What Kind of Trampoline, Size, Safest and Best Brand Do You Recommend?

Updated on June 16, 2011
S.D. asks from Carson, CA
10 answers

Hi:
I have two rambunctious boys, ages 5 and 7. They love to bounce and jump! I am aware that trampolines have risks but if a good one is purchased and safety precautions are adhered to, they can be safe, right? I'm looking for a good quality trampoline. I prefer to stay as low in price as possible but I realize that safety has a price too. I definitely need to stay under $800.00 but again, I would like to find a good quality, safe one with moderate $ annual upkeep for as reasonable price as possible.

I think my boys would love it. I called my insurance company and to make sure there are no restrictions and we are covered there.

So, what brands and what size would you recommend? Any other tips you would like to share, perhaps on maintenance or safety tips would be appreciated as well ! And maybe even tell me if you mom's get out there and jump for a while; is it good exercise?

Thanks, as always!

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

We have a big one that was a hand me down. LOVE IT. it has the big net cage around it. it is awesome!

And i was so against the trampoline, they aren't safe etc....if you have boy like mine, he finds danger. So, being IN a trampoline is safe.

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D.R.

answers from New York on

sorry to say, but at my sons last physical the doc first asked about smoke detectors, and the very next question was do you have a trampoline. made me promise to never ever let them go in one, with nets, whatever. said that there is an insane amount of very serious injuries and deaths and they should be outlawed. we googled it, its not good. sorry to be debbie downer, but.......

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D.K.

answers from State College on

The rectangle ones are safer, might be hard to find one though. I had one growing up and it was great and I used it any time I was home visiting until my parents took it down. We might get it back pretty soon when we move again. My parents got on it sometimes and even grandparents. It is good exercise and a lot of fun.

Make sure you have rules for them and their friends- number of people at a time,etc. I did gymnastics and so did most of my friends so we would jump two at a time and with the rectangle there was plenty of room. We did some crazy things with the trampoline, but for the most part just used it for jumping and flips. Make sure they know how to spot and have some awareness as to where they are on the trampoline and how to bend their needs to stop if they start getting out of control. Also having spotters on the side if parents are home is great. We didn't have a net and in the gym there was no net, but we had spotters that could push you back. It will probably take some breaking in, new tramps are very tight and their weight may not break it in for awhile and they will not go quite as high before it is broken in.

The only upkeep we ever had was replacing springs once after several years and we just did some of them. I know at this point it may need a new bed since it had a couple of small holes last time I saw it. Granted the trampoline is 20 plus years old now, so I would say it held up really well. It was always outside without a tarp. We did sweep it with a broom before using everytime and no socks on it so you couldn't slip easily.

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M.H.

answers from Detroit on

Hi There
We have a 15ft round trampoline and I cannot remember the brand but do remember that we bought it at Sam's club. We have had it since my eldest was almost 3 years old. My boys are now 6 and 8 years old and we have seriously had no injuries on it. It does have a safety enclosure and we do have strict rules of use.
My only tip is that you should always ensure the zipper is closed on the enclosure as my youngest did fall out (and fortunately did not even have a scratch on him) once when I did not realise one of them had left the zipper open.
I know they can be dangerous but so can most things nowadays, but with rules and supervision they are a lot of fun and great for keeping the kids fit.
The whole thing cost about $300 with the enclosure and the padding that covers the springs (the spring cover padding is also an important safety feature).

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

We took a quick look at trampolines last year but we decided on a swingset instead. However, it was crystal clear that the safest one on the market is the Springfree brand. I remember the sales guy jumping up and down and then throwing his body into the safety netting -- and it bounced him right back to the middle of the trampoline! The way they make this trampoline is quite remarkable -- very different than standard trampolines. Of course, there's an increased price tag attached! I do not think you can buy one of these for $800.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I grew up on a trampoline with no netting or padding and had a blast. LOVED it and it was great exercise.

We bought one from Academy Sports for our daughter when she was around 5. She and her friends loved it until we sold it about a yr ago.

Just make sure everyone follows your rules. yes, accidents can happen... they can also happen when you walk across the street, ride a bike, scooter or climb on the swingset. It is all relative

Make sure you purchase quality such as Academy. I would never, ever purchase from a Walmart or Sams (lower quality). You get what you pay for.

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

I am going to be another naysayer, but trampolines are not safe for little ones, and your boys are at a primo age for getting injured. I read an article by seattlemamadoc (link below) recently where she was trying to figure out her fear/hate of bouncy houses. Although she didn't convince me that bouncy houses were bad, she definitely convinced me that even "safe" trampolines were too dangerous. Apparently, this goes for the small indoor trampolines as well. Bummer, because I thought of getting one of those for my daughter, who likes to bounce.

Good luck in your decision!

http://seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org/why-i-hate-the...

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S.P.

answers from New York on

2 at a time is incredibly dangerous on a trampoline. Something about the wave formations can create a surface that is as hard as concrete. That is one reason people get hurt so badly.

Trampoline+Kids= extreme risk of serious injury. I'm seeing all the trampolines around our neighboorhood and aready trying to figure out how to keep my daughter off of them. Agreed with the othe poster- look it up and be very afraid.

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J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I don't even remember the brand of our trampoline. I have had it for 9 years. The safety netting was ripped apart five years ago by a bunch of 17 year old boys goofed around in it too much.

Even without the net no one has fallen off of it.

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M..

answers from Ocala on

I know that trampolines look like a lot of fun but they are SOOOOOOO bad for your knees and back.
If I was you I would call your local ER and ask to speak to the ER Dr. on call and ask them how many times they see trampoline injuries.

I'm sorry to rain on your parade.

Have a wonderful summer.

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