With the rapid popularity of indoor trampoline parks, adults and children have begun to enjoy the fun of jumping. This is exciting and good exercise can calm down those who have sensory problems. However, buying a trampoline can cause anxiety, especially if you are concerned about safety. Compared to the version with sharp exposed springs you might have experienced when you were a child, the trampoline has come a long way.

Our first choice, the durable JumpSport Elite 14-foot trampoline, has the quality and safety features you would expect from the company that invented the original trampoline safety cover.

If you have accidentally landed on a bare metal spring, or just bounced off a trampoline without a net, you will know that even a minor trampoline injury can be painful. Over the years, trampoline manufacturers have developed many safety features in response to legitimate concerns about trampoline accidents. Now, all consumer trampolines need a safety net cover and padded springs and frames to protect the trampoline from injury.

The American Academy of Pediatrics still officially opposes the use of trampolines, noting that most injuries occur when multiple children jump together (usually younger children).

How much space do you have for a trampoline? Round shapes are generally safer because they push the weight to the center, but rectangular trampolines may be more suitable for your available space.

Find a level point on the grass or soil. You don't want to put the trampoline on a hard surface like concrete. It not only increases the risk of injury, but also damages the trampoline frame. You also need to leave space around the trampoline footprint, without fences, trees, debris or uneven ground.

Think about who can jump on the trampoline. Please note that many outdoor trampolines designed for children are designed to safely support 200 pounds or less. Toddler trampolines can support 50 pounds or less.

Outdoor trampolines designed for adults and children can usually support 200-600 pounds, which may not be enough to support multiple jumpers. If the weight limit of the trampoline is exceeded, the trampoline structure may fail (immediately or over time applying excessive pressure to the frame, spring, or bungee).

Do not confuse the weight of the product (the weight of the trampoline itself when transported) with the recommended weight limit.

Although all trampolines now require safety nets, their quality and design vary. Some designs, such as the top JumpSport, have an internally installed safety net and an overlapping doorway. Most designs have a zipper shell, but it is easy to forget the zipper. Pulling it away means that the jumper may fall off or be caught.

Look for jumpers made of durable and UV resistant polypropylene.

Most trampolines are built with springs attached to the frame. In response to the damage caused by springs, several companies have introduced springless designs to eliminate this problem. The springless trampoline has a belt composed of flexible composite poles under the jumping area.

Look for frames made of galvanized or stainless steel, preferably powder-coated steel to resist water damage. If you live in an area with extreme weather in winter or summer, you should include it in your buying decision.

The area of ​​the frame adjacent to the jumping surface and the spring should be covered with a protective pad to prevent injury. The thinner pads on some cheaper models cannot withstand sunlight, so you must change the pads more frequently to ensure safety.

Assembly is usually the most stressful part when buying a trampoline. Please note that some cheap outdoor trampoline sets may lack parts, so please check carefully when you receive your package. You can also outsource tasks to trampoline assembly technicians.

By definition, outdoor trampolines will be exposed to various elements and will experience wear and tear. Check the availability of replacement parts (such as jumping mats and springs), as you will almost certainly need to replace parts throughout the life of the trampoline.

There are many accessories to make your trampoline more interesting and protect it from natural disasters.

The cost of a backyard trampoline ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size, shape, and complexity of the design.

Round models are generally cheaper than rectangular and octagonal models. If you want a safer, springless trampoline with good jumping performance and long life, you will pay more for it.

A. When buying a trampoline, remember that you need to calculate more than just the footprint of the trampoline itself. You need to leave at least 4 feet of clearance around the trampoline, preferably on flat ground (soil or grass, not concrete).

Add 8 feet to the length and width of the trampoline (using the diameter of the circular model). For example, for a 15-foot circular trampoline, you need 24 feet x 24 feet of open space.

You also need to allow 24 feet of headroom. This is to protect the jumper from injury when jumping extremely high.

A. Most outdoor trampolines have a maximum weight that can be safely supported and a maximum weight for a single person. The weight limit for a single person is to prevent "bottom rebound" (touching the ground under the trampoline after jumping and landing). The heavier you are and the higher you jump, the more likely you are to bottom out.

JumpSport 14-foot Elite Trampoline and Safety Fence: Available on Amazon

Our view: The high-quality trampoline is responsive and bounces smoothly. It meets or exceeds all safety standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials, and comes with a 15-year warranty

What we like: a durable frame made of powder-coated galvanized steel, and a patented "unforgettable" safety net overlaps the door entrance, eliminating the need to zip and unzip the enclosure.

What we don’t like: For some people, the price point may be out of reach.

Skywalker Trampoline 15-foot Jump N Slam Dunk Round Trampoline: Available on Amazon

Our view: The Skywalker trampoline frame is located outside the net cover, so it is a reliable choice for an economical spring trampoline with a patented gapless shell and cushion pole, so the jumper is more protected.

What we like: Polypropylene jumper nets and spring-covered cushions are fade-resistant, which is the key to longevity and safety over time.

What we don’t like: The recommended user weight is 200 pounds, but given the large jumping surface, it may be difficult to resist the temptation of overcrowding.

Skywalker mini trampoline with fence: available on Amazon

Our view: The fun and safety features of an outdoor trampoline suitable for indoor use allow children to vent on rainy days.

What we like: Unlike mini trampolines with handrails that cross the middle of the jumping surface, children can grab the handrails around the Skywalker trampoline to increase stability while still being able to jump freely.

What we don’t like: Some users complain about network separation.

FIT Bounce PRO American bungee bouncer: Available on Amazon What we like: easy to assemble. Folds in half for easy storage, but has a safety locking mechanism to prevent the trampoline from bending during exercise. What we don’t like: More expensive than other models, so if you’re not sure if you like rebounds, it’s more like a gamble.

Rachel Boller is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission.

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