I would like to get my husband and son a trampoline for xmas. Been looking on line but there are so many brands to choose from I don't know which to go with. I would like something that is not more then $250 and that has an enclosure. Any tips would be helpful!
LOVE these guys. They test the bejeebers out of every trampoline on the market (and film some of the tests).
http://www.trampolinesafety.com/Buyer-guide
My advice would be: Don't. I'm a pediatric neuropsychologist and would love to cut down on the number of head (and other) injuries that children receive. I was also a gymnast and LOVE trampolines in a gym, with proper supervision, one kid at a time. If even one kid is spared injury because their parents read this, then I'll be happy!
Here's a website with the recommendations of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/position/1135.asp
Although many people use trampolines without injury, the number of injuries each year is staggering. Here are the key points from the above website:
* Use of trampolines for physical education, competitive gymnastics, diving training and other similar activities requires careful adult supervision and proper safety measures.
* Trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity.
* Competent adult supervision and instruction is needed for children at all times.
* Only one participant should use a trampoline at any time.
* Spotters should be present when participants are jumping. Somersaults or high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervision and instruction; these maneuvers should be done only with proper use of protective equipment, such as a harness.
* The trampoline-jumping surface should be placed at ground level.
* The supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces should have adequate protective padding.
* Equipment should be checked regularly for safety conditions.
* Safety net enclosures may give a false sense of security – most injuries occur on the trampoline surface.
* Trampolines are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
* Make sure trampoline ladders are removed after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children.
I just ordered a trampoline from Walmart.com. The trampoline had a 5 star rating, and it has an enclosure. It was $219.00 plus tax. If shipped to the store, shipping was free. Right now the price is so low because it is on sale, $50.00 off. Hurry so it will get here on time. Good Luck.
We have a JUMP KING trampoline and it has been wonderful. You can check their internet site or call them and see if it is available at any of the stores around here, we bought it at Sam's club years ago. We have had it for 7 years and have had absolutly no problems whatsoever! I have 3 boys (13,10 & 8) so it has seen its share of rough times! It was the best purchase I have ever made, my kids and their friends have gotten so much enjoyment out of it! I have noticed it is a little more sturdy that some of the ones at the local sports stores. Good luck!
I don't think there is any particular safer type of trampoline from another. Some go for the most fancy and costly while some go for the most inexpensive. In the end, they will always wear out and torn. It depends on the size of your yard, and if your son has friends. We bought ours from K-Mart for $129 on sale. It was a 12 footer. It lasted pretty good because we restricted kids from neighbors from using it. We have seen some of our neighbors with their trampolines and how kids and teenagers from nowhere just make it their daily routine free fun of using and tearing them till it's totally out of shape then they don't come around anymore. We learned to restrain anyone else from it because if anything happens, we would be responsible.
It's how you care for it. It does not have to do with the price, style, brand, etc. Depends on the size of your yard, and most trampolines now come with enclosers. I say go with something that is cheaper and a decent size for the both of them.
