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>> Guide to buying an outdoor garden
trampoline
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In recent years more and more families have become aware
of the long term benefits of having a trampoline in their
garden - children never seem to lose their enthusiasm for
them, and parents are finding a new form of fun exercise.
However, there are many different trampolines out there,
and quality does vary quite considerably - this can lead
to some confusion and, especially for those buying a trampoline
for the first time, it can often be quite difficult to know
if the trampoline you have chosen really represents good
value for money. Here at toyshopuk.net we sell one
of the broadest ranges of trampolines in the UK and we understand
the differences between the various manufacturers and models
very well. Not being tied to any one particular range, we
can therefore expert advice with a level of impartiality
that we are sure you will find reassuring. Our sales team
is always on hand to advise, help and support customers
who have bought, or are interested in buying one.
How much should I spend on a trampoline?
Broadly speaking, there are three quality bands for trampolines.
High-end trampolines, such as our JumpKing
JumpPod Deluxe trampolines occupy the top band.
These trampolines are strong with very good bounce dynamics
and the paddings around the edge of the trampolines are
extremely durable. Mid-range trampolines are the most popular,
since they combine both good performance and more affordable
prices. Mid-range trampolines include the following:
JumpKing
JumpPOD Classic , Oval
Pod, Ceetex
Gold Premier Range. While there are subtle differences
between these trampolines (we will be happy explain these
to you on the phone), you will generally not make a mistake
whichever of these trampolines you decide to buy. The third
band is what we term Budget Trampolines. The number
of budget trampolines available on the market is increasing
rapidly as companies try to cash in on the trampoline boom,
often with cheaply-made models whose quality leaves a lot
to be desired. We therefore advise our customers to be wary
of buying this sort of trampoline. Not only is performance
likely to be poor, but breakages may occur in the first
year or so, and spare parts may not be available. Typically
you will find budget trampolines sold in high street stores,
diy chains, or on the internet (with claims of heavy discounting).
The main problem with budget trampolines is that customers
are often faced after only a few years of needing to replace
pads and springs, and the cost to do this often exceeds
the amount they originally spent on the trampoline. At this
point they usually start again with a mid-range trampoline
- we stock many trampoline spares, and many budget trampoline
customers come to us looking for parts they are unable to
find from the place they originally bought their trampoline,
so we are well aware of these problems.
How can I compare trampolines?
This is a question we are often asked. Customers looking
to buy a trampoline for the first time often come to us
looking for advice, having realised that there is an almost
bewildering choice out there. We will gladly assess in a
responsible manner any trampoline you have seen elsewhere
- just call us on on UK Freephone 0800 01 88844. Things
to look at are: Springs - the optimum for a 14ft
trampoline is 96 x 8.5-inch springs (80 x 8.5-inch for a
12 ft trampoline). Try to avoid trampolines that have shorter/fewer
springs. Also, try to avoid trampolines that boast more
springs than 96 (14ft) or 80 (12ft) 8.5-inch springs - there
is no benefit to trampoline longevity, yet performance will
be compromised as the "optimum" point is exceeded. Having
looked at springs, look at the Pads covering the
springs. Thickness is not everything - it is more important
to look at the filling - lightweight foam, however thick,
is not as good as a heavyweight filling. Also, have a look
at the coating - heavyweight vinyl lasts a lot longer when
exposed to the sun's UV rays. Also, stick to the standard
4-leg pair frame configuration and 7" or 8.5"
spring lengths as you'll always be able to easily source
new pads if you need them. Having compared springs and pads,
the last two things to look at are the bed (black jumping
mat in the middle) and the frame. The Bed is is almost
always the same whichever mid-range or better trampoline
you buy. Polymesh, Permatron - whatever you wish to call
it, there is practically no difference. Beds on round trampolines
do not contribute to bounce performance, and on mid-range
trampolines problems are very rare indeed, so therefore
not so much a distinguishing feature. In fact, in probably
99%+ cases in which customers come to us to purchase a replacement
bed, it is because sparks form a nearby bonfire have burnt
holes in their existing one. Also, stick to the standard
12ft,80x7inch or 14ft,88x7inch or 12ft,80x8.5inch or 14ft,96x8.5inch
spring configurations, and you know you'll always be able
to source a new bed if you need one. Trampoline Frames
these days (on mid-range trampolines upwards) are almost
always well galvanised (so won't rust), and strong enough
that they won't break. Frames do not contribute to bounce
performance. The only spare parts we do not stock on a daily
basis are frame sections - this is because there is practically
no demand for them. Also, guarantees on frames are almost
always 10 years - why? Because the manufacturers know this
will be the last thing standing when everything else on
your trampoline has finally worn out. So, frames, like trampoline
beds, are not usually the big distinguishing factor. However,
do avoid frames that are non standard (ie avoid trampolines
with 5 or six legs, or frames that are not 14ft, 12ft or
10ft in diameter, or have a non-standard number of spring
attachments) as you will find it much harder to find spare
parts or find a good safety net at a good price. The exception
is if you buy a non-standard trampoline (such as the JumpKing
Oval Pod) that is manufactured by a reputable company
who is large enough to make sure they can still continue
to provide spare parts in 5-10 years time. To
summarize, it's mainly about Springs, Pads,
being a standard configuration, and coming from a reputable
manufacturer. Beware of suppliers who put too much emphasis
on frames or beds - they are probably emphasising these
aspects because they have less to say about the other more
important quality aspects of their trampolines.
Which colour?
This is becoming increasingly an issue for customers. Five
years ago, most people opted for blue pads, as this is the
traditional indoor trampoline colour. These days, there
is a move toward green, as this colour tends to blend better
into the garden. Of course, colour isn't everything - you
should always make sure first that you are buying a good
quality trampoline.
Which is the best trampoline for me?
It's very important to us that you buy the right trampoline.
The age and weight guides we give are maximums; remember
that children are growing rapidly. Will the trampoline be
the right size for them in 3 or 4 years time? We know from
customers ringing up for spare parts, that many customers
wish to keep their trampolines going even after 5 years.
Is it really just the children that are going to use it?
Few teenagers and adults can resist the urge to 'have a
quick bounce!' The choice of our outdoor trampolines falls
into 4 categories:
Round trampolines
JumpKing
JumpPod Deluxe , JumpKing
JumpPOD Classic , Zero
Gravity , Bazoongi
, Ceetex
For general family fun in the garden, our round trampolines
are probably the best value for your money - in fact, we
probably sell more of these than any other trampoline. The
most popular sizes are 14 foot and 12 foot (this is the
outside diameter of the frame). People who buy 10 foot trampolines
generally do so owing to space limitations. In contrast
to rectangular trampolines, round trampolines are generally
safer to use with a more predictable bounce that tends to
direct the user back towards the centre of the trampoline.
Oval trampolines
Oval
Pod 10 x 15, Oval
Pod 8 x 11 New!
The Oval Pod from JumpKing is a new development in garden
trampoline design, combining the performance of a rectangular
trampoline with the inherent safety and value-for-money
of round trampolines. Not only is this a very good-looking
trampoline, it is also ideal if you you want a trampoline
that blends well and doesn't take up too much width. At
only 10ft wide it can even fit in narrower gardens, but
will completely outperform a 10ft round trampoline in terms
of jumping area, bounce performance and maximum weight.
Rectangular trampolines
AIRBOUND
Z-20 , AIRBOUND
Z-17, AIRBOUND
Kiddie, AIRBOUND
Z-20 Extreme New!
There are far fewer rectangular trampolines available than
round trampolines. Our Ceetex range (Z20 and Z17 represent
very good value for money if you are looking for this type
of trampoline, and are available with safety-net enclosures.
The Z20-Extreme is the only outdoor rectangular trampoline
we are aware of that is fitted with 9.5-inch competition
springs, giving it a performance comparable with professional
indoor trampolines.
SAFETY NET Enclosures
A Safety Net, sometimes called a trampoline enclosure or
fun ring etc, is a circular net, that fits around your trampoline
and prevents you falling off your trampoline. Although there
are many safety net models available, quality does vary
quite considerably, and is not always related to price.
How
to decide which Safety-Net to buy. In the past, trampoline
safety nets have always been supplied separately from the
trampoline, requiring fixture brackets to secure them firmly
to the trampoline frame. Our JumpKing
JumpPod and OvalPod
range of trampolines represents a new trend in trampoline
design, integrating the net with the trampoline frame. This
new type of design avoids the use of fixing brackets, resulting
in a stronger construction and a neater look to your trampoline.
Who is going to use it?
Just the children, and their friends? Don't forget older
brothers & sisters or older members of your extended family.
Will it be used by adults?
What are the users' expectations?
Is it to be just a bouncy play area for several children
at once or is it for more sporting use by one at a time,
i.e a young gymnast ?
Is it to be used by a child who trampolines as a sport?
Even if your trampolining child is only 9 or 10 years old
and quite light, you could possibly get away with buying
a Prince 18 but do be aware that the 56 x 7 inch springs
will be expected to do much the same job as 100 or more
10.5 inch springs down at the sports hall. Inevitably some
of them will break.
Round or Rectangular?
If you want performance and serious airtime always choose
rectangular. Proper trampolines in sports halls have always
been rectangular because all the springs work at a different
rate to give a quicker response and a more powerful lift.
For this reason we strongly recommend only one user at a
time on a rectangular trampoline. On a round trampoline
all the springs work at the same rate. Thus the larger the
trampoline the softer, slower and less high is the bounce.
Very safe though and ideal for multiple use, messing about,
and just having fun.
A Black Polymesh or 2-String bed?
As in so many cases there is a trade off between performance
and comfort. The 2-string bed being nylon and allowing a
good through flow of air will get you bouncing higher. It
will dry out quicker after rain. But it has a slightly rougher
surface and may cause "mat burns" i.e grazes to elbows and
knees. You should also be aware that swimming pool chlorine
will shorten the life of your 2-string bed. The black mesh
bed being polypropylene with absolutely no extra elasticity
and giving a poor through flow of air will give you less
lift. But its smooth surface will never graze even the tenderest
of skin.
Weight & Age limitation
Although we give you simple weight & age limits for each
model you must also consider experience, strength & skill
too. The greater the height attained by the bouncer, the
bigger the loading on the trampoline springs. So whilst
someone may be technically under the maximum recommended
weight for a particular trampoline, If they are very competent
& fit, they could manage to overload the springs. If in
doubt always buy bigger, you will not regret it.
Spare Parts
Always make sure that you are able to buy spare parts for
your trampoline. Our experience shows that you may well
need to buy the odd spring or pad after about five years
(for a good quality trampoline). You need to make sure,
therefore, that your trampoline manufacturer will still
be around after that time. The manufacturers from whom we
buy trampolines are all very welll established companies,
and we supply their full range of spare parts. It is also
worth adding that, as a leading supplier of trampoline spare
parts in the UK, we are aware of problems faced by people
who call us up requiring spare parts or accessories for
non-standard trampolines - try to avoid buying a non-standard
trampoline (eg 13 foot diameter trampolines, or trampolines
that have 5 or 6 leg pairs rather than the standard 4 leg
pairs), as it is always more difficult to get the parts
(13 foot replacement pads are difficult to source, and choice
of safety nets for 5 & six-legged trampolines is severly
limited!).
Guarantees and Breakages
Trampoline guarantees are usually specified for different
parts of the trampoline. A typical guarantee is 10 years
for the frame, 5 years for the bed and springs, and 1 year
on the pads. When trampolines go down-hill is is not usually
the frame that fails - frames do not usually buckle or rust
through (hence the long guarantee). What does tend to happen
is that the springs stretch - in general, especially in
the case of budget trampolines, the longer and more numerous
the springs, the longer the springs will last. Irrespective
of the length of the guarantee on the pads, mid-range trampoline
pads usually last a good 5 years. After this period, although
the pads may still offer satisfactory protection, some customers
buy new pads from us simply to make their trampoline look
"new" again.
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