Burt Helm for NYT WirecutterI initially investigated 37 trampoline brands, consulting with specialty retailers and manufacturers along the way. I reviewed multiple existing online buying guides and trampoline-themed discussion forums, and I read engineering journals to understand the physics behind what makes trampolines enjoyable.I reviewed the ASTM safety standards, which mandate features such as padding over springs, a UV-resistant mat, and an enclosure, and I concluded that any trampoline we considered must comply. And among all of the different trampolines I tested, I determined that the following variables were key:Size: Bigger is undoubtedly better when it comes to bounce quality, and larger trampolines provide more room for jumpers to enjoy. To strike a balance between the optimal size for bouncers and having any room left in the rest of the yard, however, I focused the majority of my tests on 14-foot round, above-ground trampolines (a common size available from nearly every recreational trampoline maker).Safety enhancements: Bouncing on a trampoline comes with inherent, unavoidable risk. But the standard and available safety options have come a long way in recent years. I focused on features that could get parents (almost) as excited as kids about trampolines.Quality and resilience of materials: To ensure longevity for these often-pricy purchases, I looked for trampolines with heavy, thick steel frames, mats with multiple rows of reinforced stitching around the perimeter, sturdy steel V-rings joining the mat to the springs, ample padding, and an overall assembly of parts that fit together smoothly and tightly. All of the trampolines I tested (aside from the Springfree, which has no springs) used rust-resistant galvanized steel for the frame and springs.Ease of assembly: Trampoline assembly is no small task. It can take a team of two between two and three hours to complete. And one wrong step can require you to remove 96 springs and untie and retie nearly 100 bow knots (I am speaking from personal experience).Aesthetics: Any trampoline is going to become a large, likely prominent feature of your back yard that you can’t easily put away when you don’t feel like looking at it. So I considered the balance between aesthetic appeal for adults and tempting colors for kids.Warranty: Trampolines can be a big purchase, both physically and financially, so a solid warranty is helpful. Nearly all of the trampolines we tested offered warranties of one year or more, but some for much longer. All of them stated that they do not cover damage from inclement weather, surface rust, or standard wear and tear — three leading causes of damage — with minor exceptions.Accessories: Several models included stakes for securing the trampoline in high winds — something I found critical after having trampolines in my yard during a Maine winter. I considered whether or not trampolines came with essential, practical accessories, and optional fun ones, too. A windstorm tested the resilience of the unanchored trampolines. From left to right, the Zupapa Saffun, the JumpFlex Hero, and the Springfree Oval sustained varying levels of damage. Burt Helm for NYT WirecutterI ultimately narrowed my original list down to nine well-reviewed models, ranging in diameter from 12 feet to 17 feet. With the help of friends and family, I assembled and tested these trampolines in my backyard in Maine. Three of the trampolines, assembled in October and November 2023, endured a full Maine winter. A significant windstorm destroyed one and damaged another, providing valuable insights into off-season care (and a big mangled mess of trampolines in the neighboring woods). I assembled the remaining trampolines in June and July 2024 and tested them with my then-6-year-old son and other kids and adults from our neighborhood.
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