Should I Buy a Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampoline?

Choosing a trampoline isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to shape. This choice is even more difficult for first-time buyers. It’s important to weigh your options before selecting a round trampoline or rectangular one. Your trampoline’s shape plays a crucial role in what works best for you and your family.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the major differences to help make the decision easier.

Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampoline: Consider Weight Limitation

Weight Limits for a Round Trampoline
8 to 10-foot trampolines: 200–250 pounds
12-foot trampolines: 250–300 pounds
14 to 16-foot trampolines: 250–400 pounds

Weight Limits for a Rectangular Trampoline
All trampoline sizes: 300-450 pounds

Round Trampoline or Rectangle Trampoline: Consider Usage

Rectangular trampolines are often used by athletes for training. So if your motive for purchasing a trampoline is to benefit a child who has competitive, professional, or Olympic aspirations, a rectangular model works best. A rectangular trampoline provides a higher altitude for jumpers. It can also absorb more force during the landing, which is a plus for athletes in training.

Round trampolines are ideal for recreation in the back yard or the home. Unlike rectangular models, they don’t accommodate as much weight or force. But if your jumpers are young children or even toddlers, you’ll want to consider the safety aspect and the fact that the reduced spring size diminishes the risk of an injury. Young kids are beginners on a trampoline, and their lack of skill means that a round trampoline is better able to accommodate their limitations.

Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampoline: Consider Safety

On a rectangular model, the jumper decides where he or she is going to land. With choice, comes risk. Jumpers using a round trampoline, on the other hand, are directed to the center of the mat, which is a safer option.

The most popular size of a rectangular trampoline is 6 feet by 12 feet. By calculating 1 foot of space on each side of the model for the springs and the frame, you’re left with a 4-foot wide jumping area (two feet on each side) for safe jumping before there’s a risk of landing on the springs or, if there’s no net, falling off the trampoline. Choosing a 7-foot by 14-foot rectangular trampoline only adds half a foot to your jumping space.

The most popular size for a round trampoline is the 14-foot model, which actually means you have a jumping surface of 12 feet after accommodating the space needed for the springs and the frame. Jumping from the center gives 6 feet of room, which is important for safety.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recommends that parents choose a round model rather than a rectangular model. This is due to the lower bounce that round trampolines have, which can better protect your young ones from injury.

Round Trampoline Versus Rectangular Trampoline: Consider Price

The cost of a trampoline depends on a variety of factors. Shape, size, specifications, quality and material as well as the state in which the trampoline is purchased. Round trampolines tend to be less expensive than rectangular models. Because of the circular shape’s inherent strength, less added support is needed, compared to the rectangular design. Easier to build means less costly, allowing manufacturers to pass the savings on to their customers. Because rectangular trampolines are built for gymnasts, there aren’t as many on the market, which increases the price.

Consider A Safety Enclosure for All Trampoline Shapes

It’s estimated that about 80% of trampoline injuries occur because of the lack of an enclosure, which keeps jumpers from falling off the trampoline. A trampoline enclosure, often a mesh screen, is installed around the trampoline to keep the jumpers from getting too close to the edge.

Whether you decide to buy a round or rectangular trampoline, safety is your first priority, and that means buying an enclosure. Not only does an enclosure reduce the risk of someone falling off the trampoline, but it also increases the versatility of the equipment. Insurance companies often suggest having an enclosure for homeowners who have trampolines.

Round Trampoline or Rectangular Trampoline: The Skywalker 8-foot x 14-foot Trampoline with Enclosure

The Skywalker brand is one of the most highly regarded of trampoline manufacturers. In addition to the quality of the trampoline, Skywalker has a unique safety feature with its jumping mat that attaches to the enclosure, thanks to the company’s patented interlocking fastening system.

Priced around $300, the Skywalker Round is an affordable addition to the family outdoor entertainment center. Its durable, galvanized steel frame and interlocking T-brackets give it added support at the joints. It also does a good job withstanding rough winters and stormy summers. With a weight limit of 200 pounds, the Skywalker round is suitable for young children.

The rectangular trampoline offers a higher jumping altitude, with the enclosure adding safety from falling off. The height of the bounce is high, but the landing is soft. This is helpful for training purposes. A major difference in the two versions is the user’s age. The Skywalker rectangular trampoline is not recommended for children younger than age six.

The Skywalker Rectangular Trampoline 14 Foot x 8 Foot is around $500. As is the case with the round model, the rectangular option has a galvanized steel frame. The enclosure connects through T-sockets to prevent twisting.

The jumping mats of both models are made of heavy-duty, UV-protected polypropylene.

Skywalker trampolines are also easy to assemble. As is the case with any equipment, following the directions makes installation smoother and more efficient.

Buying a trampoline means looking into the future. Buying a round model for young children is a good start. As your children mature and enhance their skills, you may opt for a rectangular model.