There are numerous trampolines on the market today and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some trampolines are safer then others. Some trampolines are used purely by professional gymnasts and others for fun. There are 3 main categories of commercial trampolines.
Mini Trampolines
Mini trampolines are used mainly for exercise. These are lightweight and small so can be used all the year round outside the home and in the comfort of your home. They are usually around 30 to 40 inches in diameter and around 6 to 12 inches off the ground. Some mini trampolines are foldable so can easily be transported should you ever want to take your trampoline with you on holiday.
Garden Trampolines
The outdoor garden trampolines are much larger and are usually between 8ft to 14ft in diameter. They come in many shapes but the most common are round, rectangle and square. The most common size is the 10ft trampoline and the cheap 8ft trampoline.
If you are buying a garden trampoline the risk of a serious accident is greatly increased. Firstly they tend to be used more by children who are less aware of the potential dangers and will often carry out risky somersaults. It is important that children are supervised at all times and prevented from carrying out risky manoeuvres. These trampolines are also more dangerous as they produce a bigger bounce and are further from the ground then mini trampolines.
It is essential that you obtain a trampoline net or trampoline enclosure which can be fitted around the circumference of the trampoline and offer protection from falling off. The best trampoline enclosures are those that are attached from within the circumference of the outer frame as this prevents someone landing on the hard outer frame were accidents are frequent. You should also consider buying padding which should protect a user from falling or trapping themselves on the springs. It will also soften the blow should they land on the hard outer rail.
The most well known American and Canadian brands are skywalker, jumpking and V-fit and come in many different shapes and sizes. For a well built solid trampoline constructed of quality parts you should consider spending a bit more money. The cheap budget trampolines are often lightweight with thin tubing and have poor safety.
Water trampolines
Water trampolines provide extra fun for those who love the water. They are usually composed of a PVC inflatable tube and attached to a trampoline pad. They can be anchored to the ground to prevent them from floating away and are usually safer than garden trampolines as there are no hard surfaces to land on.