BERG Flatground Trampolines Review
BERG’s FlatGround (also sometimes called “flush” or in-ground style) trampolines are designed so that the trampoline mat sits flush with the lawn — that is, you don’t have a frame that stands above the ground. The trampoline is embedded into the ground (or built into a pit) so that the jumping surface is level with your garden surface.
BERG describes this design as delivering “elegant jumping with FlatGround trampolines at ground level.”
While many people think of in-ground installations as retrofitting a standard trampoline into a pit, BERG’s FlatGround models are engineered specifically for flush installation, with design adjustments (frame, padding, net options) to suit that configuration.
According to BERG’s product overview, their trampolines come in three quality lines (Favorit, Champion, Elite), and they’re available on legs (Regular), InGround, and FlatGround across shapes (round, oval, rectangular).
So when we talk about BERG FlatGround trampolines, we’re referring to those models built to sit level with your garden, with all the bells and whistles adapted for that installation style.
Why Choose a FlatGround Design?
Before diving into specs, let’s list the primary advantages and trade-offs of FlatGround versus above-ground or standard in-ground installs.
Advantages
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Aesthetics / Garden Integration
FlatGround trampolines blend into your lawn. When installed properly, they look part of the garden rather than a bulky above-ground structure. -
Ease of Access
No ladder or steps—jumpers (especially small children) don’t have to climb up. This lowers one barrier for safe use. -
Lower Fall Height
Because your jump surface is level, there's less vertical drop to the ground if someone were to exit the mat. That said, nets and safety features still matter immensely. -
Visual Safety Perception
The flush design can feel safer to parents because children step directly onto the mat rather than climbing up. Some users find it psychologically more reassuring. -
Better Wind Profile
With less of the structure exposed above ground, there’s theoretically less wind leverage. That said, proper anchoring and drainage become more critical.
Considerations / Challenges
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Excavation & Drainage
You need to dig a pit, plan drainage to prevent water pooling, ensure stable soil, and possibly install retaining walls. Poor drainage or flooding can damage the trampoline. -
Cost & Labour
Build costs are higher. More groundwork and care are needed during installation than setting up a working above-ground frame. -
Limited Retrofitting
You can’t just drop any BERG model in-ground; FlatGround versions have design features to suit that installation. Using a non-FlatGround model in-ground may lead to wear or structural issues. -
Net & Safety Variants
Some flat installations may come without a safety net, which is an option only in select models and only recommended in controlled use scenarios. -
Maintenance
Debris, leaves, soggy soil, or root intrusion may be greater concerns since the trampoline is flush with the earth.
Sizes, Shapes & Range Options for FlatGround
BERG’s FlatGround style is offered across various shapes and quality lines.
Shapes
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Round
Many FlatGround models are round. For example, BERG’s FlatGround round models like Champion 380 or 430 are listed on their site. -
Oval / Grand
For gardens that are long and narrow, FlatGround versions of oval/“Grand” trampolines are available. -
Rectangular / Ultim
BERG also provides rectangular FlatGround designs (the “Ultim” line) — e.g. the Ultim Champion FlatGround 410 page mentions flatground rectangular model.
Thus, FlatGround versions are not limited to one shape, making them flexible to fit gardens of various layouts.
Quality Lines / Ranges
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Champion FlatGround
The main “middle” line: excellent bounce, durability, widely used. For example, the Champion FlatGround is frequently mentioned with AirFlow mats and optional Deluxe XL nets. -
Elite FlatGround
The higher-end counterpart, with enhanced materials, stronger padding, and long-term durability. The “Ultimate Guide to BERG FlatGround” contrasts these two in terms of materials and finishing. -
Sports / Ultim / FlatGround combos
In some markets, the “Sport” or “Ultim” flatground models are also offered. For instance, Ultim Champion FlatGround models are available.
So you will see FlatGround models across Champion, Elite, and sometimes higher or performance ranges (depending on market).
Springs and Jump Mats (Bounce Technology in FlatGrounds)
Critical to deciding on a trampoline is understanding the spring and mat systems, since FlatGround models must perform well even though they are flush with the ground.
BERG Spring Options
BERG categorises its springs into these main types:
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SoloSpring (GoldSpring Solo) — basic, safe, good for lighter use.
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TwinSpring (Gold) — longer, dual arrangement, smoother bounce.
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TwinSpring Pro — performance level, based on Olympic designs.
FlatGround trampolines generally use TwinSpring Gold systems (especially in Champion / Elite lines) because they offer a balance of height, smoothness, and durability suitable for residential use. For performance or sport variants, TwinSpring Pro may be used.
Jump Mat Varieties
BERG offers multiple mat types:
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Standard Mat — basic woven polypropylene.
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AirFlow Mat — allows ~50% more airflow than standard mats, reducing drag and enabling higher jumps.
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AirFlow Pro Mat — higher-performance mats with even more airflow (used in performance / sport lines).
FlatGround models typically pair AirFlow mats (or AirFlow Pro in sport lines) with TwinSpring systems to deliver smoother, higher bounce while controlling air resistance. For example, the Ultim Champion FlatGround page highlights “AirFlow jumping mat and TwinSpring Gold angled springs.”
Safety Nets & Edge Protection
Safety is especially important for FlatGround trampolines, even though the fall height is reduced by being flush with the lawn. Here’s how BERG handles nets and edge protection:
Optional / Integrated Nets
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Many FlatGround models are offered without a safety net option — this gives a very clean look, ideal for older or more confident jumpers. BERG lists FlatGround models “with or without safety net.”
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Where nets are included or optional, Deluxe XL nets are commonly used (taller, stronger nets) to account for high jumps. The Ultim Champion FlatGround page notes optional Safety Net Deluxe XL.
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Nets are designed to integrate seamlessly so that in FlatGround mode they do not raise the visual bulk much above lawn level.
Edge Padding & Protection
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FlatGround models include thick, UV-resistant padding over frame edges, thickness adjusted to account for ground-level setup.
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Because the frame is not raised high, the padding must reliably cover all edges and reduce risk of bumping into structural components.
Safety Observations
Even though fall heights are lower, nets still matter — jumpers can still exit the mat with momentum. Also, for families with younger children, we usually recommend using nets rather than trusting a no-net flush trampoline.
Advantages & Trade-Offs: FlatGround vs Above-Ground
Here is an expanded look at the pros and cons of FlatGround models in practice:
Advantages Recap
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Seamless Integration into the garden aesthetic.
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Ease of access, especially for children, no ladders.
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Lower perceived risk of falling, though actual risk still must be managed with nets.
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Better wind resilience — less leverage for wind to lift.
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Garden-level continuity — children may favor flat access more.
Trade-Offs / Risks
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Drainage & flood risk: Water pooling can damage the trampoline.
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Soil and root encroachment over time.
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More complex installation & repair: In-ground infrastructure may require excavation, reinforcement, retaining systems.
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Limited retrofitting: You can't easily convert a standard above-ground model into a FlatGround unless it’s designed for it.
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Debris ingress: Leaves, soil, grass clippings may more easily get into the pit.
As such, a quality pit design, drainage system, weed barrier, and careful soil engineering are essential.
Key Models / Examples of FlatGround Trampolines
Let’s look at a few examples currently marketed as FlatGround:
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BERG Flatground Ultim Champion: A rectangular flatground trampoline combining AirFlow mat and TwinSpring Gold springs.
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BERG Flatground Champion Trampoline: A round FlatGround model under the Champion line.
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BERG SPORTS Ultim Champion ECO FlatGround 410: ECO flatground 410 rectangular model.
These models illustrate that FlatGround versions exist across shapes (round, rectangle) and lines (Champion, Ultim) in BERG’s offering.
The Ultim Champion FlatGround model listing emphasizes the low-profile design, optional safety net, and strong bounce: "Go low-profile with the BERG Ultim Champion FlatGround trampoline. Optional safety net, pro-grade bounce, and sleek design in green or grey.”
The FlatGround Ultim page also mentions that its design includes TwinSpring Gold, AirFlow jump mat, optional safety net Deluxe XL, and UV-resistant padding.
Additionally, BERG’s global FlatGround page says FlatGround models come in Round 380, Round 430, and also rectangular Ultim designs, sometimes offered without a safety net.
Performance & Bounce in FlatGround Settings
One might worry that being flush with the ground reduces bounce, but well-engineered FlatGround BERG models retain great performance due to:
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Optimised springs (TwinSpring) letting energy transfer effectively.
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High-airflow mats reducing resistance when jumpers descend.
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Frame and spring geometry engineered to maintain bounce dynamics even when flush.
From BERG’s sources, FlatGround models use these same performance features: Fair airflow mats + dependable springs + strong frames.
In the “Ultimate Guide to BERG FlatGround,” they state:
“Thanks to their patented AirFlow jumping mat and TwinSpring Gold springs, BERG trampolines provide 50% more airflow than standard models, resulting in higher, smoother jumps with less resistance.”
They also note that safety is enhanced because FlatGround design reduces fall height, but net and edge protection remain crucial.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a BERG FlatGround Trampoline
When customers come to you, here’s how you might guide them:
1. Assess Garden & Soil
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Do you have space to dig a pit?
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Is drainage good, or does water accumulate?
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Are roots, fences, or services present?
2. Choose Shape & Size
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Round FlatGround for general family play.
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Rectangle (Ultim) FlatGround for tricking, gymnastic-style routines.
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Oval/Grand for longer gardens.
3. Select the Quality Line
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Champion is excellent for most families.
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Elite for durability in harsh conditions (coastal, frequent use).
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Sport / Performance lines for athlete users.
4. Decide on Springs & Mat
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TwinSpring Gold + AirFlow is the sweet spot.
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For performance users, consider TwinSpring Pro + AirFlow Pro where available.
5. Safety Net / No Net Option
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If children or casual jumpers, always choose a net.
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For older or supervised use in safe areas, a no-net flat design may be acceptable.
6. Plan for Pit Construction & Drainage
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Professional installation or careful DIY.
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Ensure bottom and side drainage.
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Use hard base and retaining walls as required.
7. Maintenance & Longevity
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Regular inspection of edges, springs, mats.
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Keep debris out of the pit.
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Re-anchor or check structure as ground settles over time.
Summary Table: BERG FlatGround Trampoline Features
| Feature Category | FlatGround Design | Common Options / Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Shapes Available | Round, Oval (Grand), Rectangular (Ultim) | Round for general play, rectangle for tricks |
| Quality Ranges | Champion, Elite, Sport / Ultim | Champion for most users, Elite for durability, Sport for performance |
| Spring System | TwinSpring Gold (common) | Optionally TwinSpring Pro in sport lines |
| Jump Mat | AirFlow / AirFlow Pro | AirFlow standard, Pro in performance lines |
| Safety Nets | Optional / Netless | Nets (Deluxe XL) or no net (for experienced users) |
| Edge Padding | Thick, UV-resistant, designed for flush install | Must cover all edges robustly |
| Performance | Comparable to above-ground when engineered properly | No big loss if design is proper |
| Installation | Dig pit, manage drainage, strong base | More effort than above-ground |
| Access | Step-free, flush entry | Ideal for children and accessibility |
| Aesthetics | Blends into garden surface | Sleek, minimal visual impact |
Final Thoughts & Recommendations for Trampolines Ireland
BERG FlatGround trampolines offer a compelling combination of safety, aesthetics, and performance for family gardens that can accommodate pit installations. They’re especially appealing to customers who prefer a low-profile look and zero step entry, without sacrificing bounce quality.