Are Springless Trampolines Really Safer?

A Complete Guide for Irish Families from Trampolines Ireland

When parents start researching trampolines, the question of safety always comes up. One of the hottest debates in recent years is whether springless trampolines — often branded as “safer alternatives” to traditional trampolines — are actually worth the investment.

At Trampolines Ireland, we’ve helped hundreds of families find the perfect trampoline for their garden. We know the ins and outs of both spring-based and springless models, and we hear this question all the time:

👉 “Are springless trampolines really safer, or is it just clever marketing?”

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the safety debate. We’ll look at how springless trampolines work, compare them to traditional trampolines, weigh up the pros and cons, and give you honest advice on whether they’re the right choice for your family.

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the big question — and the confidence to make the right trampoline choice for your garden.

1. What Is a Springless Trampoline?

Traditional trampolines use metal coil springs to connect the jumping mat to the frame. Springless trampolines, by contrast, use alternative technologies to eliminate exposed springs.

Two of the most common springless systems are:

Fibreglass or composite rods (used by brands like Springfree™). These flexible rods run beneath the jumping mat, hidden out of reach.
Elastic bands or bungee cords, which provide bounce without the risk of hard metal springs.

The idea is simple: by removing metal springs — which can pinch fingers or cause impact injuries — you create a safer trampoline.

2. Why Springs Can Be Risky

Before we look at whether springless trampolines live up to the hype, it’s worth understanding why springs can pose hazards.

Pinching & Cuts – Exposed metal springs can pinch fingers, pull hair, or scrape skin if children get too close.
Impact Injuries – Falling or landing awkwardly on a hard spring or the steel frame can hurt.
Wear & Tear – Springs can stretch or break over time, creating sharp edges.

That said, it’s important to note that modern spring trampolines have come a long way. High-quality brands like BERG use:

Thick spring padding that fully covers coils.
Safety nets that keep jumpers away from the springs and frame.
Rust-resistant steel that keeps springs strong and safe for years.

So while springs can be hazardous, a well-designed trampoline dramatically reduces that risk.

3. Safety Features of Springless Trampolines

Here’s how springless trampolines aim to be safer:

No exposed metal – By replacing springs with rods or bands, there’s nothing hard or sharp to fall on.
Flexible frame design – Many springless models position the frame lower or further away from the jumping area.
Even bounce surface – With tension evenly distributed, the risk of uneven landings is reduced.

Parents often feel reassured knowing that there are no springs or steel edges near the jumping surface.

4. Are They Actually Safer?

Here’s the truth: springless trampolines do reduce certain risks, but they are not injury-proof.

A study of trampoline-related injuries (including data from children’s hospitals worldwide) shows that most accidents occur due to:

Collisions between multiple jumpers.
Falls from the trampoline (especially without a safety enclosure).
Awkward landings, flips gone wrong, or risky stunts.

In other words, most trampoline injuries aren’t caused by springs at all. They happen because of user behaviour.

So while springless designs remove one potential hazard, they don’t eliminate the main causes of accidents.

5. Comparing Spring vs Springless: Safety Breakdown

Let’s do a head-to-head comparison.

Feature	Spring Trampolines (e.g., BERG)	Springless Trampolines
Spring/rod safety	Springs are padded but still present	No springs at all
Frame contact	Frame covered with padding & net	Frame sits further away
Bounce quality	Strong, responsive bounce	Softer, less bouncy feel
Main injury risks	Multiple jumpers, falls, stunts	Multiple jumpers, falls, stunts
Overall safety	Very safe with net + pads	Safe, but not risk-free

The difference is real — but not as dramatic as the marketing might suggest.

6. The Bounce Factor

One thing many families overlook is the bounce experience.

Spring trampolines: Offer a powerful, dynamic bounce. This is great for older children, teens, and even adults who want high jumps or tricks.
Springless trampolines: Provide a gentler bounce. This can feel safer for younger kids, but less exciting for older children.

At Trampolines Ireland, we often see families choose springless trampolines for toddlers and younger children, while families with older kids prefer the energy and responsiveness of spring models.

7. Durability and Maintenance

Another factor is how well the trampoline holds up in Irish weather.

Spring trampolines: High-quality galvanised steel springs (like those on BERG trampolines) resist rust and last many years. Replacing individual springs is inexpensive.
Springless trampolines: Fibreglass rods or bungee cords can wear out, especially in damp or cold climates. Replacements are more specialised — and more expensive.

In other words: spring trampolines are often easier and cheaper to maintain over the long term.

8. Cost Considerations

Springless trampolines are usually marketed as premium products, and their price reflects that. They can cost significantly more than a traditional spring trampoline of the same size.

For many families, the price difference is hard to justify when:

Modern spring trampolines already have thick padding and nets.
The biggest injury risks aren’t eliminated by going springless.

That said, for parents who prioritise peace of mind above all else, the extra cost may feel worth it.

9. The Role of Safety Enclosures

One of the most important safety features on any trampoline — spring or springless — is the safety enclosure net.

A net prevents falls to the ground, which are among the most common trampoline injuries.
High-quality trampolines (like BERG) design nets that curve inward, guiding children safely back to the mat.

If you’re choosing between a springless trampoline with no net and a spring trampoline with a premium safety net, the spring model is likely the safer option.

10. Expert Opinions

Pediatric safety experts agree that while springless trampolines reduce certain risks, supervision and safe play habits matter far more than the spring system.

Some key recommendations:

Only allow one jumper at a time.
Always use a safety net.
Keep the area around the trampoline clear.
Don’t allow flips or risky tricks unless under trained supervision.

Follow these rules, and your trampoline — whether spring or springless — will be a safe place for years of fun.

11. What We Recommend at Trampolines Ireland

At Trampolines Ireland, we stock high-quality spring trampolines from BERG, because we believe they offer the best balance of:

Safety features (thick padding, premium nets).
Durability (weatherproof steel springs).
Value (long lifespan and easy maintenance).
Bounce quality (fun for kids, teens, and even adults).

We’re not against springless trampolines — they do have advantages for families with very young children or those who want absolute peace of mind around springs. But we want customers to know the full picture: they aren’t a magic solution.

12. Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide:

Choose a springless trampoline if:
- You’re buying primarily for toddlers and young children.
- You’re happy with a softer bounce.
- You’re willing to pay extra for fewer exposed parts.
Choose a spring trampoline if:
- You want a trampoline that grows with your kids.
- You value a strong, dynamic bounce.
- You want easier, cheaper maintenance in the long term.
- You want the best value for money.

13. The Bottom Line

So, are springless trampolines really safer?

👉 Yes — but only in certain ways. They remove the risk of spring-related injuries, but they don’t address the main causes of accidents like collisions, falls, and unsafe play.

With today’s safety nets and padding, a high-quality spring trampoline is just as safe for most families — and often more fun, more durable, and better value.

At Trampolines Ireland, we believe the best trampoline is one that:

Fits your garden and budget.
Includes a high-quality safety enclosure.
Is used responsibly and supervised.

That’s why we proudly recommend and supply BERG trampolines across Ireland — trampolines that combine world-class safety with unbeatable performance.

14. Next Steps

Thinking about adding a trampoline to your garden? Browse our full range of BERG trampolines at Trampolines Ireland, or get in touch for personalised advice. Our team will help you choose the perfect model for your family — whether you’re looking for maximum safety, the best bounce, or a trampoline that lasts through years of Irish weather.

Final Word

Trampolines should be about joy, laughter, and healthy outdoor play. Whether you choose springless or spring-based, the key is to buy a high-quality model and use it safely.

At Trampolines Ireland, we’re here to make that decision easier — so you can focus on what matters most: watching your children jump, bounce, and smile.