Not coincidentally, professional gymnasts choose rectangular trampolines over other shapes. You’ve probably noticed there are trampolines that can be built into the ground. Basically, you dig a hole, install the trampoline, and the kids jump as if they are on the ground, but with more bounce. There is no proof that this actually lowers the risk of injury, skywalker trampolines though, since the frame and the springs can still present a safety hazard. You’ll want a trampoline with at least a year’s warranty on the frame, and a safety net that can be replaced. You’ll also want to make sure that the weight limit is high enough for your jumpers, and that the trampoline is made of materials that can withstand some heavy bouncing.
But if Skywalker is competing head-to-head with Alley Oop (and they are), Jumpsport’s lower quality line is certainly not in the same ballpark. Howver, Alley Oop’s variety is quite limited, and its netting is “traditionally” mounted directly to the vertical supports and to the frame of the trampoline itself. Plus, the springs are on the inside of the net (whereas Skywalker’s are on the outside).
The trampolines from Sam’s Club® might be just the answer you’re looking for. Skywalker’s safety and sturdiness are topped only by Springfree’s. Honestly, if I had to choose between Skywalker and Springfree, I’d choose Springfree any day. As a safety-freak of a parent, I can easily see how the standard trampoline dangers exist in pretty much every trampoline except for Springfree trampolines. And that’s because the guy who invented Springfree is a safety-freak of a parent himself (or at least his wife is). However, there have been complaints about the spring cover wearing out after only a week(!) of jumping, and that the frame cover wasn’t that durable, either.
Before you start shopping, take some measurements of the area where you’ll put the backyard trampoline, or wherever you’ll place it. If you’re looking at round trampolines, the size is typically measured in diameter, or the measurement across the center of the circle. Fairly standard sizes include 12 and 15 ft trampolines, while mini trampolines are of course, much smaller.
In TESOL, receiving additional certification to teach remedial reading and translation. With over a decade of teaching experience, Chana has worked with children from… Chana Roberts is a mom and a product tester for Parenting Pod. She has bounce pro trampoline spent over 200 hours researching, comparing, and writing about products for families, and cares deeply about everything kid. If you’re looking to buy locally, Skywalker’s site lists authorized local retailers who sell their trampolines.