The Best for You
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? 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 3 Types of Trampoline
1 - RECTANGULAR TRAMPOLINES:
Primarily designed for use by children, SUPER TRAMP's rectangular trampolines are easy to move, take up relatively little space and are the least expensive option. These factors account for their popularity. Rectangular trampolines such as the Prince 18 are ideally suited for children in the 7 to 11 age range and tend to give them a better bounce than larger trampolines. However, bear in mind that they are on average half the size of a standard full sized trampoline designed for adult trampolining (with the exception of the King 110).
Please remember that rectangular trampolines for use by only one person at a time.
2 – ROUND TRAMPOLINES:
For general family fun in the garden, our round trampolines are probably the best value for your money. They are also safer in use with a slower, less powerful bounce which is more easily controlled than that of the rectangular. They also tend to direct the bouncers back towards the center and away from the edges. However, if you and your children are used to bouncing on a more traditional rectangular trampoline, you could be disappointed by what is, in comparison, a softer, slower bounce!
3 – HEAVYWEIGHT TRAMPOLINES:
They are the rigid outdoor equivalent of folding trampolines that you would normally find in a sports hall or leisure center. Designed to give a comparable performance, they are properly suited for adult use, with bed sizes and performance that allow for even the most advanced trampolining moves.
Factors to Consider
Who is going to use it?
Just the children, and their friends? Don’t forget older brothers and 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 a 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 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 will break.
Round versus 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 generally pushing your luck.
Weight and Age Limitation
Although we give you simple weight and age limits for each model you must also consider experience, strength and skill too. The greater the height attained by the bouncer, the bigger the loading on the trampoline springs. So whilst someone might be technically under the maximum recommended weight for a particular trampoline, if they are competent and fit they could easily overload the springs. If in doubt always buy bigger, you will not regret it.
Some of your Questions Answered
Q – Can I leave my trampoline outside all year round?
A – Yes. All steelwork is zinc coated to prevent rusting and all fabrics are UV stable to prevent rotting. The beds are all free draining and will dry out quickly once the rain stops. Snow and ice should be removed before bouncing. Very high winds can blow trampolines away particularly the big round ones like the Super Bouncer and Fun Bouncer. If your site is prone to such conditions it is advisable to tie down your trampoline.
Q – Will my trampoline need a cover?
A – Not really. However, you may consider a cover for one or more of the following reasons:
- To keep the bed and pads clear and free from bird droppings, tree sap, creepy crawlies and industrial fall out.
- To keep the bed dry and ready for immediate use even on a damp day or immediately after rainfall.
- To give a clear message when necessary to family and friends and others that the trampoline has been ‘put away’ and is ‘not in use’.
- To prolong the life of the bed and pads by protecting them from the ongoing effects of UV radiation.
Q – Will I be able to get replacement parts for my trampoline.
A - Yes. Super Tramp are committed to looking after your trampoline needs for generations to come. We know that your trampoline is going to be very popular and will get an enormous amount of use. Eventually springs will stretch or break, beds will need re-stitching or replacing (watch out for bonfire spark damage). It may not happen for ten years but when you need us, we plan to be there for you. We carry thousands of springs, beds and pads of all shapes and sizes and can even have one-off shapes and sizes made to measure.
Q – Do you supply a ladder to help smaller children get onto their trampoline?
A – No. The area around the trampoline should be kept clear of solid objects so that anyone falling or bouncing off lands on the grass. To help the little ones we recommend a lightweight one piece plastic chair with its back placed against the edge of the trampoline frame (available form your local supermarket or DIY store at a very reasonable cost).
Q - How can I site my trampoline on sloping or uneven ground?
A – Provided that the slope is no greater than 15% or 1 in 7 it is possible to level your trampoline by digging a 3 inch wide trench into which the uphill leg base is dropped. The downhill leg base is then supported on timber blocks. We can no longer supply notched treated timber blocks for this purpose.
Q – I’ve seen round trampolines advertised at lower prices than the Super Tramp ones. They look very similar, what’s the difference?
A – These cheaper trampolines were made for the American mass market where almost everyone has a garden large enough to fit a 14’ diameter trampoline. They are made as cheaply as possible. In particular: cheaper, less bouncy springs, unfinished seams on the beds and very poor frame pads that give inadequate protection, do not stay in place and tend to come apart early in their life. We have sold these cheaper trampolines in the past. Many of our customers were unimpressed, so we speak from experience. Super Tramp’s round trampolines are designed to stand up to commercial use too. Hundreds of Super Bouncers are in constant use at caravan parks and visitor attractions across the country.
Q – If someone else’s child is hurt while using my trampoline, where do I stand legally?
A – Unless you can be shown to have been negligent, or the trampoline unfit for use, you will not be legally ‘liable’. You will usually be covered by your house or contents insurance. If you are in doubt, we suggest that you refer to your policy document or check with your broker or insurer’s help-line.
Q - I have had bad experiences in the past with self-assembly products. Can someone assemble my trampoline for me?
A – Your concern is understandable. Even though Super Tramp trampolines really are surprisingly easy to assemble, it is usually possible to find someone to assemble your trampoline for you. In the first instance you should call your retailer, as this is a service that many of them can provide. Alternatively there is a company called Screwdriver Tel: 020 8847 2343 who have people in most parts of the country, ready to put up your trampoline for you. There is a charge for this service.
Q – My Daughter is a member of the local trampoline club. Is it safe for her to practice her moves on our trampoline at home?
A – You should ask her trampoline coach. He/she will probably let you know which moves he/she is happy for her to do at home. Bear in mind that the garden trampolining environment is very different to the one at the trampoline club. At home in the garden there is no one pushing you to achieve higher standards, and there is no one there to ‘catch’ you.
Q – Can I use my trampoline indoors?
A – Yes, but you must consider the following:
- Ceiling height minimums are stated in the Super Tramp handbook. Phone 0800 1971897 for details
- The nature of your floor surface. You may need to get floor guards for your trampoline. See next question.
- Do you plan to fit your trampoline with a Bounce Arena or provide a soft area around the trampoline to cushion those who may fall off the trampoline?
Q – Can I site my trampoline on a paved patio or concrete surface?
A – The tubular steel frames are designed to sit on a level grass surface, where the bed down slightly. On a smooth hard surface the trampoline will move around slightly with each bounce. They will gradually wear away the underside of the leg bases. Therefore it is essential to use some kind of cushioning material under each leg base. Special rubber floor guards can be fitted - please call Super Tramp on 0800 1971897 for further details. A round trampoline will need eight floor guards.
