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Best Trampoline for the Money

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Trampoline Buying Guide

Trampolines have become an important part of our daily lives, especially now that career demands commonly reduce the amount of available time for family or exercise. These devices give you the chance to exercise after work or early mornings while also having fun. Their recreational purposes also ensure that you can spend time with your family participating in a fun and healthy activity. If you are thinking about purchasing a trampoline in the near future, you probably are wondering which is the best trampoline for the money. Read below to see our comparison of some popular models and find our pick for the best of the bunch.

Trampolines have become a common sight in a number of households, schools and even gyms. A trampoline is a device that consists of strong steel frames that hold together a strong fabric using springs. These springs are coiled to increase the strength and weight capacity. The device is mainly used for bouncing in both competitive and recreational settings. Even though this device is fun for kids, the usage is not limited to any age group. Users jump on an inelastic fabric known as a bounce mat, but it provides an illusion of elasticity due to the powerful springs connected to the frame.

The origin of the trampoline dates to a time where blanket dancers would be tossed up in the air on a walrus skin. In the nineteenth century, Pablo Fanque used the first trampoline-like device, which looked more like a spring board. From then on, Larry Griswold and George Nissen used this concept to make the first modern trampoline. Countless improvements have been made ever since to transform trampolines from being a circus only device to a common household item. Some common trampoline manufacturers include JumpSport, SkyBound, and SkyWalker.

Trampoline Comparison Table

JumpSport AlleyOOP VariableBounce

SkyBound Stratos

SkyWalker Jump N' Dunk

Zupapa

HonorsBest in ClassBest Value
The GoodHigh quality, durable, high jumps, soft landings, excellent enclosure system, rest zones, door entry systemDesigned for safety, concave net design, high quality materials, steel frame, easy assembly, UV resistant, padding everywhereSafe construction, modern construction, easy assembly, thick padding, safety net, large surface area, very affordable, basketball hoopStrong, sturdy, durable, budget friendly, warranty extension, competes with more expensive models, solid enclosure, instructional videos
The BadSafety net assembly, priceyPoor plastic tool for net assembly, net wears quickly, some shipping issuesShipping issues with parts, spring puller is fragile, not very springyVery heavy trampoline, zipper can get caught, safety net assembly can be lengthy
OverallOne of the best trampolines for the money. Performance, durability, safety features, and much more propel this above other units.Very high quality trampoline for the money. While maybe not quite as good as the JumpSport AlleyOOP, they can be talked about in the same sentence.A great value buy with above average construction and components. Unable to compete with the more expensive models, but does well nonetheless.Gives you the best bang for your buck of any of the trampolines we've reviewed. Impressive craftsmanship with excellent safety features.
Our Rating8.88.27.47.9
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The Reviews

Best Choice

AlleyOOP Trampoline

By: JumpSport

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Features

  • Performance Springs
  • VariableBounce Technology
  • Safety Enclosure Net
  • Overlapping Doorway
  • Safety Rest Zones

JumpSport AlleyOOP VariableBounce Trampoline with Enclosure

It is no surprise that JumpSport is our “Best in Class” trampoline for the money. It provides the best performance, highest durability, and best safety of any of the trampolines we have reviewed here. As this trampoline is made by the inventor of the safety net, safe design features are expected to be without peer! This is true as the JumpSport AlleyOOP trampoline gives you a variety of features to promote safety such as Rest Zones, Unforgettable Doorway, and strong safety net (rated at 295 lb impact strength). Furthermore, JumpSport only uses the most durable materials. This allows them to offer the best warranty you will find as they stand behind their designs 100%. Performance is amazing due to the VariableBounce technology that adjusts to take-offs and landings to ensure no twists or breaks occur from an awkward landing.

There really isn’t much bad to say about this trampoline outside of it being more expensive than the other trampolines we’ve reviewed. Outside of that, users have reported assembly of the safety net can be cumbersome at times, depending on the experience level of the assembler. Using a helper is advised as it can speed up the process and help out with those troublesome areas.

Overall, the JumpSport AlleyOOP trampoline is one of the best trampolines you’ll find without getting into the commercial brands. High bounces and soft landings make for an enjoyable time for a variety of jumpers. The high weight capacity (real world testing of 800 lbs with multiple jumpers) and excellent safety features are intended to accommodate multiple jumpers simultaneously without safety issues. The warranty is top notch and almost unnecessary due to the quality workmanship. If you can afford it, you can’t go wrong with this trampoline.

  • High weight capacity
  • Easy to assemble trampoline
  • Safety is paramount
  • Extreme quality
  • Extreme durability
  • Long warranties
  • Safety enclosure assembly can be tedious
  • Expensive
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Stratos Trampoline

By: SkyBound

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Features

  • Safety Certified
  • Concave Safety Enclosure
  • Rust Resistant Springs/Frame
  • UV Coatings
  • Black Powder Coating
  • Yellow Zinc Plating
  • No Hassle Installation Design

SkyBound Stratos Trampoline

The Skybound Stratos line of trampolines are renowned for their safety and concave net designs. The unique design promotes safe jumping and playing while also offering a uniquely designed trampoline enclosure. The net is made up of high density, UV resistant materials to withstand the elements. SkyBound also provides itself on the durability of their products. The strong vinyl mat, rust resistant springs and frame, and various coatings lend to a long lasting product. Coating of the frame ensures it is not damaged by the elements and is rust resistant. Furthermore, vinyl padding is in place to cover any exposed materials that could cause injury to jumpers. Another excellent aspect of the SkyBound Stratos is the patented installation push-pin technology to eliminate the need to use an endless array of bolts and nuts to secure the pieces.

While assembling the trampoline, you will notice the product comes included with a plastic tool that can be used to help thread the net. This tool is practically useless and is easily broken. Another way to improve this trampoline would be to include a ladder as opposed to requiring the buyer to also purchase one. While ladders aren’t essential, when paying this much for a trampoline, it would be a good idea to include one as additional incentive.

The SkyBound Stratos trampoline is a very well made trampoline that is focused on safety and performance. Easily assembled (except the net), durable components, quality design, and a unique concave net design make it one of the better trampolines available. Additionally, it doesn’t cost as much as some of the higher end trampolines, but it provides performance that is in a similar range. High bounces with plenty of air time allow for a wide range of tricks. In combination with the safety precautions, that leads to a good time for kids and parents alike.

 

  • Concave net design for safety
  • Quality construction
  • Coatings to prevent damage from elements
  • Strong vinyl mat
  • Patented installation technology
  • Good performance
  • Poor plastic tool for net assembly
  • Missing items on shipping
Full Review

Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline

By: Skywalker

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Features

  • Enclosure
  • Foam Padded Enclosure Poles
  • Basketball Hoop
  • Dual Zipper & Clip Closure System

Skywalker Jump N' Dunk Trampoline with Enclosure Net

One of the most affordable trampolines currently available, the Skywalker Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline offers sturdy construction and excellent safety features at a fraction of the cost. While you will get better performance from the more expensive trampolines, you will be expected to pay for it! The Skywalker trampoline sacrifices some of that performance, but still offers plenty of fun for most families. Thick padding, strong connections, and a large jumping area are all good at giving the kids plenty to enjoy.

As stated earlier, performance is lacking when compared to the more expensive trampolines. You may not get the highest bounce or softest landing when jumping, but it isn’t a flat bounce by any means. A more pressing concern while putting the trampoline together is that the spring puller is fragile and breaks easily. Fortunately, a simple screwdriver works better and with little fuss.

the Skywalker Jump N’ Dunk trampoline is a good option for many families. It doesn’t offer the best performance or special features like Rest Zones, but it can easily accommodate most families and backyards for having fun. As this is a budget trampoline, the warranty is not as strong as higher grade models, so you may have to replace it sooner than normal compared to other trampolines.

  • Safe and modern construction
  • Easy assembly
  • Thick padding throughout
  • Large surface area
  • Extremely affordable
  • Spring puller easily breaks
  • Lacking in performance
  • Shipping issues
Full Review

Best Value

Trampoline with Enclosure

By: Zupapa

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Features

  • No-gap Jumping Mat Design
  • Steel Components
  • TUV Certified
  • Enclosure
  • Included Gloves and Stakes
  • Rain Cover

Zupapa Trampoline with Enclosure

The Zupappa trampoline offers the best value of any of the trampolines we have reviewed. The durable construction, powerful performance, increased safety, and affordable price tag allow it to strike a delicate balance of performance and price. The trampoline is constructed with a high amount of steel to lend to its strength and durability. The tight mat and strong springs give it an effective bounce that can propel the jumper to impressive heights. Furthermore, the enclosure is made of tightly woven material that can withstand strong impacts. While assembling the Zupapa Trampoline with Enclosure Net, instructional videos are available to walk you through each step to make for a much faster process.

As there is a good amount of steel used for components, this is a very heavy trampoline. While that is a testament to the strength of the frame, it can also be difficult to move around the yard. The safety net can also cause problems from time to time as the zipper has a tendency to become stuck and difficult to open/close. Finally, as is the case with most nets, this safety net can be time consuming to attach to the trampoline. While this is necessary, the other parts of the assembly more than make up for the lost time on the net.

Overall, the Zupapa 15′ trampoline gives most families exactly what they need, a good healthy recreational activity for the whole family. It may not be as cheap as the Skywalker or allow jumps as high as the AlleyOOP, but it strikes a great balance between the two. Unless you are training for competitive activities, the performance hit is negligible while the savings are extraordinary. If you are looking for a great trampoline for the money, the Zupapa is the way to go.

  • Strong and durable
  • Budget friendly
  • High performing
  • Instructional videos
  • Steel components
  • Very heavy
  • Zipper can get stuck
  • Safety net is tedious to assemble
Full Review

Trampoline Buying Guide

Trampolines provide a number of uses to their users. They can be used to facilitate recreation or exercise, depending on the needs of the user. As such, trampolines are available in any number of shapes, sizes, and price ranges. The exercise variety of trampoline are usually small and round devices that one person can use to bounce on and get a strong workout. Additionally, large multi-person trampolines are great for recreation and playtime for the kids. The size of the larger trampolines varies, but common sizes include 12’, 14’, and 16’. These kinds of trampolines come in round, square, or rectangle shapes, depending on the taste of the buyer.

If you’re new to trampolining, check out this article to learn the best skills for beginner trampoline enthusiasts.

When choosing which type of trampoline to buy, ensure you have thought about budget, available space, and its primary use (i.e. recreation, exercise) to make the purchasing process as efficient as possible. First, it is important to check your budget before going out shopping for a trampoline. It is also not advisable that you overspend to get the latest and greatest model. Often, we can find a model that better fits our budget and still has most of the features we need. Second, you must consider where you would like to set up your trampoline and the amount of space available. For large, round trampolines, ensure there is plenty of room around the edges for maneuverability. If space is limited, rectangular trampolines may better suit your needs. Finally, you can use trampolines for recreational, commercial, or fitness purposes. The round trampoline is important for recreational purposes while the mini-trampoline is useful for fitness purposes. On the other hand, the inflatable or any other bigger trampoline may be useful for commercial purposes.

If you are looking into buying a trampoline, you will find that the price range varies dramatically. Depending on the quality of the trampoline, they can range anywhere from $200 to over $1000. The professional versions of trampolines are even more expensive and can have a downright scary price tag. Exercise trampolines are much cheaper with the upper range being less than $500.

Did You Know?

Trampolining has been an Olympic sport since the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. Judging the event is based on tricks, turns, and height achieved. Competitors have been known to reach heights of up to 33 feet in the air while competing. The sport has individual competitions for men and women since its original induction into the Olympics. This has not changed. The competition usually consists of two rounds, a qualifying and championship round. Eight athletes, with the best scores from the qualifying round, advance to the final round to determine the winner.

Types of Trampolines

Trampolines come in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs. Round, square, rectangular, mini-trampolines, and inflatable trampolines are used throughout the world, depending on the needs of the user. Round trampolines are typically used for recreational purposes. They are normally the cheapest and most versatile of the large trampolines. The round trampoline is the type commonly used for outdoors, either at events or homes. They are available in all sizes and can therefore fit in any space, ranging from the backyard to the garden. Rectangular trampolines are often used in more professional settings, although there are commercial brands that have been gaining in popularity. Square trampolines are a combination of the rectangular and round trampolines. This type is not only believed to be safe but also to have room for both recreation and outdoor uses. Mini-trampolines are the fitness version. They are compact and affordable to allow for placement inside the home. These are great for exercise equipment to promote cardiovascular fitness, strength, and balance. Finally, inflatable trampolines are usually seen as water sports fun. The most common are the large yellow variety that can provide ample room to numerous participants.

Buyer Impressions

JumpSport AlleyOOP VariableBounce
LMLinVA | 5 stars

This customer says that they bought the trampoline so they would have access to a high-quality trampoline. They believe you get what you pay for when it comes to trampolines and weren’t content with less than perfect levels of safety and quality. This customer was impressed with AlleyOOP because their neighbors have had one for over five years and it still looks like it just arrived. Her husband had it up in a few hours and the kids have been jumping on it with enthusiasm ever since.

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SkyBound Stratos
Masumi | 4 stars

Masumi enjoys the look and sturdiness of this trampoline as she states this is one of the best products she’s ever purchased for her children. She had a minor problem with the seams of the netting tearing open, but was able to patch it up. After owning the trampoline for a few months there have been a few issues with wear and tear, but for the most part, the trampoline is holding up very well.

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SkyWalker Jump N’ Dunk
Fred | 4 stars

Fred says that the trampoline assembly was easy for him to complete by himself and took about four hours. He followed the tips for using the spring tool (alternating every 6th spring), and didn’t have any problems assembling the springs. Unfortunately, the basketball hoop was not sent with his order, but Amazon rectified the situation immediately.

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Zupapa
Robert | 5 stars

Robert was very happy with his purchase! He stated that he put it together by himself in only three hours and it was delivered very quickly in three separate boxes. Robert is very happy with the extras he received at the affordable price. He believes this is an excellent trampoline and highly recommends it for those looking for a bargain.

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Quick Tip

For extra safety and care, you can use a mesh enclosure ring to ensure that unwanted injuries do not occur by falling off the trampoline. These enclosures are commonly used on large trampolines that children will be jumping on. The added safety afforded by an enclosure net is included in many models of trampoline. Additionally, the enclosure is a great way to prevent unwanted pets or animals from laying on the trampoline when no one is around. Also, trampoline covers are available that protect the it from the rain and harsh sunlight. These covers are excellent in extending the life of your trampoline due to it being forced to endure a variety of weather conditions such as rain, cold, heat, or high winds.

Picking the Best Trampoline for the Money

Finding the best trampoline for the money can be a difficult task as there is a vast array of choices available to all. In our reviews, we selected the JumpSport AlleyOOP trampoline as the best trampoline available for high performance and quality craftsmanship. It performs better than any other trampolines we have seen without getting into the ultra high performance versions available for competitions. If you are looking for the best value buy, but maybe sacrifice a little on performance, the Zupapa trampoline is tough to beat.

Trampoline Commonly Asked Questions

Are trampolines dangerous?

Yes, trampolines can be dangerous if they are misused. There are safety precautions parents can take such as adding an enclosure or padding over the springs to prevent potential injuries.

Does jumping on a trampoline help to with fitness?

Yes, trampolining is a great cardiovascular workout that also helps with balance and lower body strength. Jumping on a trampoline works a variety of muscles, no matter if you have a set routine or are just having some fun.

At what age is a trampoline safe to use?

Any age is safe to use a trampoline if the necessary precautions are taken. However, it is advisable to wait until the age of six for a child to be allowed to use the device.

What is the best trampoline?

Trampolines come in all shapes and sizes and it depends on the needs of the buyer as to what may constitute the best for their situation. However, the JumpSport brand of trampoline consistently scores high in most reviews and has excellent customer satisfaction.