Any trampoline experts out there?

[MrsRichards]

I have room for a 12' or 14' but don't want to spend the extra money on a larger one if it isn't totally necessary. I have two dc aged 11 and 9.

My questions:

1. Should I fork out for the larger one?
   
2. what is the difference between round and octagonal?
   
3. I read somewhere once that the rectangular ones had different bounce abilities - can anyone enlighten me?
   
4. a net is a definite, but external or internal? (I think external looks better)
   
5. any brands to avoid? Surely the cheaper ones need to meet safety standards so is it necessary to spend more on a well known make, eg TP.
   
   Hoping someone has the answers to help me make up my mind!
   
   Many thanks
   
   MrsRichards

[starlingsintheslipstream]

Bumping this thread as I would like to know too!

[TattooEnvy]

Hi!

I used to bounce for the a county many moons ago and from what I remember about the rectangular ones is we used to have two different sorts, one with one inch squares for the beginners as they weren't as bouncy and the ones with half inch squares for the more experienced.

This was pushing 13 years ago now though so that may have changed!

From what I understand of the round ones is they aren't as bouncy but I'm not 100 per cent sure as I've never had one, only had a go on one! So I can't answer any other questions but they are alot of fun! I guess it's depend what you want it for

[TattooEnvy]

Sorry, I meant round ones not as bouncy as rectangular ones, I have no idea about octagonal ones or the nets.

[starlingsintheslipstream]

Thanks TattooEnvy. I hadn't even given a rectangular one any thought.

Anyone else...?

[superbagpuss]

all I know is it took 4 adults over an hour to put one together

be prepared to have a trampoline putting up party

[MrsRichards]

I went for a 14' round one with external net.

It has arrived in 4 large boxes so it looks like it may take a while to set up. I'll let you know....

[Startail]

Good luck, I don't recall too much moaning and mashing of teeth doing ours.

DD2 and DH got the net on very quickly.

Never bothered with a net until DD got put up a grade at gym. Now we get walkover and cartwheels.

[MrsRichards]

Told MIL we had got it and would put it up as a surprise one night. She asked for a list of 'rules and instructions for when they go on it'. Probably not a strange request but even so.....!

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

One person on at a time, non negotiable

No stunts like backflips

Enclosure to be fully zipped up before bouncing starts

Shoes off to bounce

That kind of list?

[MrsRichards]

I think so. I've got to produce the list. Do others have rules? Am I naive to think they don't need a list?

[Startail]

I only have two rules. No wildly different weight people, that's how DD broke her wrist.

One person at a time if your doing gymnastics and tuck your head in.

No point on earth banning tricks, DD2 will just do somersaults over the top of the swing frame instead and attempt to cart wheel into my car.

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

Well it doesn't hurt for all users to know what is/not suitable

Mil may be thinking ahead, to avoid the 'mummy lets us' confusions that can happen, and having a list might be helpful for her to flourish? At the grandkids I mean, not randoms in the street!

[MrsRichards]

Good points, thanks

So, here goes:

• No loose objects to be taken on (no cars in pockets)
  

• Zip must be fully up at all times
  

• No more than two children at a time but if one is doing tricks then other must be still at the side
  

• No jumping as another person is entering/leaving the net
  

• Have fun
  

What do you think?

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

One person at a time is safer, up to you ofc.

RoSPA or similar will have stats.

Have fun is a great rule!

[BaskingTurtle]

Don't bounce when the baby is on
If you are doing cartwheels, watch your legs if there are other people sitting there
No loose objects except the soft ball
Keep the net zipped until you are actually leaving
No one bounce when someone is underneath
Don't put the sprinkler on underneath unless everyone agrees to get wet
When the sprinkler is on, take it easy - don't go crazy with the slides.
Don't do gymnastics with the sprinkler on
Don't keep asking me to move it into the shade - it gets bird poo on it.

[BaskingTurtle]

I would not have agreed for two seconds to that person limit. Usually when there is a bunch of my kids and friends on our trampoline they just sit there anyway. We certainly didn't have that person limit rule when we used to fool around after training, and those were elite beds. (You asked for trampoline experts - I've won international meets in trampolining so does that make me an expert?) Backyard trampolines are so un-bouncy they are far less dangerous than what we trained on. Kids can break their legs on bikes too, but smart kids are perfectly aware of how not to break their legs. You don't have to limit a backyard trampoline to one or two people if your kids are sensible. But of course you should suit your rules to your kids.

[WeAll]

Is it worth digging them into the ground so they are flush with the grass?