Last Updated on January 25, 2023

Trampolines are not limited to fun or bouncing only. In fact, trampolines have a number of different applications and they are available in various types, sizes, and price ranges. And you may get overwhelmed after knowing about the different types of trampolines in detail.

You may have seen trampolines in the backyards as well as in the gymnasium. Besides, you may have enjoyed the breathtaking performance of trampolines in the Olympics. And at one point, you may wonder what may be the difference between Olympic trampolines and backyard trampolines. Well, we are going to point out those details about different trampoline types and their best uses to some extent.

Different Types of Trampolines and Their Best Usage

Most people think of round trampolines as soon as they hear about trampolines. We differ from that limited point of thinking. Rather, while discussing trampolines we will categorize them depending on the shape, spring, usage, installation place, and enclosure. This will help you grab the basic ideas and differences with ease and will hardly get confused.

Shape Wise Trampoline Types

Round Trampolines

Round trampolines are the most common form of trampolines and most probably the widely used ones. They are available all over, come in an affordable price range, and have different sizes. Though people use them both indoors and outdoors, they are best for backyard or outdoor purposes.

How it Works

All the springs are arranged in a circular manner in rounded trampolines. The springs all together function in a way that the jumper is always pulled towards the center. This way jumper remains safer eliminating the chance of falling off the trampolines. For the same reason, you will get the maximum bounce while jumping in the center of the mat.

Pros:

• Good for children
• Assures the safety of the jumper

Cons:

• Leaves unusable space at the corners
• Not perfect for pro jumpers
• Safe for a single jumper

Rectangular Trampolines

Rectangular trampolines are quite different than round ones. They are great for serious and professional-level jumpers like athletes and gymnasts. Since rectangular trampolines provide more bounce than round ones, beginners should not start jumping with rectangular trampolines rather they should start with round or square trampolines.

How it Works

Rectangular trampolines provide a uniform bounce all over the jumping mat. That means you will get the same amount of bounce wherever you land or jump on the mat. That is why they are perfect for professionals. Because they need to have great bounce with each jump. And top-notch rectangular trampolines provide more bounce than both the round and square ones.

Due to uniform bounce, the trampoline never directs the jumper toward the center. So multiple jumpers can easily jump simultaneously without any chance of collision. Rectangular trampolines are available in various sizes and formats. The larger ones take more space, have more weight capacity, and cost more than regular ones.

Pros:

• Provides uniform bouncing
• Perfect for athletes and gymnasts
• Allows multiple jumpers simultaneously
• Leaves no space unused at corners

Cons:

• Pricey
• Takes larger space

Square Trampolines

Square trampolines are round and rectangular. They contain all the positive aspects of both round and rectangular ones. They provide more bounce than round ones and less bounce than rectangular ones. Square trampolines are great for kids and beginners since they assure more safety than other regular trampolines.

How it Works

The main working principle of square trampolines is similar to rectangular ones. They also provide uniform bounce all over the jumping mat with limited power than rectangular trampolines. So multiple jumpers are always welcome to jump on square trampolines.
If you want to have a trampoline for both fun and some serious practice, a perfect square trampoline can be your best choice. You can fit square trampolines in a tight place which is not so common with other shaped trampolines.

Pros:

• Great for beginners and kids
• Provides controlled bounce
• Safer than other trampolines
• Fits in a tight space
• Perfect for fun and serious practice

Cons:

• Not fit for athletes and gymnasts
• Pricey-than-average models

Oval Trampolines

Oval trampolines are almost the same as round ones yet they differ in shape. Basically, oval trampolines have the common features of round and rectangular trampolines.

How it Works

Like round trampolines, oval trampolines also pull the jumper toward the center and are really great for a single jumper at one time. You may wonder what is the difference between oval and round trampolines except for the shape. Well, the shape is one of the most important facts of a trampoline and determines other outcomes.

Oval shape trampolines offer more jumping areas than round ones. This way jumpers will easily jump and leap from one side to another. For a large oval trampoline, the user will find two center points and therefore allow multiple jumpers at the same time depending on the size of the trampoline.

Due to double center points, jumpers can individually get all the jumping effects while jumping simultaneously. So large oval trampolines are safer than similar-sized round trampolines.

Pros:

• Offers more jumping area
• Some models provided double centers
• Provides controlled bounce than round ones

Cons:

• Costs more than round trampolines
• Not so available as round ones

Hexagonal or Octagonal Trampolines

These types of trampolines are not so regular yet people love them because of their uniqueness and large jumping surface. For these reasons, they cost more than regular round trampolines.

How it Works

Octagonal trampolines work almost the same as round trampolines yet they have some significant differences. Springs are used like other top-quality trampolines. And octagonal trampolines are available in mini forms which are used mostly for fitness purposes. And mini octagonal trampolines are mostly free from springs. Rather they use flexible designs like the bungee-cord design.

Pros:

• Provides more jumping surface
• Safe for multiple jumpers

Cons:

• Costs more than round and rectangular ones
• Needs more space than regular ones

Spring Wise Trampoline Types

Spring is one of the main parts of a trampoline that creates bouncing. Though most of the trampolines come with springs, some manufacturers are now bringing spring-less trampolines. So depending on the spring, there are two to three types of trampolines.

Spring Based Trampolines

Most of the manufacturers still provide trampolines with springs and all traditional trampolines like round, rectangular, square, oval, etc. fall into this category.

How it Works

Springs are arranged in these trampolines along with the frame and circulated following the shape of the trampoline. Larger trampolines come with more and longer springs and therefore have more weight capacity. Most of the quality trampolines come with an enclosure net. But they may not be as safe as they claim to be.

The enclosure net, if there is any with your trampoline, will be attached with some poles around the trampoline of the jumping mat. Now safety largely depends on both the pole’s flexibility and net quality. Many injuries have happened due to the net’s falling apart and rigidity of the net.

If you unluckily fall against the net and the net is weak, you will fall from the trampoline by tearing the net. Again rigid poles will hurt you a lot. To have a perfectly safe trampoline you will have to invest more.

Spring-based trampolines use a safety pad or spring pad to eliminate the dangerous gap between the frame and the jumping mat. But the problem is spring pads are not always up to the mark. Their foams may displace and not assure the expected safety. And these spring-based trampolines may not last longer if minimum maintenance is not performed. So, clean your trampolines from time to time.

Pros:

• Available in many varieties
• Cheaper than spring-less trampolines
• Durable than spring-less trampolines
• Provides more bounce than other types

Cons:

• Prone to injuries
• Frames are not so strong
• The enclosure net may be saggy

Spring Less Trampolines

Springless trampolines are gaining popularity gradually. They sound unique and provide extra safety features over traditional spring-based trampolines.

How it Works

Springless trampolines basically use flexible rods instead of springs. The rods are arranged beneath the jumping mat. The most popular trampoline manufacturer of springless trampolines is “Spring free”. They offer flexible rods along with nets and a complete jumping surface without any dangerous gap. Altogether, greater safety is assured.

Kids and adults i.e. pregnant women can safely jump on these trampolines. But one fact to keep in mind is that flexible rods are not so great to provide high-level jumps, especially for kids. Adults can get a good bounce by applying a high degree of force.

Pros:

• Eliminates all possible spring injuries
• Provides more safety than other models
• More surface for jumping

Cons:

• Very pricey
• Less bouncy

Bungee Cord Trampolines

Bungee cord (used in trampoline chairs) trampolines are another type of springless trampoline. They are popular, available, and less pricey than spring-free trampolines.

How it Works

The jumping mat is attached to the frame via flexible cords. And most of the time you can never detach the cord. So if the cord breaks you will have to face some hassle. Since no hardy material is used in these trampolines they are lightweight and easy to move. But they are not so durable if left for a long time outside. Extreme sun or rain can make the bungee cords brittle.

Pros:

• Lightweight and mobile
• Less pricey than spring-free ones

Cons:

• Less durable
• Components are not easily replaceable

Springfree vs. Spring-Based Trampolines

[wpsm_video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReyP39sNtxE[/wpsm_video]

Enclosure Wise Trampoline Types

The enclosure system or the safety net is responsible to provide added safety for the jumpers like the quality JumpKing trampolines. Most of the best quality trampolines come with enclosures yet you can also avail of them without a net.

Trampolines with Net

Trampolines with the net are very common and available. We always recommend buying a trampoline that comes with a decent-quality safety net. It is a must for the safety of the kids even for adults.

How it Works

The enclosure net is tightly woven and UV-protected. They are attached to poles around the trampoline. If you suddenly hit against the net you will be secured to some extent from falling down. In the worst cases, you may tear down the net and fall. So check the sturdiness of the net before buying a trampoline from anywhere.

You should take care of the enclosure closing along with maintaining the whole trampoline. There are various types of closing systems like a double zipper, latch clip, overlapping doors, etc. You may choose one according to your liking but make sure to have one. The closing system will secure the jumper while jumping on the mat.

Pros:

• Assures safety
• Protects from common injuries

Cons:

• Costs more than regular ones

Trampolines Without Net

Many trampolines come in both with a net or without a net. So you can choose trampolines without a net in case of a special requirement or a tight budget.

How it Works

They work as same as the trampolines with a net. The only difference is they have no safety net. So they look more open and may seem more exciting to jump on. Most of the mini indoor trampolines, kid’s trampolines, and preschool trampolines are free from the net since they are not used for a heavy bounce.

Pros:

• Looks more open
• Seems more exciting to jump on
• Costs less

Cons:

• Lack of security
• Not perfect for kids

Application Wise Trampoline Types

When kids and young people think about trampolines, most of them mainly think about bounce and tremendous fun. Athletes and gymnasts think about challenging moves and exciting moves when they hear about trampolines.

Again, fitness freak people mostly think about rebounders or mini-trampolines when they hear about trampolines. So it is quite evident that different types and aged people think differently about trampolines. And this differentiation is based on various applications.

Recreational Trampolines

The name is self-explanatory on what these types of trampolines do. They may offer some other purposes but they are significantly used for fun and recreation. That means their targeted users are mainly kids and young people to some extent. For recreational purposes, the Jumpking trampolines, the Propel trampolines, or the Sportspower trampolines are perfect for you.

How it Works

They mainly use springs for the bounce. These trampolines are available in various shapes like round, rectangular, square, octagonal, and so on. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. But the backyard or outdoors is the perfect place for them. Recreational or fun trampolines like basketball playable ones are never meant for serious use and mainly come in round shapes.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Available
• Various models

Cons:

• Not for serious use
• Not good for heavy adults

Preschool Trampolines

Preschool trampolines are designed for kids aged between 3-6. They are great to keep your little ones busy and active at the same time.

How it Works

They are free from springs and mostly use the bungee system. Some offer interactive sound and counter systems to engage your kids more. They are compact in size and will perfectly fit in any corner of the house as a nice indoor trampoline. For better balance and added safety padded handlebar is attached to the frame.

Pros:

• Free from springs
• Have padded handlebar

Cons:

• Very limited use
• Age restrictions

Fitness Trampolines

Fitness trampolines are also known as mini-trampolines. Some may also refer them to as rebounders. Rebounders and little trampolines may seem similar but there are some differences.

How it Works

They may use spring or flexible cords. And depending on their sturdiness, the price range also varies. Rebounders are great for fitness and smaller in size. They are designed for one user at a time.

Pros:

• Great for fitness
• Smaller in size

Cons:

• Not for fun
• Risky for kids

Professional Trampolines

Athletes and gymnasts use these trampolines. You may have seen such trampolines in the Olympics also. They are designed to provide a great bounce.

How it Works

Professional-level trampolines use high-end springs to provide the maximum bounce possible like the Bounce pro models. Gymnasts and athletes need to perform various moves and for that purpose, a great bounce is a must.

Pros:

• Great for professionals

Cons:

• Very pricey
• Not for traditional use

Place Wise Trampoline Types

You may wonder how come trampolines be differentiated according to installation place. In fact, a trampoline can be varied depending on the use place. Like, trampolines that are designed to use on the water will not be as same as that of the backyard.

Again some trampolines are designed to be placed in the ground aka in-ground trampolines. In this section, we will discuss some details about various trampolines depending on the place.

In-Ground Trampolines

In-ground trampolines completely comply with their names. Generally, they are placed outdoors, especially in the backyard.

How it Works

In-ground trampolines lie in the ground. They are fitted in a hole that is to be made according to the size of the trampoline. After digging the necessary sized trench, a retaining wall is built and the frame is constructed then.

Finally, the whole trampoline is placed on the frame. Since these trampolines are placed on the ground there must be a good ventilation system. Otherwise, the bounce will be very poor and the sunken trampoline will cause some problems.

Pros:

• Perfect for backyard
• Looks different and nice

Cons:

• Well ventilation must be assured
• Maintenance may seem difficult

Water Trampolines

Water trampolines are sometimes referred to as water bouncers. Both may seem the same but in fact, they are different.

How it Works

Water trampolines use springs while water bouncers are free from springs. Rather they use inflatable tubes made from various materials. Spring-based water trampolines cost more than tube base ones.

Pros:

• Great for fun
• Increase summer vacation enjoyment

Cons:

• Time and space-limited usage

Final Words

Probably you are now familiar with different types of trampolines. Trampolines are not different only depending on shapes but some other criteria too. Every type of trampoline has its specific use and limitations. Once you know well about them along with the history behind trampolines you can easily buy perfect trampolines with your money.