Which Trampolines are the Bounciest?

A trampoline without bounce is not much of a trampoline. The equipment is designed for springy action, for fun and play. Naturally, the two main components of a trampoline are the items that determine its bounciness: the mat and the springs. Without them, a person is standing on a piece of fabric that neither rises nor falls, and the joy and entertainment value is not there.

On a search for the right trampoline for the backyard, there are many details that manufacturers give about safety and construction. Finding information about the bounciness of a trampoline is more difficult, however. Here are some things to look for in the bounciest trampolines.

Trampoline Springs

The springs on the trampoline are designed to stretch and coil back with every jump, and yet be strong enough to keep their shape, time after time. If you assemble your new trampoline and it doesn’t seem bouncy enough, don’t worry. This is actually common, as experienced trampoline owners will share. The springs on new trampolines are usually tighter at first, but then stretch out for better bounce with time.

Some backyard trampoline enthusiasts advise trampoline owners to cross the springs when connecting the mat to the frame. There are a number of YouTube videos that demonstrate this method. Not everyone is a fan of this strategy nor does everyone see the bouncy results they desire. One of the cons noted about this technique is that it will shorten the life of the springs. Another trick to the eye is that jumpers start high over the trampoline, which will be explained further in a moment.

As technology advances, so do trampoline designs. The Springfree trampoline brand uses a rod-based technology, in which the fiberglass rods are angled and create a coiling action, to provide the bounce in the place of springs. While this provides a softer bounce and the same lifespan as a traditional spring trampoline, it comes at a higher price. Owners are generally happy with the bounce level, as well as with the safety of a trampoline without springs and gaps.

Trampoline Mats

If you want the ultimate bounce, you need to find professional-grade trampolines, created for gymnasts. They practice their aerial flips and dismounts with the help of the trampoline. (Trampoline as a sport debuted at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000). The bed of these trampolines is woven nylon that is less than six millimeters thick. In competition, these high flyers can bounce over 33 feet! If your child is into gymnastics, then a training center with the equipment, safety mats, and a spotter will get them soaring.

For recreational bouncing and beginning tumblers, a backyard trampoline has different standards. Most mats are made with a black polypropylene fabric, which is ideal for backyards. The mat material, as well as the shape, plays a role in the bounce. If you consider the shape of the trampolines used in competition, they are rectangular, whereas most recreational trampolines are round. Rectangular trampolines use more springs, which can add to the amount of bounce in your jump.

The Other Bounce Factor: You

The size of the jumper and their power is one of the most important factors in a higher bounce with a trampoline that is not related to the equipment. A three year old weighs less and does not bounce as high as a sixteen year old.

Someone who starts from a standing position needs more time and effort to bounce higher, compared to someone who jumps onto the surface from a higher point, such as a ladder or roof. With each jump, that person ascends higher and higher, as the bed and springs rebound from contact further and further. If more people are on the trampoline at one time, one person can create a higher bounce for another person with their additional body weight stretching the springs and mat. Unfortunately, some of these tricks are not the safest and cause some of the injuries on trampolines, including collisions.

The trampoline is built for bounce. In order to soar above the rooftops, a professional-grade mat is required, but may not the best option for outdoor safety. When shopping for the bounciest trampoline, look for the number of springs and the fabric of the mat. In some cases, the bounciest trampoline depends on the bounciest jumper. With practice, size, and powerful jumps, there is plenty of potential to bounce far above the rest.

Need some other options of bouncy trampolines? Try some of these brands.

• AlleyOop Double Bounce – double mat system that allows you to jump as high or as soft as the jumper prefers with lower impact that causes stress and injuries.
• Propel promotes its 12’x8′ rectangular trampoline as “one of the safest, bounciest trampoline on the market”. One reason is its smooth bounce, due to the 80 galvanized steel springs.