BERG vs. Springfree: Which Trampoline Is Best for Your Family (and Irish Gardens)?

If you’re choosing between BERG and Springfree, you’re already looking at the top end of the trampoline market. Both brands are premium, both are safe when installed and used correctly, and both can work beautifully as inground or flatground centrepieces in Irish gardens. But they take very different approaches—and those differences matter for bounce feel, safety, maintenance, lifespan, and overall value.

Below, we compare them in plain English and through a detailed table, then finish with scenario-based recommendations from the Trampolines Ireland install team.

At a glance

Springfree replaces metal springs with composite rods and hides the frame below the jumping surface. Its flexible enclosure system aims to keep jumpers away from hard edges and pinch points. The company advertises a 10-year warranty on all components, which is best-in-class among major brands.
BERG offers a broad range (round, oval, rectangular) with InGround and FlatGround options designed to sit low or flush with the lawn. Their AirFlow jump mats and airflow-friendly setups help reduce “mat slap” and improve bounce feel—particularly important for inground installs. Warranty varies by line, with long frame coverage and registration-based extensions.

Comparison Table: BERG vs. Springfree

Category	BERG	Springfree
Safety System	Traditional steel springs + thick pads; matched safety nets (Comfort/Deluxe/Deluxe XL). Strong, familiar design that’s easy to service.	No metal springs; composite rods under the mat, hidden frame, and flexible enclosure designed to keep jumpers away from hard edges/pinch points.
Perceived Safety	High—especially with a net. For inground/flatground installs, a net is still recommended near fences/patios/windows.	Very high—design explicitly targets common injury mechanisms; brand positions itself as the safer choice thanks to springless layout + flexible net posts.
Bounce Feel	Classic spring feel—lively and responsive. Rectangular models are great for teens/progression; round and oval for general family fun.	Smoother, elastic feel from rods. Timing differs slightly vs. springs; most users adapt quickly and like the gentler takeoff/landing.
InGround / FlatGround	Purpose-built InGround and FlatGround frames with AirFlow mats. Excellent for low/flush looks and airflow—key for drainage & performance.	Springfree frames can be installed in-ground with correct pit and edging; enclosure integration remains central to the safety design.
Drainage & Airflow	Strong focus on airflow (e.g., AirFlow Pro mats) helps reduce “mat slap.” Clear InGround/FlatGround guidance.	Standard inground best practices apply; fewer exposed metal components can help in damp pits, but airflow under the mat is still important.
Shapes & Sizes	Round, oval, rectangular, square across multiple lines (Favorit, Champion, Elite, etc.). Easy to match to garden footprint.	Primarily round/oval/rectangle options tailored to the Springfree architecture; size availability is more curated than sprawling.
Maintenance & Parts	Excellent parts availability and straightforward servicing (springs, pads, mats, nets).	Fewer “DIY” service items; parts are available but the unique architecture (rods/net system) means you’ll use brand-specific components.
Warranty (typical)	Strong frame warranty with extension on registration; other parts depend on the line.	10-year warranty on all components (frame, mat, rods, net, etc.)—a major selling point for long-term ownership.
Aesthetics	FlatGround looks ultra-clean and blends into landscaping; InGround sits low and is more forgiving in clay/wet sites.	Sleek, modern look with curved net supports; the net is part of the aesthetic as well as the safety system.
Price Positioning	Mid to upper-mid depending on line/size; very strong value across long service life.	Premium—you’re paying for the safety architecture and the 10-year all-parts warranty.
Best For	Families who want a tailored fit (shape/size), classic bounce, easy servicing, and inground/flatground looks.	Safety-first households, younger families, and anyone who wants the lowest exposure to hard edges plus a single long warranty.

Strengths & Weaknesses

BERG — What we love

Broad choice of shapes/sizes (including rectangles for skill progression).
Purpose-built InGround and FlatGround frames for a tidy, permanent look.
AirFlow technologies that pair nicely with inground pits and Irish conditions.
Serviceability: easy to source pads, mats, nets, and springs over time.

Trade-offs

You still have metal springs and a visible pad edge—great quality, but not the same “no hard edges” philosophy as Springfree.
Warranty depth depends on the specific line/registration (frame is excellent; soft goods vary).

Springfree — What we love

Springless design (composite rods) and hidden frame reduce exposure to common injury mechanisms.
Flexible enclosure that aims to keep jumpers away from rigid poles.
10-year warranty on all components—simple, generous, and confidence-boosting.

Trade-offs

Bounce feel is different—smooth and elastic vs. the classic “spring pop”; some trick-focused teens prefer springs.
Higher upfront price than most traditional spring designs.
Architecture is more brand-specific for parts and servicing.

How they install in Irish gardens (InGround / FlatGround)

Drainage first. Regardless of brand, inground pits in Ireland need a compacted sub-base, a gravel layer, and, where needed, a soakaway or drain line. Good airflow prevents “mat slap” and helps the pit dry.
BERG: The InGround (low rim) and FlatGround (flush) lines are engineered for this purpose. FlatGround gives the sleekest look but demands precise groundworks.
Springfree: Can be installed in-ground; the net is part of the safety system and should stay with the build. Make sure edging is well-detailed to keep grass clippings and soil off the mat/pads.

At Trampolines Ireland, we’ll survey your garden, assess water movement, and design the pit for Irish rain and clay soils—that’s half the battle for long-term enjoyment.

Which one should you choose?

Use these real-world scenarios to decide.

1) “Safety above all; younger jumpers at home.”

Choose Springfree. The springless rods, hidden frame, and flexible enclosure give parents peace of mind—plus the 10-year all-parts warranty keeps ownership simple.

2) “We want a low/flush garden look with sizes and shapes to suit our space.”

Choose BERG InGround or FlatGround. The range is wide, the FlatGround finish looks superb, and there’s a rectangle for narrow gardens or skill progression. Pair with a matched enclosure for family use.

3) “Teenagers are practicing skills—rectangular bed preferred.”

Leaning BERG rectangle (or performance-oriented lines). You’ll get that classic spring timing many trickers like. Add a strong net and anchor the system properly.

4) “We want maximum warranty certainty over a long life.”

Springfree is hard to beat for paperwork simplicity: 10 years on everything. If you value long-horizon predictability, this is compelling.

5) “We’re on a slope / clay soil with occasional standing water.”

Either brand can work—but BERG InGround (with a slight rim) is often more forgiving of wet ground and easier to keep tidy. We’ll engineer drainage either way.

Nets, safety and Irish garden realities

Even inground and flatground setups benefit from a full enclosure—especially near fences, patios, steps or windows. A net reduces sideways exits (the most common incident type) and keeps pets out. Springfree’s net is integral to its safety design; BERG’s matched nets are robust and tidy.

Final verdict from Trampolines Ireland

Pick Springfree if you want the most integrated safety design and a single long warranty that covers the entire unit. Expect a smooth, elastic bounce and a premium price tag.
Pick BERG if you want shape/size flexibility, inground/flatground aesthetics that blend beautifully with Irish gardens, classic spring bounce (especially for rectangles), and straightforward parts support over time.

Either way, the installation makes or breaks the experience in Ireland. We’ll handle survey, drainage, airflow, anchoring, enclosure selection, and a clean finish that looks like it has always belonged in your garden.