Welcome to Galaxy Home Recreation’s Trampoline Buyer’s Guide, where we elevate your outdoor fun and safety to new heights. Whether you’re looking to add excitement to your backyard or provide a healthy outlet for your family’s energy, choosing the right trampoline is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address common questions and considerations to help you make an informed decision and ensure years of bouncing enjoyment. Let’s jump right in!
Brands to Know
When investing in a trampoline, quality matters. Here are some reputable brands known for their craftsmanship and safety features:
Springfree<sup>®</sup>, Skywalker, JumpSport <sup>®</sup>, Vuly<sup>®</sup>, AlleyOop
While each brand offers unique features and benefits, Galaxy Home Recreation proudly carries Springfree® trampolines, renowned for their innovative design and unmatched safety standards. With no springs and advanced safety features, Springfree® trampolines provide peace of mind for parents and endless fun for kids.
Types of Trampolines
Traditional Trampolines
Traditional trampolines utilize metal springs to connect the jumping mat to the frame, providing tension and facilitating the bounce. These springs are typically located around the trampoline frame’s perimeter and are exposed, posing a risk of pinching or injury to users. While spring trampolines are effective at providing a bounce, the springs can deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements, leading to potential safety hazards.
Spring-Free Trampolines
Spring-free trampolines, as the name suggests, do not use metal springs in their design. Instead, they utilize alternative methods to achieve tension and facilitate bouncing. Spring-free trampolines often feature flexible composite rods or leaf springs positioned beneath the jumping surface. These elements provide tension and support while eliminating the risk of pinching associated with traditional springs. By removing the springs from the design, spring-free trampolines minimize collision points and reduce the risk of injuries during play. Additionally, spring-free trampolines typically have a softer and more controlled bounce compared to traditional spring models, making them safer and more enjoyable for users of all ages.
Finding the Right Trampoline for You
Safety Features
Trampoline-related injuries, such as sprains, fractures, and concussions, can occur if proper safety measures are not in place. By choosing a trampoline with advanced safety features you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries during use.
Consider the following safety features:
Enclosure Netting
When considering trampolines, it’s essential to prioritize safety features like enclosure netting. Springfree<sup>®</sup> trampolines are known for their innovative design, featuring a tightly woven FlexiNet<sup>™</sup> enclosure system. Traditional trampolines should also have securely attached netting with no gaps to prevent falls. Inspecting the quality and attachment of the netting is crucial for ensuring a safe jumping experience for users of all ages.
Padded Springs or Spring Covers
Many trampolines feature padded springs or spring covers to reduce the risk of injury from accidental contact. Springfree<sup>®</sup> trampolines take a unique approach by eliminating traditional springs altogether. This design choice removes the concern of injuries related to springs, providing peace of mind for families concerned about safety.
Sturdy Frame
Regardless of the brand or model, all trampolines should have a sturdy frame made of durable materials like galvanized steel. A robust frame is essential for preventing tipping or collapsing during use, ensuring the trampoline remains stable and secure. When evaluating different trampoline options, inspect the frame construction and ensure it meets your family’s safety standards.
Usage
The right trampoline offers more than just a great jumping experience—it can become a versatile addition to your backyard, providing a host of creative and fun activities for both kids and adults. Here are some popular alternative uses for your trampoline. By exploring these alternative uses, you can maximize the enjoyment and utility of your trampoline, making it a central hub of activity and creativity in your backyard. Whether for relaxation, fitness, or imaginative play, the right trampoline can bring endless possibilities to your home.
Sleepover Camp
Transform your trampoline into an exciting sleepover camp. With a weatherproof cover or tent, kids can enjoy sleeping under the stars while staying safe and comfortable. Add sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets to create a cozy outdoor sleeping space that’s perfect for summer nights.
Movie Night
Turn your trampoline into an outdoor movie theater. Hang a white cloth or a portable projector screen on one side of the trampoline, set up a projector, and lay out some comfy seating like bean bags or blankets. It’s a unique way to enjoy your favorite films with family and friends under the night sky.
Adult Workouts
Trampolines aren’t just for kids; they can also provide an excellent platform for adult workouts. Trampoline exercises, known as rebounding, offer a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and balance. You can perform various exercises like jumping jacks, squats, and twists to make your fitness routine more fun and engaging.
Basketball Play
Add a basketball hoop attachment to your trampoline and turn it into a mini basketball court. This setup allows for safe, high-flying dunks and games of trampoline basketball, combining the fun of bouncing with the excitement of sports.
Backyard Fort
A trampoline can become an imaginative play space for kids, serving as their very own backyard fort. By adding a few blankets or sheets draped over the safety net, children can create a cozy hideaway where they can play, read books, and engage in imaginative adventures. Fill the fort with their favorite toys, board games, and books to make it a versatile and magical play area.
Imaginative Play
The trampoline’s enclosure can easily be transformed into a creative play environment. Whether it’s pretending to be astronauts on a moon mission, explorers on a jungle expedition, or simply having a picnic, the trampoline provides a safe and fun space for imaginative play.
Age and Weight
When selecting a Springfree® trampoline, it’s crucial to consider the age and weight of the users. For younger children, smaller models like the Compact Round or Compact Oval provide a safer jumping environment. Teenagers and adults, who need more space and higher bounce, will benefit from larger models such as the Medium Round, Large Square, or Jumbo Oval. Each Springfree® trampoline supports up to 220 pounds per jumper, with higher structural load capacities for multiple users.
Shapes
Round Trampolines
- Most common shape, offering a balanced bounce across the surface.
- Ideal for recreational bouncing and families with children.
Square Trampolines
- Provide a larger jumping surface compared to round trampolines of the same diameter.
- Fit well into square or compact yard spaces.
Oval Trampolines
- Offer a compromise between the bounce of a round trampoline and the space efficiency of a rectangular trampoline.
- Fit well into irregularly shaped yards or spaces with constraints.
Sizes
Mini Trampolines (Rebounders)
- Typically range from 36 inches to 48 inches in diameter.
- Designed for indoor or outdoor use and are portable.
- Ideal for individual exercise, fitness routines, or rehabilitation.
Standard Outdoor Trampolines
- Range from 8 feet to 15 feet in diameter for round trampolines.
- The size you choose depends on the available space in your yard and the intended use (e.g., recreational bouncing, gymnastics, family use).
Springfree Models and Sizes
Round Trampolines
Compact Round (R30)
- Size: 8 ft diameter
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 10 ft round trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: Young children and smaller backyards
Medium Round (R79)
- Size: 10 ft diameter
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 12 ft round trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, fits medium-sized yards
Large Round (R132)
- Size: 12 ft diameter
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 14 ft round trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, spacious backyard spaces
Oval Trampolines
Medium Oval (O77)
- Size: 8ftx11ft
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 10 ft x 13 ft oval trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, fits well in narrow yards
Large Oval (O92)
- Size: 8ftx13ft
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 10 ft x 15 ft oval trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, ideal for long and narrow yards
Square Trampolines
Compact Square (S113)
- Size: 11ftx11ft
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 13 ft x 13 ft square trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, efficient use of yard space
Large Square (S155)
- Size: 13ftx13ft
- Mat Jumping Surface: Equivalent to a 15 ft x 15 ft square trampoline with springs
- Recommended Age: All ages, offers maximum jumping space
Cost
Big Box Store Trampolines
Price Range: $200 to $700
Pros
- Affordability: Lower initial cost, making them accessible for many families.
- Wide Availability: Easily found at major retailers and online.
- Variety: A broad range of sizes and styles to choose from.
Cons
- Durability: Often constructed with lower-quality materials, leading to a shorter lifespan.
- Safety: Fewer advanced safety features, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Bounce Quality: Typically provide a less consistent and lower bounce, which may not satisfy more serious jumpers or gymnasts.
- Maintenance: Higher likelihood of needing frequent maintenance and part replacements.
- Assembly: Instructions can be unclear, making self-assembly challenging and potentially unsafe.
Specialty Brand Trampolines
Price Range: $900 to $2,500
Pros
- Superior Quality: Specialty brands like Springfree, Vuly, and ACON use premium materials and advanced engineering, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity. This means your trampoline will stand up to years of use and weather conditions, providing reliable performance.
- Enhanced Safety Features: These trampolines are designed with cutting-edge safety technologies such as spring-free designs, soft edges, and robust safety enclosures. These features drastically reduce the risk of injuries, giving parents peace of mind that their children are playing on one of the safest trampolines available.
- Outstanding Performance: Specialty trampolines deliver a higher, more consistent bounce, making them ideal for gymnasts, athletes, and anyone seeking a superior jumping experience. The enhanced bounce quality supports a wide range of activities, from casual play to advanced tricks.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With sleek, modern designs, specialty trampolines can enhance the visual appeal of your backyard. They are not only functional but also a stylish addition to your outdoor space.
- Comprehensive Warranty and Support: Specialty brands typically offer extended warranties and exceptional customer support, ensuring any issues are promptly and efficiently resolved. This long-term support adds significant value to your investment.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost is significantly higher, which can be a barrier for some families. However, the long-term benefits and reduced need for frequent replacements often justify the investment.
- Availability: Specialty trampolines might not be as readily available in local stores and often need to be purchased through specific retailers or online. This may involve additional shipping times and costs.
- Size and Space: Many specialty trampolines are larger, requiring ample backyard space. Ensure you have the necessary space to accommodate a larger trampoline.
Why Choose Specialty Brands?
By choosing a specialty brand trampoline, you ensure a safer, more durable, and more enjoyable experience for your family, making it a worthy investment for years to come.
Long-Term Value
While the initial investment in a specialty trampoline is higher, the superior quality, enhanced safety features, and exceptional performance ensure that it provides long-term value. You are less likely to need frequent replacements or repairs, making it a cost-effective choice over time.
Safety First
For families prioritizing safety, the advanced features of specialty trampolines are unmatched. Investing in a trampoline with superior safety designs significantly reduces the risk of injuries, making it a safer environment for children and adults alike.
Enhanced Experience
If you have serious jumpers, gymnasts, or simply want the best jumping experience, the higher bounce quality and performance of specialty trampolines make them the preferred choice.
Aesthetic and Durability
Specialty trampolines not only look better but also withstand the test of time and weather, maintaining their aesthetic appeal and functionality for years.
Why Choose Springfree®
Springfree® Sizing
Springfree® trampolines are designed with a focus on maximizing the usable jumping area. Unlike traditional spring-based trampolines where the jumping area is limited due to the presence of springs along the edges, Springfree® trampolines utilize a springless design. For example, a 13×13 Springfree® trampoline offers the equivalent usable jumping area as a larger 15×15 traditional trampoline. This innovation allows users to bounce all the way to the edge of the mat, providing a larger surface area for safe and enjoyable jumping.
Springfree® Strength
Springfree® trampolines are built with a robust construction to ensure durability and safety. The frame is made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel, which provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, even in outdoor environments. Instead of traditional springs, Springfree® trampolines use flexible composite rods positioned beneath the jumping mat. This design not only eliminates the risk of spring-related injuries but also enhances the trampoline’s weight capacity. Most Springfree® trampolines can support weights of up to 1100 pounds, making them suitable for multiple users simultaneously without compromising safety or performance.
Springfree® Safety
Polypropylene Net and Mat
Both the net and mat of Springfree® trampolines are crafted from high- strength polypropylene material. This material is known for its durability and resistance to tearing, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
Injury Prevention
The flexible composite rods used in Springfree® trampolines serve multiple safety functions. Besides eliminating the hazard of traditional springs, these rods create a flexible barrier around the net. Unlike trampolines with metal poles directly against the net, which can pose injury risks upon impact, Springfree®‘s design reduces the likelihood of accidental contact with hard surfaces during play.
Taller Design
Springfree® trampolines are engineered with taller frames compared to traditional models. This taller design not only provides additional clearance for higher jumps but also enhances safety for older or heavier users who may experience more significant drops during bouncing sessions.
Powder-Coated Frame
The powder-coated finish on the steel frame not only enhances the trampoline’s aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional purpose. It acts as a protective barrier against weather elements, preventing the frame from becoming too hot or developing rust over time.
Springfree® Quality
Springfree® is recognized for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Each trampoline comes with an industry-leading warranty, often up to 10 years on the trampoline components. This warranty underscores Springfree®‘s confidence in their product’s durability and performance. Unlike many big box brands that frequently change models and may lack direct technical support, Springfree® ensures that all components are replaceable and provides ongoing customer service to support their products throughout their lifespan.
Springfree® Bounce
The unique springless design of Springfree® trampolines delivers a superior bouncing experience characterized by a soft and responsive bounce across the entire jumping mat. By eliminating traditional springs, which can create uneven bounce surfaces and increase joint impact, Springfree® trampolines offer a more comfortable and safer jumping environment. The absence of springs also allows for a larger edge-to- edge jumping area, ensuring that users can utilize the entire surface for play and exercise. Additionally, the taller height of Springfree® trampolines enables deeper and higher jumps, enhancing the enjoyment and fitness benefits for users of all ages.
Comparison with Competitors
While some competitors like Alley Oop offer features such as double mat bounce systems to soften landings, they often rely on traditional spring systems. These springs can limit the bounce comfort and safety compared to Springfree®‘s innovative springless technology. By focusing on eliminating springs and enhancing safety features, Springfree® trampolines stand out as a premier choice for families seeking a high-quality, durable, and safe trampoline experience.
Family and Fitness
Springfree® trampolines are designed to accommodate the entire family, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both play and fitness activities. Adults and teenagers can incorporate trampoline exercises into their fitness routines, as just 10 minutes of bouncing can offer a cardiovascular workout comparable to a 30- minute jog. This makes Springfree® trampolines not only a fun recreational option but also an efficient fitness tool for improving cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination.
Choosing the Right Trampoline for Your Yard
Measure Your Yard
Before purchasing a trampoline, measure the available space in your yard to determine the maximum diameter or dimensions that will comfortably fit.
Consider Safety Clearances
Ensure there is ample clearance around the trampoline to prevent collisions with obstacles such as fences, trees, or structures.
Usage
When selecting a trampoline shape for your yard, consider how you’ll use it: round trampolines are versatile for general family fun, oval trampolines maximize space efficiency in irregular yards, and square trampolines provide a controlled bounce ideal for gymnastics and advanced tricks.
Accessories
FlexrStepTM Ladder
The Springfree® FlexrStep ladder provides safe and easy access onto and off the trampoline. It’s designed with sturdy steps and hooks securely onto the frame, ensuring stability for younger users or those with limited mobility.
Anchor Kit
The Springfree® Anchor Kit helps secure the trampoline to the ground, preventing it from tipping over or moving during use, especially in windy conditions. This kit includes heavy- duty anchors that firmly attach to the trampoline frame, ensuring maximum stability and saf ety.
FlexrHoopTM
Some Springfree® trampolines feature the FlexrHoop, a basketball hoop designed to attach to the safety enclosure. It adds an extra dimension of play and activity, allowing users to enjoy basketball while bouncing on the trampoline.
Weather Cover
The Springfree® Weather Cover is specifically designed to protect the trampoline from elements like sun, rain, and snow. It helps prolong the lifespan of the trampoline by keeping it clean and reducing UV damage to the materials when the trampoline is not in use.
Pre-Delivery
Preparing for the arrival of your Springfree® trampoline involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth installation and long-term enjoyment. First, choose a flat, level area free of obstacles like trees, fences, or overhead wires. Next, clear the area by removing any debris, rocks, or sharp objects from the installation site to ensure a safe and stable setup. Finally, plan for the assembly, which typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Springfree® trampoline is essential for ensuring its longevity and safety. Regularly inspect the trampoline for any signs of wear and tear, especially the mat, net, and frame. Clean the trampoline surface with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris, and ensure the trampoline is dry before use to prevent slipping. Check the safety enclosure and other accessories to ensure they are securely attached and in good condition. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and conducting regular inspections will help keep your trampoline in top condition.
Lifespan
A well-maintained Springfree® trampoline can last many years, typically 10 to 15 years or more, due to its high-quality materials and innovative design. The flexible composite rods and durable mat reduce the wear and tear common in traditional trampolines, contributing to a longer lifespan. Proper maintenance and regular inspections will ensure safe and enjoyable use for years to come.
Service & Support for Your Trampoline
Service
For any issues with your trampoline, it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable company offering local assistance. Authorized retailers typically have trained service teams to diagnose and resolve problems promptly, including ordering any necessary parts.
Dealer Support
Partnering with a trusted dealer like Galaxy Home Recreation ensures reliable customer support and service for your trampoline.
Customer Support
Receive help when you need it. Galaxy Home Recreation is committed to providing expert guidance and support for a seamless trampoline ownership experience.
Shop Springfree Trampolines
Galaxy Price $3,999
Retail: $6,799
Galaxy Price $799
Retail: $1,359
Galaxy Price $999
Retail: $1,699
Galaxy Price $1,199
Retail: $2,039
Galaxy Price $1,499
Retail: $2,549
Galaxy Price $1,599
Retail: $2,719
Galaxy Price $2,499
Retail: $4,249
Galaxy Price $1,999
Retail: $3,399
Galaxy Price $1,799
Retail: $3,059
