You’re ready to buy a trampoline (woohoo!), but you’re not sure whether a round or rectangular model is the best option. This is one of the most common questions we get from our readers, and the answer probably isn’t as clear-cut as you’d like it to be.
To help you decide which shape is right for you, we’re going to compare round and rectangular trampolines.
Round Trampolines
Round is the most common trampoline shape, and its design makes it agreat choice for most families. Thanks to its circular shape, the trampoline’s springs are evenly spread around the frame, which allows for a more consistent bounce.
The placement of the springs and the round shape also redirect the bouncer towards the middle of the jumping mat, which minimizes the chances of landing on the springs.
Round trampolines also tend to be more affordable because less weight is needed to create a sturdy frame. You’ll also find that round trampolines are the better option for smaller or oddly-shaped yards.
Benefits
- Affordably priced.
- Naturally redirects the jumper back to the center for added safety.
- Consistent bounce.
- A great option for smaller or oddly-shaped yards.
- A smart choice for at-home recreational use.
Drawbacks
- Bounce isn’t as high as rectangular trampolines.
The only real drawback with a round trampoline is that it doesn’t offer as high of a bounce as a rectangular model. With that said, theChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphiarecommends round trampolines for this very reason. A less powerful bounce reduces the risk of injury.
We find that round trampolines are the overall best option for the average household, especially those with younger children. And for added safety, you can purchase an enclosure to prevent jumpers from falling off the trampoline.
Rectangular Trampolines
Arectangle trampolineis very similar to what you’d find professional gymnasts practicing on. Its long and narrow shape naturally produces a high bounce, and the springs work independently for more controlled, even takeoffs and landings.
Rectangular trampolines also give you more space for jumping, and won’t redirect you to the center of the jumping mat like a round trampoline would. Typically, this shape also supports more weight than round models, which means more than one person can jump at a time in most cases.
Benefits
- Higher bounces.
- Sturdy frame.
- Consistent takeoffs and landings.
- Supports more weight.
Drawbacks
- Higher cost.
- Better suited for professional use.
Rectangular trampolines typically cost more because more material is required to create a strong, sturdy frame.
Because of its higher cost and bigger bounce, rectangle trampolines are usually better suited for professional use. While many manufacturers create rectangular and even square models for at-home use, this is still the ideal shape for gymnasts and aerialists.
Round or Rectangular: Which is Better?
Choosing a trampoline shape is a personal decision, but there are some things you should consider here.
Round vs. Rectangular: Weight Limitation
When choosing a round or rectangular trampoline, the first thing to consider is how much weight you want to be able to put on it.
A round frame is only heavy enough to hold about 150 kg (330 lbs), while a rectangular frame can support 200 kg (440 lbs).
This means that if you have a lot of people jumping on the trampoline at the same time, or if you are heavy yourself, a rectangular frame may be better because it will prevent the frame from bending or breaking.
Round vs. Rectangular: Safety
The biggest benefit of a rectangular trampoline is that its structure makes it more stable. It also means that kids fall into fewer gaps on the inside of the bouncing mat.
And, when there are no jumpers on it at all, a rectangular trampoline is much safer. Since there is no weight on the mat, it has much less risk of collapsing than a round one. So if you want to stay safe outside, at bedtime or away from home, consider investing in a rectangular model.
Round trampolines are often too small for jumpers to fit on, which causes them to fall and hit the ground. Rectangular ones are almost impossible to fall off, so they are often considered safer.
Round vs. Rectangular: Performance
Without a doubt, round trampolines are the most popular, simply because of their compact size. They are lighter and easier to store when not in use. If you have a large enough room, a round trampoline can easily fit into a small space in your backyard, or even indoors.
However, rectangular trampolines prove to be more durable because of the greater amount of jumping activity they are subjected to. Round trampolines have a shorter lifespan because their frames are smaller and cannot withstand as much jumping activity as the larger rectangular models.
Rectangular trampolines also provide higher quality bounces than round trampolines, especially at higher weights (over 100 lbs). This is primarily due to the fact that rectangular models are built with springless frames.
The bounce quality of round products depends on how the springs are attached to the frame; therefore, there is no standard for bounce quality between brands.
Rectangular models also have thicker padding than round models, making them more comfortable to bounce on. This is mainly due to the fact that rectangles usually have a larger jump area than rounds, making them more comfortable to jump on and build up energy over time.
Round vs. Rectangular: Price
Round trampolines are usually less expensive than their rectangular counterparts. This is due to their simple design, which uses only a few pieces of metal.
On average, a round trampoline costs $250 to $400, while an average rectangular model will cost you $500 to $1,000 more.
The additional materials and craftsmanship required to build a rectangular trampoline are reflected in the higher price tag.
However, if you are looking for something that is used regularly by several people, rectangular models may be worth the extra expense because they tend to last longer and can withstand more frequent use.
Round vs. Rectangular: Usage
Why do you want to buy a trampoline? Will it be used purely for recreation? Or will your child be using the trampoline for athletic reasons?
Rectangular trampolines are for people who do “tricks” and “stunts”. If you plan to use it for recreational purposes only, a round trampoline is a clear choice.
A round trampoline limits the height of the bounce and where the bouncer can land. The round shape draws the jumper to the center. This is a great feature for young children and people who just want to experience the fun of bouncing.
Round vs. Rectangular: Location
Location, location, location. When it comes to trampolines, the shape of your backyard plays a big role in determining which style is right for you.
People who live in rectangular backyards generally do better with rectangular trampolines.
Rectangular trampolines fit most spaces and work best if you have a square or rectangular yard. They have more safety features than round models.” Steven M. Lowenstein, owner of JumpSport, a retailer and manufacturer of outdoor recreation equipment, says
Round models are better for people with round yards and for those who plan to put their trampoline outdoors on a flat surface. Round devices are also easier to store because they fold into compact packages more easily than square devices.
However, round devices don’t have as many safety features as square devices and often don’t accommodate as many users at once because they have fewer safety pads on the outer edges of the jumping area.
Conclusion
So, which trampoline is right for you? The rectangular style includes many benefits, while the round unit has its own advantages. Ultimately, however, the choice between them comes down to your preferences and intended use.