Jumping on a trampoline is a thrilling experience for excitable kids, and can also help with athletic ability for teens and even adults – but the benefits all come down to the type of trampoline you choose.
One of the main decisions you’ll need to make is which trampoline shape to buy. While there are many possible shapes and styles on the market, the majority of children’s trampolines are either round or rectangular.
Circular trampolines are the more traditional option when it comes to your common back garden trampoline, but rectangular trampolines are known for better performance in gymnastics. The choice depends on factors such as budget limits, available space, and how the trampoline will be used.
Both trampoline shapes have their own pros and cons, so let’s compare them across a list of features to see how they differ and discover which one might be best for your needs.
Frame Strength
Obviously, the main difference is the shape of the frame. Round trampolines have a circular frame, while rectangular trampolines have a structure shaped like a rectangle.
The circular design typically creates a smaller jumping area, but distributes forces more evenly. Meanwhile, rectangular trampolines are usually larger and require more materials and thicker frames to endure more rigorous use.
However, in either case, the frame should be made of a durable material like galvanised steel that provides mechanical strength and corrosion resistance to prevent rusting.
Safety
The shape of the trampoline is also a significant factor in its safety, as certain designs are safer due to the bounce height and gravitational force.
Round trampolines distribute tension uniformly across the springs around the circular frame, which directs the person bouncing back to the centre of the mat when they jump close to the edges – reducing the risk of injury from jumping too high and falling off.
On the other hand, rectangular trampolines don’t have that gravitational pull, allowing people to bounce closer to the edges and at different points across the full mat. Increased jumping space and height can be a benefit, but may only be safe for more experienced users.
Of course, all trampolines should have a safety net enclosure to prevent anyone from bouncing off the edge. Most manufacturers also specify that only one person should jump on a trampoline at a time to avoid accidental collisions.
Bounce Quality
Similarly, the shape of the structure will also affect the quality of the bounce – how high the user can jump and the level of control over their jumps and landings.
Round trampolines are great for little kids and recreational users because they have a smaller surface area and direct the user towards the centre point to jump the highest, offering a less powerful – yet still fun – bouncing experience.
The asymmetrical string arrangement of rectangular trampolines allows users to jump comfortably across a larger area without being pulled back to the middle, so they can achieve higher and stronger bounces while controlling their jumps better.
Usability
When choosing the right children’s trampoline shape, you must consider factors such as the number of children using it, their ages and heights, and how they will use it.
A round trampoline is a safe bet for little ones who just want to have fun bouncing about – perfect for a single child or for multiple children taking turns. They’re often smaller and easier to assemble and take down than their rectangular counterparts.
For older children, including those who are more athletic, a rectangular trampoline will give them more freedom to practice jumping tricks – though they shouldn’t try gymnastic flips on a home trampoline unless they’re experienced and under supervision.
Round is therefore a great choice for families with little kids, while rectangular is more desirable for teens, especially those pursuing athletic or gymnastic training.
Garden Space
In addition to the shape, the size of a round or rectangle trampoline will affect whether it fits into your outdoor space or not. Trampolines must be placed on flat and even ground with a clear area around them to ensure safe jumping.
Whether large or small, round trampolines are suited to more symmetrical gardens or those with curved areas, while rectangular trampolines fit well into longer and narrower gardens or those with features that have square corners.
Circular trampolines often need to be placed in the centre of the garden, which may not be ideal if you want something else to be the visual centrepiece. However, while a rectangular trampoline may fit into a corner more easily, clearance is still required.
For safety, all trampolines should have a clear area surrounding them in all directions of at least 2 metres or 6 feet. This means no overhanging branches or washing lines, no pushing the trampoline up against the fence or another structure, and no objects left underneath.
Weight Limits
In turn, the shape and size of a trampoline will also determine the load capacity. Every model will have a maximum weight limit specified by the manufacturer after testing.
This weight capacity should not be exceeded, as excessive force and wear on the parts could cause them to fail, potentially resulting in injury. This is one of the reasons why most trampoline manufacturers recommend only one person should use it at a time.
Round trampolines tend to have a lower weight limit because all the springs are engaged at once by the person jumping, so if you want a higher weight capacity, you’ll need to pay more for a larger round trampoline (depending on the garden space available).
In a rectangular trampoline, only the springs closest to the jumping point are engaged, so they can usually handle higher weight limits regardless of the trampoline size.
Both types of trampolines are available with a range of weight limits, though, so all you need to do is make sure it exceeds the weight of whoever will be using it.
Price Range
The cost of a trampoline is mostly determined by factors like the size, the quality of the materials, and the brand. The larger the trampoline, the better the construction, and the more well-known the manufacturer is, the higher the price tag is likely to be.
The shape does also affect the price, though, as round trampolines have a simpler structure and are more widely available as budget-friendly family trampolines. Rectangle trampolines can be more expensive because of their more complex design and higher performance abilities.
While circular trampolines may be suitable for lower budgets, it depends on the intended use and how much you want to get out of the investment. It may be worth paying more for a rectangular trampoline for the greater skill development benefits.
So, what is the best trampoline shape?
Now you understand more about the differences between round trampolines vs rectangular trampolines, you should be able to answer the question of which shape is better for yourself.
To summarise, round trampolines are a better fit for younger children, recreational jumping, and symmetrical square-shaped garden spaces – whereas rectangular trampolines are often the best choice for older children, developing athletic skills, and larger or narrower gardens.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which trampoline shape is the best, as at the end of the day, it depends on personal preferences – including the needs of your family and the constraints of your budget and outdoor environment.
Whichever type of children’s trampoline you end up choosing, if you prioritise safety and quality by ordering from a trusted brand and supplier, your family will be guaranteed hours of entertainment and years of enjoyment.
