP Genius (with full wrap-around spring mat) or TP Infinity (with SurroundSafe®) — addresses the primary spring-contact safety concern while offering better value, more size options, and stronger UK support than the springless market. See the full TP trampoline range here.
Frequently asked questions
Are springless trampolines worth the extra cost?
For families who are specifically motivated by eliminating spring-contact risk and for whom budget is not a constraint, yes — springless trampolines fully address that concern. However, at the price point where springless models become available (typically £800+), premium spring trampolines with SurroundSafe® spring enclosure — such as the TP Infinity range — also fully address spring-contact risk. At that price point, the comparison is between two different approaches to the same safety problem, rather than between a safe and an unsafe option. Below that price point, a well-specified TP Genius or UP model with good spring padding provides strong safety at significantly lower cost.
Do springless trampolines bounce as well as spring trampolines?
Premium springless trampolines (composite rod designs) produce excellent bounce quality that many users find comparable to spring models. Budget springless models using simple bungee cords — such as toddler trampolines — produce a softer, lower bounce that is appropriate for their age group but not comparable to a full-size spring trampoline. At equivalent price points, premium spring trampolines with longer springs (such as the TP Infinity range) are generally considered to deliver higher and more consistent bounce than springless alternatives. For recreational garden bouncing, both types produce a satisfying bounce experience; for advanced trick or gymnastics use, premium spring models have the performance edge.
What age can children use a springless trampoline?
The same age guidance applies to both spring and springless trampolines: full-size models (6ft+) are recommended from age 6, with adult supervision. For children aged 1–5, toddler-specific trampolines — which use bungee cords rather than metal springs by design — are the appropriate choice regardless of the spring/springless question. TP's Junior Trampoline (from 12 months) and UP 4.5ft Junior (from 3 years) both use designs appropriate for their age groups.
Does the UK safety standard EN71 cover both spring and springless trampolines?
Yes. EN71-14:2014 — the UK and European safety standard for domestic trampolines — applies to all trampolines sold in the UK regardless of their bounce mechanism. The standard covers structural safety, spring or rod systems, padding requirements, enclosure netting, and other mechanical safety aspects. RoSPA recommends checking EN71-14:2014 compliance when buying any new trampoline in the UK. All TP Toys trampolines are EN71 compliant; UKCA marking is also applied across the range.
Is the TP Infinity SurroundSafe® the same as a springless trampoline?
Not quite — the TP Infinity range still uses metal springs, but SurroundSafe® fully encompasses those springs so that there is zero possibility of a jumper contacting them from any direction. This directly addresses the spring-contact injury risk without eliminating springs, which allows the Infinity to retain the established bounce performance of spring technology. The result is a spring trampoline that resolves the primary safety disadvantage associated with spring design, at a price point comparable to entry springless models. It is not identical to a springless trampoline in mechanism, but it achieves a similar safety outcome for the spring-contact risk specifically.
Where can I find more information to help choose the right TP trampoline?
The TP Toys trampoline buying guide [INTERNAL LINK: https://www.tptoys.com/pages/trampoline-buying-guide] covers size selection, age suitability, garden space requirements and safety setup in detail. It is the right next step for families who have decided on a spring trampoline and need guidance on which size and model to choose.
About TP Toys
TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. Founded in 1959, TP has been designing and manufacturing trampolines for UK families for over 65 years. All TP trampolines are EN71 tested and UKCA certified. The TP range spans four tiers — Junior, UP, Genius and Infinity — with spring padding specifications ranging from thick frame-edge pads to full SurroundSafe® spring enclosure on the Infinity range. This article is produced to help UK parents make informed trampoline choices based on accurate evidence rather than marketing from either side of the spring debate.
