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What’s the Best Trampoline – And the Safest Trampoline – for 2023?

With the summer months officially behind us and the first days of fall bringing in crisp autumn air we have updated this post on September 25, 2023.

Our backyard trampoline is great fun for our entire family. And great exercise too. With a little research and comparison shopping, we were able to find a great trampoline for our family and yard. We’ve had two of them, plus a small indoor one. Plus we’ve trained youngsters in local gymnastic centers. Of course, that doesn’t make us the “be all and end all” experts. But it does leave us with enough experience to give you a few pointers.

Today there is a wide diversity of trampoline manufacturers, shapes and sizes. However, they all seem to be similar. They all claim to be the best trampoline. And it’s hard to tell from a casual look which one is the safest and most durable.

I am a bit obsessive (perhaps neurotic?), so I did a lot of homework when choosing our trampolines. For me it was not just about price and size; it was about my children’s safety. After that, I considered the suitability of a particular design for our living space and lifestyle.

The Top Six Picks — Best Trampolines of 2023

1. Zupapa Trampolines
2. Merax Trampolines
3. Skywalker Trampolines
4. Giantex Trampolines
5. Songmics Trampolines
6. Kangaroo Hoppers Trampolines

The trampoline industry has exploded in recent years and there are a lot of different options out there. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to pick between them, especially when there are so many factors to balance.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to pick out what we think are the top six (in no particular order) outdoor trampolines available. Let’s jump right in!

Zupapa 15-14-12 Ft TUV

Coming in a variety of sizes, the Zupapa trampoline is among the most popular for a reason. It has a great balance of quality and price, remaining affordable while maintaining a high level of quality.

The “TUV” at the end means that it has been certified by TUV Nord, a highly respected European certification agency for sporting equipment, household appliances, toys, and DIY products. They are a very strict organization and it is not easy to get them to sign off on your products, so you know if you see that symbol that what you’re working with is the highest possible quality.

And quality is what you get from this German manufactured trampoline. Made of heavy duty galvanized steel, you’ll have very little worry about rusting. The legs are wide and bracket shaped to provide high levels of stability as well as attached to the safety net poles to add to the strength and prevent twisting due to regular use or weather patterns.

The springs are also made of heavy gauged galvanized steel and there are 108 of them on the 12 foot model as compared to 96 on most other trampolines.

Maybe the best part of this one is that when you order it, it comes with all of the accessories that you need to get going including a galvanized steel ladder, the net enclosure, and a rain cover. It shows up at your door in three boxes, which can be intimidating, but it’s actually pretty simple to set up and requires very little work with tools.

While there is a lot to recommend this one, it does have a few problems. Perhaps the worst is that the customer service is absolutely awful. You probably won’t have to contact them, but if you do expect that it will be difficult to get ahold of anyone who has the authority to help you or even a response at times.

That being said, working through Amazon will give you the customer service cushion you need and deliver a great trampoline.

Check Price on Amazon

Skywalker Trampolines 12-Feet Round Trampoline and Enclosure with Spring Pad

Skywalker is generally out front of trampoline technology, which is to say “safety” on most cases, and that is absolutely on display here. One of the safest and most fun trampolines on the market, the Skywalker 12-foot round is fantastic for families with one or two kids who will want to play at the same time.

Their mats are tightly woven for excellent strength and they have some of the best springs available, making each jump crisp. The materials are excellent and can stand up to the elements well, sometimes going for years without any significant damage other than fading.

One feature that often gets overlooked is the frame padding, which is really fantastic on this model. Thick and soft, I believe that unless you’re trying to jump on the metal, you won’t have to worry about serious injury hitting this or climbing on/off.

Another nice feature is that the safety net actually buttons to the frame so that your kids don’t accidentally slip underneath the net or the top of it doesn’t slide down and make it easy to vault over.

If there’s a significant drawback to the Skywalker 12-foot, it’s that it’s pretty difficult to put together. It doesn’t require a lot of tools, but the instructions are pretty poorly written and there are probably more parts than strictly necessary. I would almost rather it came in more boxes and had parts of it already assembled than have to put every little thing together myself.

Check Price on Amazon

Kangaroo Hoppers 12/14/15 FT Trampoline

If there’s one word to describe the Kangaroo Hopper’s 12/14/15 foot trampoline, it would be “sleek.” This trampoline looks like the kind of rebounder than James Bond would use, constructed of galvanized steel. The legs are actually bent to follow the curve of the frame, providing greater stability and eliminating the “hot spots” where a trampoline can become unbalanced by trying to get on at one of the cut off edges.

The springs are super strong and bouncy. Combined with a heavy duty mat which feels like it’s just bursting with potential energy, you can get some serious height with this one. The net enclosure is taut and seems ready to catch any wayward jumpers, plus it comes with a zipper door to provide easy access while ensuring maximum safety.

All of the metal has been treated to ensure that it can stay outside without rusting, and the materials that make up the frame pad and mat also seem to have been manufactured to be able to handle a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns.rs.

While the Kangaroo Hopper’s 12/14/15-Foot trampoline is a tad pricey for what you get, it’s absolutely worth the extra costs for a trampoline you can count on. It also comes in a variety of exciting colors, including blue, green and pink.

Check Price on Amazon

Skywalker Trampolines Square Trampoline

While on the more expensive side of things, I still feel that Skywalker deserves two places on this list when you consider their square trampoline. While not as complex as their round version, there is a lot to recommend this one.

The entire frame is made of galvanized steel and treated for weather, plus it interlocks for easy assembly. Each corner has a leg that caddies across it for the best possible stabilization, each extending upward to a safety enclosure pole which curves in on top to add just a little bit more comfort with the design.

The enclosure itself has no gaps so you don’t have to worry about somebody flying out of the one unprotected spot or that area opening up more over time. In fact, in most cases the square Skywalkers exceed ASTM safety standards.

The biggest problem with this model is that it doesn’t feel very secure. The bolts they send with it are just a little bit too long. They are still strong and will stay put, but they allow the frame to jiggle when people are jumping on it. I don’t think it will result in any actual damage, but it can be nerve-wracking to watch your kids and see the whole thing move ever so slightly.

Moreover, the springs aren’t super impressive. They will get the job done, but for the price I would hope for more than just “adequate.”

Check Price on Amazon

How We Chose Our Trampoline

Here are some of the most important things we investigated and considered before purchasing our new trampoline. We reviewed and compared features to ensure we were buying the right unit.

There are a wide range of trampoline sizes. Home-use trampolines generally range in size from six-foot to 17-foot in diameter. Of course, we wanted the biggest bang for our buck here, but we had to measure the yard space we had available first, making sure to leave ample leeway on all sides.

We wanted to buy a big model, but we couldn’t cram a 17-foot trampoline into the small space we allotted. My rule of thumb is that you need at least 5-10 feet clearance on all sides of the trampoline. Moreover, you need head clearance. I wanted our yard to have a vertical clearance of 25 feet infinity for absolute safety.

When determining which size was best for our yard, I made sure to check for out buildings, fences, poles, power lines and any other impediments that may be potential hazards.

There are smaller sizes available to accommodate limited space, but you need to make sure the size and model you select is the best trampoline for all the members of your family.

Which Shape Is Best?

There are four basic geometric designs for trampolines. Each has its own strengths and different shapes are best suited for distinct uses.

Round (you’ll find your best value here with top safety features)

Circular trampolines I found are the most common sold for backyard recreation. Although some say this shape has more strength, I question this. The shape does however require fewer support members in its construction. The frame equally absorbs the force of a jump around the perimeter so it can be lighter in weight and still maintain its strength. But I question whether this makes a meaningful difference in cost or performance though.

My husband told me the circular shape directs movement to the center of the surface regardless of where on the pad the user is jumping and it has less bounce, which makes it safer for younger or less experienced users.

This shape also accommodates less weight and force, so it’s best suited for lighter weight individuals and those who are learning how to use the trampoline.

Sizes available are generally 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot, 14-foot, 15-foot and 16-foot models. The 8 and 10 foot sizes didn’t excite me, but the 15 footer seemed right. Simply because it provides my kids with more room for error. I tell them to stay in the center when jumping. This provides them with a large margin for error in case of the inevitable stumble, so they avoid injury.

Rectangular (like the Olympians jump on)

Next I found that rectangular trampolines are the choice of professionals and for competitions.

This shape has a higher bounce but absorbs more of the jumper’s force, so the landing is softer. The springs act independently to produce a contained, stable lift off and landing no matter where the jumper stands on the mat.

Rectangular models are more costly to build, as they require more supports and fasteners than round trampolines. I checked out You Tube and watched some competitive jumping tournaments. The heights reached shocked me.

Square (some high end models if you want to splurge a bit)

I didn’t find many square models. But truth be told, that didn’t surprise me. Square trampolines blend positive features of both the round and rectangular shapes. A square trampoline has a larger jumping surface than a similarly sized round unit does and it has the higher bounce than the round version.

However, it does provide the safety of a round trampoline, as the shape directs the user to the center of the space.

This shape also takes up less space than the rectangle, so it’s good for users who need more power in a small area. The square shape fits into small spaces well, with little wasted ground area.

The diagonal distance between corners is greater and the square shape generally provides as much as 20 percent more usable space than a comparable round trampoline.

In the end, this shape just didn’t fit my yard, so I passed on it.

Octagon – a novelty?

I found even fewer octagons. An octagonal model is similar to the round trampoline, with comparable space constraints. However, because of the straight edge design, the user will achieve a somewhat higher bounce than with a round shaped trampoline. To me, this shape seemed more of novelty than anything else.

Oval

(to pair with ‘Ovaltine’ of course) 🙂 The oval trampolines I found had a bigger usable surface than a similar round trampoline. The user has a broader jumping surface from one side to the other, while maintaining the self-centering feature of the round shaped trampoline. As with all large trampolines, it takes additional effort to obtain a big bounce with the oval units.

After looking at all the shapes, I decided to go with the round. The selection was broadest here, and the quality/safety, which I will get to later, seemed best.

Weight Limits: Ignore at your own risk!

To be honest, the trampolines I researched seemed pretty beefy, but after seeing people’s feet slice right through the middle of their mats on the down jump, I really began to read up on this.

Trampolines I found have specific weight limits, and these guidelines are important for the safety of the users. I saw this information on all trampoline models in either the product’s description or specified in the owner’s manual.

Sure, I only planned on having one person at a time jump, but my husband is over 200 lbs. And I wanted to make sure there was plenty of leeway to accommodate him.

Frame Construction – BORING!

Next I read up on frames. And I say ‘boring’, because for all the hullabaloo made about them, I don’t think anybody ever gets injured because of a weak frame. I could be wrong, but I have never heard of any in all my years in the sport. The research supports this view, at least in terms of numbers and probabilities. If you do get injured in this way, it is likely because you have loaded the trampoline with more than one person, and if so, shame on you! Manufacturers use tubular steel in constructing trampoline frames. These frames generally are constructed of metals that are durable and don’t rust. Galvanized steel and powder coated galvanized steel is commonly used in construction to eliminate rust and provide longevity. Most brands got a check mark in this box.

Spring Count And Specifications

To me springs seemed less critical from a safety standpoint. After all, have you ever heard of springs breaking or snapping? The gauge of the metal, the length of the springs and the number of springs used all play a part in the bounce of a trampoline.

All the models I looked at had springs made of heavy gauge rust-resistant galvanized steel. The number of springs used varied by both the style and the manufacturer.

A higher number of springs will provide a higher jump. In addition, longer spring length will also provide more bounce.

Safety Padding

When it came to padding, at the very least I wanted something that would prevent us from putting our feet through the springs. Most brands had jump mats and spring padding constructed of long-lasting and smooth materials. The jump mats were UV resistant to withstand years of exposure to the elements. They were usually made of woven polypropylene and may have had a UV resistant reinforcing layer of fabric around the perimeter to extend the life of the mat.

Spring padding, in my experience, primarily protects the user from falling on the trampoline springs. The padding is secondary. Either way, they are made from high-density foam and covered with UV-resistant vinyl or polyester.

Trampoline Safety Accessories

When I was preparing to drop some hard-earned cash on a recreational trampoline, I instinctively imagined I would just be buying the trampoline and nothing else. But I soon learned that to really be safe, I needed the extras. Some trampolines came with safety accessories, but most did not.

While not necessary for the operation of the trampoline, these items, to me, were indispensable to protect my young cubs.

The All Important Safety Enclosure

Anyone who begins researching trampoline safety runs into The American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement on trampoline safety. I was no exception. Their report says that falls from a trampoline account for 27 to 39 percent of all trampoline-related injuries. Knowing this, I put a safety net high on my list of must-needs. In fact, I learned that as of 2012, approximately 85 percent of all trampoline sales included a safety enclosure.

A safety enclosure is essential to prevent falls from the trampoline. There are a number of things I wanted in my safety enclosure:

• I wanted a net system that wrapped to the support poles with the poles well cushioned.
• The net must be securely attached to the poles at all points with interwoven shock cords and high strength strapping.
• The top strap, which is woven around the upper perimeter of the netting, should have a minimum of 1500 lbs/inch of burst strength.
• The enclosures usually have an overlapping doorway.

Don’t Forget The Ladder

Since I had a toddler, I had to consider a ladder. My older girl wouldn’t need it, but Jackie would.  Ladders enable easy access to and egress from the trampoline platform. More importantly, removing the ladder between uses keeps young children from getting on the trampoline without adult supervision.

Do I Need A Trampoline Anchor Kit?

That was the question I asked myself as I saw images of stakes popping up on the side of my screen. But then I thought of all the wind we get. My husband also was concerned about the wind. An anchoring kit secures the unit to the ground. This prevents accidental toppling of the trampoline from over-enthusiastic bouncing.

A Lower Enclosure?

A lower enclosure prevents pets and people from going under the trampoline. It also keeps balls, other objects and debris from accumulating beneath the jump surface.

Children and pets may be injured by going underneath the trampoline while it’s in use and objects beneath the jumping mat can injure users. This was an easy one for me.

After feeling a bit reluctant to spring for these extras, I finally bought into the idea hook and sinker. Safety is paramount.

Our Tips For Trampoline Safety

When it comes right down to it, most trampoline safety is in the hands of the consumer. And “most” is an understatement. By purchasing a trampoline that fits your needs, and if you follow basic trampoline safety rules, the vast majority of trampoline-based injuries can be eliminated or minimized. At this point, a trampoline becomes no less risky that jogging, or playing tennis.

Taking responsibility for trampoline equipment maintenance and seeing that all users follow established rules makes a trampoline a fun and safe activity for everyone.

The failure on the part of users to follow the guidelines set by manufacturers is often the main reason for injuries. So without further ado here are our tips:

* A trampoline can be blown over in high winds. If there is sufficient warning, move the structure into a safe, protected area or building. We live in an area that regularly experiences high winds, so we stake the frame of our trampoline to the ground using rope and tie-down stakes. Do not attach the stakes to the legs alone, as high winds could disconnect the frame and jumping mat from the legs. Use a minimum of three stake-down points for security. Make sure the tops of the tie-down stakes are at ground level and covered to prevent injury if someone falls on them.

In all the talk about potential for injury, what never gets mentioned is the insurance aspect of home trampolines.

Beginning Trampoline Moves

Regardless of how agile and athletic someone is, there are basic moves that everyone should practice when starting to jump on a trampoline.

Learning and practicing these fundamental techniques keeps the jumper safe as a beginner. It also ensures developing the jumping skills needed to progress to more challenging moves safely. Keep sessions short to avoid fatigue, as this can cause loss of control and possible injury.

Basic Workout Apparel

On our feet we wear trampoline shoes, socks or jump in our bare feet. We wear t-shirts and shorts, or long sleeve shirts and gym pants to reduce the risk of mat burn or abrasions to our elbows and knees.

Mounting And Dismounting

Observe proper mounting and dismounting every time a jumper uses the trampoline. Regardless of whether there is a ladder or not, practicing proper entrance and egress from the enclosure is a basic skill all jumpers learn.

Climb onto the trampoline by using the frame as a hand-rest and then stepping or rolling from the frame and springs onto the mat surface. Never step directly on the frame pad and only use the frame as a handhold when mounting or dismounting from a trampoline.

To dismount, walk to the side of the mat and grasp the frame with one hand as you bend over. You can then step off the mat and onto the ground level.

If you have a ladder available, make sure you hold the ladder frame securely and step firmly on the rungs while climbing up or down.

Trampoline First Moves

After learning proper mounting and dismounting techniques, jumpers need to learn basic body positions for the fundamental movements. Along with braking or checking, there are eight basic bounces.

Our students learn and practice these movements so they can perform them effortlessly and properly before moving onto more challenging stunts.

Braking Or Checking

Just like learning how to brake a car while learning to drive, braking or checking a bounce is one of the primary safety moves a student has to perfect. Understanding that the brake will allow a jumper to limit his bounce when he starts to lose balance or control should be stressed as the number one safety measure.

Checking or braking is done by flexing one’s knees quickly when landing. This absorbs the upward motion of the mat and allows the jumper to stop instantly.

This motion is similar to the action of your legs as you descend a stair. Several physical therapists have told me that this is one of the best exercises to safely strengthen knees and legs.

And here are two additional moves…

Skywalker 15-Foot Round Trampoline With Enclosure And Spring Pad

Since 2004, Skywalker Trampolines has been producing safe, affordable and fun products for families and children of all ages. As one of the best trampoline buys in its price range, the Skywalker brand combines innovative technology with solid construction. This brings you and your family a durable piece of equipment that will keep your children active and entertained for many years.

Commitment To Quality And Safety: Skywalker Trampolines understands and maintains safety standards and works within the guidelines of ASTM/TUV Testing. All Skywalker Trampolines, accessories and components meet or exceed safety standards outlined by ASTM.
Durability Of Components And Materials

Durable, UV-resistant outdoor material is used to create the tightly woven mesh netting for Skywalker’s trampoline enclosures. This netting is woven closely enough to prevent small fingers from using it as a climbing wall and or becoming entangled in the netting itself.

Heavy-gauge gold color-coated springs are durable and have increased rust resistance.  Spring pads are made with 1-inch thick, high-density foam that is covered in padding treated with a UV protective coating. These extra-wide pads attach to the trampoline with a button hole design to protect users from injury. This gap-free design keeps the safety pad in place without the need for security ropes.

The frame is made from 12-gauge galvanized tubular steel for rugged durability and rust resistance. The t-socket formation is a durable and strong design feature that makes set-up fast and easy. This design stabilizes the frame with the enclosure frame while preventing structural distortion. The frame legs are configured in a W-shape with a total of six components for increased strength.

The Skywalker trampoline safety enclosure has a redundant closure system on the entrance. The double closure to the opening has latch clips that snap across the vertical zipper to ensure there is no danger of falling through the opening after the zipper is closed and the clips are engaged.

Skywalker 12-Foot Round Trampoline

Just like its big brother, the Skywalker 12-foot round trampoline is one of the best trampoline buys on the market in its price range. It has all the features of the 15-foot model but is built for a smaller space.

With safety features to make it kid friendly and a size that will fit into smaller spaces, Skywalker’s 12-foot round trampoline packs a lot of exercise and fun into a compact unit.

Users agree that Skywalker trampolines are great products and the reviews on Amazon back them up. Amazon buyers consistently give Skywalker high marks for a good bounce and thoughtful, safe features.

If there is a downside to what many consider as the best trampoline in its price range, it would be the instructions and assembly of the unit. Buyers sometimes report vague or unclear instructions provided for assembling their Skywalker trampoline.

However, as with all DIY projects, thoroughly reading the entire set of instructions before beginning the assembly will often clarify seemingly ambiguous instructions, save time and frustration.

When you’re researching the best trampoline value for your family and pocketbook, consider the Skywalker trampoline for its full range of safety features, a broad choice of accessories and sizes, as well as its dedication to providing a quality product that’s become a standard for value, safety and durability.

Springfree Trampolines

Springfree trampolines were designed with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety by eliminating “impact points” known to cause injuries on standard spring-based trampolines. The Springfree design works by replacing a metal frame and metal coils with a complex system of flexible fiberglass rods, which provides structure to the trampoline while also lending flexibility to enable a satisfying bounce. Here we’ll explore the design a bit more in depth, and then take a look at the pros and cons of Springfree.