Why does the shape of a trampoline matter?
There are many factors to consider when buying a trampoline. There is the price, bounce quality, trampoline shape, safety, among others. It is easy to see why the mentioned factors are important but for someone who has no idea, the shape may be a non-issue. What you may not know is that a trampoline’s shape affects a lot of things. There is a good reason why they come in all shapes—oval, round, rectangle, square and hexagon. Each of these shapes has an ideal user and its pros and cons.
Rectangle Trampolines Vs Round Trampolines
These are the most popular trampoline shapes. They also spark the biggest debate. So which one should you get?
You need to understand that no one shape is better than the other. It all depends on what you are looking for. How do you want to use the trampoline? What is the shape of your backyard? Do you have a lot of space? Who will be using it? If these questions are on your mind, the comparison between recangular trampolines vs round trampolines below will answer them. Check how the two shapes compare.
a. Purpose
People buy trampolines for use in different ways—some for professional purposes, others for fun and others for exercise.
Professionals or parents of athletics who are looking to sharpen their acrobatic skills are better off getting a rectangle trampoline. While jumping, all springs never work at the same time. You will only use a few depending on where you are jumping. This means less stress on the springs, hence a higher jump. It allows for all kinds of jumps and moves.
People who want a trampoline for exercise or occasional fun at home may want to consider a round trampoline. Since it is circular, you will land at the center regardless of where you jump. While exercising, a consistent bounce is important.
b. User
Who are you buying the trampoline for?
The round trampoline is best for kids, beginners and other special groups of people (the elderly, those with arthritis, etc.). Because all springs are pulled at the same time, the force is distributed evenly. The bounce you get from a round trampoline is soft and low impact compared to a rectangle trampoline.
A rectangle trampoline has a double bounce factor which offers higher jumps. Other than that, its jumping surface is narrower, hence a more responsive bounce. This contributes to the height of the jump too. Beginners may be uncomfortable with high jumps. It can be unsafe for kids as well.
c. Safety
This is a crucial factor. It should be at the top of everyone’s list because trampoline injures can be catastrophic. It would not be fair to label a specific trampoline shape as unsafe—but some are safer than others.
A round trampoline will always pull you to the center. It is almost impossible to land anywhere else. This minimizes the chances of a jumper falling off or hitting a frame. Additionally, it limits the height of your jump. It is not as responsive as a rectangle trampoline. For parents, this will at least give you peace of mind.
Rectangular trampolines, on the other hand, may not be very safe. The jumper decides where to land — a rectangular trampoline will not pull you to the center or anywhere. A child or newbie who has not mastered this exercise can land dangerously. There is also the issue of high jumps with rectangular trampolines.
Manufacturers have become very keen on trampoline safety. Most of them now have a safety enclosure and padding on the springs and frame.
Note: whatever shape you choose, always adhere to trampoline safety measures.
d. Space
Where do you intend to place the trampoline? Unless you are buying a mini trampoline, you will need to assess your backyard space and shape.
A round trampoline is tricky when it comes to placement. You will rarely see a round backyard. Since you should leave a distance of about 4 feet around the trampoline, the only place you can put a round trampoline is right at the center of your garden. With a small garden, you will barely have space for anything else.
A rectangular trampoline is better in this case. Backyards typically have a rectangular shape and leaving the 4-feet distance is easier. It is a good option if you don’t want something that will occupy the entire backyard.
d. Cost
The price of a trampoline is largely determined by the brand.
Generally speaking, however, round trampolines tend to be cheaper than their rectangular counterparts. It is safe to say that their frame is easier to make.
A lot of work goes into making rectangular trampolines. The shape requires additional support and expertise is needed especially at the corners. This contributes to higher prices.
e. Weight Limit
When you are searching for a trampoline, you will notice that the round ones tend to have a lower weight capacity. It is not common to find one that is above 300 pounds unless, of course, it bigger. Rectangular trampolines have a higher weight capacity. They even go beyond 400 pounds.
Summary
| Factor | Round Trampolines | Rectangular Trampolines |
| Purpose | Exercise, simple fun | Stunts, high jumps, backflips, acrobatics |
| User | Children, beginners | Professional, intermediate jumpers |
| Safety | Safer | Not very safe for kids and beginners |
| Space | Requires bigger space | Good for smaller space |
| Price | Typically affordable | A little on the expensive side |
| Weight limit | Tend to have lower weight limits | Higher weight limits |
| Performance | Firm bounce | Responsive bounce |
Round Vs. Square Trampolines
Square trampolines are also popular. So how do they compare with circular ones?
Some people would say that a square trampoline is superior to both rectangular trampolines and round trampolines. They offer a large bouncing area just like a rectangle trampoline but the bounce is not as responsive. You can jump high but not as high as you would with a rectangular trampoline.
Square trampolines are also easy to place in your backyard if the space is small, unlike round trampolines.
Another thing that may cause someone to go for a square trampoline is the firmness. Because of their shape, the frame is sturdier and, therefore, safer.
A square trampoline is like a hybrid. It has a little bit of all the advantages that come with the rectangle and round trampolines.
Oval Trampolines
Like the square trampoline, oval trampolines can be considered a hybrid. Compared to a round trampoline, oval trampolines have a bigger bouncing area and don’t pull you towards the center. If you get a bigger size, you can have more than one person jumping.
An oval trampoline uses less space too. Its shape does not require you to place it somewhere in the middle.
Its bounce can be considered responsive. It is still not better than a square or rectangular trampoline in this area and you may have to work harder for higher jumps.
Conclusion
It all comes down to who will be using the trampoline and how they will be using it. A parent with smaller kids will most likely go for a round trampoline. It is firm and the jumper is pulled into the middle. Children and newbies cannot jump too high and they will always land at the center. A rectangle trampoline is best suited for intermediate or experienced jumpers. They have enough space for stunts and know how to land safely. For exercises, the round trampoline wins. It offers consistency which matters.
The oval and square trampolines are for someone who wants a middle ground. The square trampoline is responsive but not too responsive and there is the advantage of a larger bouncing area. The oval trampoline is firm but the jumper is not too limited when it comes to jumping high.
For all these shapes, always consider their quality and the safety accessories that are included.