Should I Get a Rectangular or a Round Trampoline?
When deciding which shape of trampoline, whether rectangular or round will be best for your kids in you garden, there are a number of factors to consider.
Rectangular trampolines often produce a firmer and more even bounce across the trampoline and are preferred by kids who like gymnastics, and round trampolines will tend to bring users toward the centre and so they are deemed safer and more popular for younger children.
How to Decide Whether A Circular or Rectangular Trampoline is Best for Your Kids
At A Glance - Rectangular & Round Trampolines Comparison Table
| Rectangular Trampolines | Round Trampolines |
| higher bounce | highest bounce in centre of trampoline |
| more even bounce (less drawn toward centre) | bounce brings kids toward centre of trampoline and away from the springs and the edge, seen as safer |
| shape may be more accommodating for gymnastic type jumps, | popular for younger kids |
| suitability may be dictated by space and size of garden. | Round trampolines are the most popular style that we sell. |
Below, we compare rectangular and round trampolines making it easier to choose what is best for your unique situation. Aspects such as safety, weight limitations, price, and more will be discussed.
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Rectangular Vs. Round: Safety
The first thing parents or guardians consider before purchasing a trampoline is the safety of their children. The idea is that they have fun with minimal (if possible zero) injuries.
In terms of size, smaller trampolines result in a smaller bounce as compared to bigger trampolines that result in a higher bounce. This applies for both rectangular and round trampolines. Where shape is concerned, rectangular trampolines offer a higher bounce as compared to round trampolines.
A rectangular trampoline allocates equal bounce for every jump. Wherever you jump on a rectangular trampoline, every bounce will have the same height and strength.
As you jump on a rectangular trampoline, the springs work separately depending on where you bounce on the trampoline’s surface. This also means that with rectangular trampolines, weight is not guided back to the center where it is safer, away from the springs.
Rectangular trampolines present the advantage of allowing more jumpers within and length for acrobatics.
A round trampoline operates differently. When you jump on a round trampoline, all springs work simultaneously. The center of gravity is in the middle of a circular trampoline. Thus, when someone jumps, they will be pulled back to the center.
Moving away from the center of a round trampoline reduces bounce height. As children (and adults) experiment with round trampolines, they realize that jumping in the center propels them higher as compared to jumping away from the center.
Safety nets are a good feature to add to trampolines to keep the lovely little ones confined. This applies for both rectangular and round trampolines.
Please note, it is best to always have an eye on your children as they jump on the trampoline.
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Rectangular Vs. Round: Weight Limitations
How much weight can a trampoline take?
Trampolines differ in their capacity to handle weight depending on size and shape. Below are the weight limitations for some standard round trampoline sizes.
- A round, eight-foot or 10-foot trampoline can typically handle 200 to 250 pounds.
- A round, 12-foot trampoline can typically handle 250 to 300 pounds.
- A round, 14-foot or 16-foot trampoline can typically handle 250 to 400 pounds.
Irrespective of size, for the most part rectangular trampolines can hold between 300 and 450 pounds. Rectangular trampolines can handle more weight because of how their springs perform.
On a rectangular trampoline, when someone jumps the only springs that are pulled are at the point of impact.
This translates to less strain and bigger weight bearing. A round trampoline engages all the springs with every jump. This means that round trampolines can bear less weight.
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Rectangular Vs. Round: Price
Trampolines vary in price depending on certain factors.
Bigger trampolines cost more, this is true for both rectangular and round trampolines. The material of the jumping surface will affect the price of the trampoline.
Materials generally used for jumping surfaces are woven nylon and polythene.
4. Rectangular Vs. Round: Usage
Rectangular trampolines are popular for athletic training. They present a higher bounce, the ability to try different gymnastic styles, and safer landing.
If your purpose in buying a trampoline is to develop your child’s athletic or competitive ability, then a rectangular trampoline is a good option.
If purely for fun or recreation, then round trampolines are best. This is the case especially for toddlers as they cannot bounce as high as with a rectangular trampoline.
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Rectangular Vs. Round: Location
Rectangular trampolines fit better in backyards as most backyards are rectangular or square in shape.
Rectangular trampolines usually range from 15ft x 7 ft to 17ft by 10 ft. In many cases, round trampolines are placed towards the center of the backyard.
Round trampolines can range from 8 feet to 15 feet in diameter. Storage of trampolines is also a factor to consider before purchasing a trampoline.
Before purchasing, be sure to measure the size of your backyard (or wherever the trampoline will be placed) and where applicable its storage area.
At Trampolines Ireland, we offer a range of trampolines both round and rectangular to meet your unique needs.
You can reach us on phone as well on the following numbers: 01 960 1641 (ROI), 02837568930 (NI).