The trampoline has come a long way since its first recorded use, around 1934. It seems like there is one in every enclosure you stumble across today, but is the increasing use of the trampoline a fad with no future? Or is it time for you to get the best rectangular trampoline you can afford? Adding a trampoline to your home will make outdoor time more fun as all members of the family, young and old, will be able to jump on it and play silly games together. This gives you an extra reason to spend more time outdoors. A rectangular trampoline, in particular, is unofficially considered the “king of trampolines” by enthusiasts because of the uniform and superior bounce it provides. The placement of the springs in a rectangular trampoline also allows for more control over your jump and landing height.

As you might expect, trampolines vary considerably in quality and size. In this article we discuss the features we consider essential for a trampoline, such as weight capacity, bounce area, ease of storage, etc. and why they are important.

We spent two days trying out different trampolines, reviewing expert recommendations and, most importantly, studying NASA research on the effectiveness of trampolines as exercise equipment. This article details our findings and is structured to bring you all the information you need about trampolines, with a summary table, a detailed review of each product and a buying guide.

The 4 best rectangular trampolines in 2021

Best USA Galactic Xtreme Trampoline+

The best USA Galactic Xtreme trampoline is 101.5 cm high and 3.24 m with the cover, making it a perfect size for adults and children. It comes with a 40cm wide, 35mm thick safety mat for a safe and smooth landing. The cushion is covered with a thick vinyl cover and UV treated for sun protection.

For durability and to provide the required flexibility, semi-crystalline polypropylene is used to manufacture the trampoline mat. The good news is that Best Trampoline USA covers its product with a lifetime warranty on the frame and springs, making it a wise investment. Like the safety mat, the jumping mat is UV treated for added sun protection.

The frame of the trampoline is made of galvanised steel and will not rust, even in case of heavy condensation. This particular model is designed to be used all year round and does not need to be brought indoors in extreme weather conditions. You probably won’t want to jump on it during the winter, but if you’re feeling sporty on a particularly cold winter afternoon, the Best Trampoline USA Galactic Xtreme will be ready for you, and able to withstand the elements.

Best Trampoline USA Galactic Xtreme uses a total of 156 springs in this model to match its design, with an average spring length of 25 cm. The result is a sturdy, well-supported mat and frame that perfectly supports the body weight. To show how strong this trampoline is, Best Trampoline does not impose a weight limit for one user; anyone can jump on it and have fun.

Skywalker rectangular trampoline

Over the years, Skywalker has established itself as a reliable supplier of outdoor equipment. Its I5′ rectangular trampoline with protective net is another good addition to its product range. It comes with a strong enclosure net, the frame of which is connected to the trampoline frame by means of interlocking T-sockets. The connection is made at each joint of the frame, which ensures that there is no twisting of the structure at any time. This also ensures that the speaker is held firmly in place.

Skywalker offers a unique and patented gap-free enclosure system on this gymnastic trampoline, which connects the enclosure net and the jumping mat at each spring, eliminating the gaps that so often cause slipping. You can let your children ride the trampoline without fear of them falling through the gaps.

The frame of the trampoline is made of rust-resistant galvanised steel and is strong enough to withstand heavy use. When fully assembled, the trampoline measures 9 x 15 feet and has a jumping area of 106 square feet.

It has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs, so heavier people should not use it. Skywalker also recommends that only one person uses the trampoline at a time.

JumpKing Rectangular Trampoline 10 x 14 feet

The JumpKing 10 x 14 foot rectangular trampoline is one of the easiest models to assemble. While the complicated engineering and design of some trampolines makes assembly difficult, this JumpKing trampoline is not. The individual components are easy to assemble and disassemble when you need to store the trampoline.

The frame is made of heavy steel and is coated for durability. Welded sleeves are used to join the enclosure posts to the frame to ensure that the enclosure is held firmly in place. And because the connection is made from joint to joint, the net does not twist in any way. Instead of ordinary springs, JumpKing uses heavy-duty galvanised springs, which ensures that the jumping mat can withstand heavier weights – up to 250 pounds.

The jumping mat itself is made of polypropylene mesh and has eight rows of stitching to make it firm. To secure the trampoline during use, clips are used to join the fence net to the V-rings of the jumping mat, closing off any gaps that could be dangerous. The net opens and closes with a double zip fastener and has locking clips on the inside for added safety for younger children.

Skywalker Square trampoline with fence

Don’t let the square fool you. It’s as good as any rectangular trampoline you’ll come across. What’s striking about this model is the solid look of its 14-foot frame. And it’s big; the product offers a jumping area of 149 square feet. You can have a bunch of happy kids jumping on it without worrying about space or its ability to accommodate them all. Skywalker sets the weight limit for a single user at 250 pounds. This should be taken into account when organising a trampoline party.

Skywalker uses a gap-free fastening system to attach the net to the jumping mat, sealing the gaps for a fall-free jump. Secondly, T-sockets ensure that the frame does not twist. The trampoline frame is made of weatherproof and rust resistant galvanised steel for durability. The frame posts provide the necessary support to keep the trampoline in position once it is set up.

This Skywalker offers a good bounce, thanks to the tightly wound springs. They are located on the outside to provide extra safety. In addition, the extra thick vinyl-covered spring pad is able to withstand harsh conditions and is UV-resistant.

What are the benefits of a trampoline and how do I use it?

Regular trampolining is very good for the body. Research results published by NASA scientists in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume 49, showed that jumping on a trampoline was a more effective form of exercise than jogging or brisk walking.

The researchers looked at things like heart rate and beats per minute, the amount of oxygen taken in and the level of acceleration at the ankle, back and forehead. They found that the maximum acceleration was more balanced in those who had jumped on a trampoline. Also, this group had a higher oxygen uptake and heart rate during the activity.

It is on this finding that the health benefits of trampoline use are based. Here are some of the tangible benefits you reap from regular trampoline use:

Using a trampoline improves the body’s balance.

Trampolining stimulates lymphatic circulation, which increases the rate at which toxins are eliminated from the body. Lymphatic fluid is responsible for the elimination of toxins in the body. As a result, when lymph fluid circulation is low, the body retains toxins longer, increasing our vulnerability to disease. It also improves cellular health by strengthening individual cells.

Jumping on a trampoline improves cardiovascular function, exercises the whole body, strengthens muscles and improves flexibility.

Jumping on a trampoline is the only exercise where the body can rise and fall without putting pressure on the ankles, feet or legs. As it is a full-body exercise, you get a complete workout without the risk of muscle or tissue injury.

In addition to the health benefits, trampolining is fun to use and a great way to bond with friends and family.

So how do you use a trampoline?

There is no right or wrong way to jump on a trampoline. Whether you use it to gain acrobatic precision, increase your fitness level or just have fun, the basic idea of using a trampoline is the same: lift your feet off the jumping mat so that your body moves in a continuous up and down motion and bounces.

A person with limited mobility can still enjoy trampoline jumping by sitting on the trampoline while someone else jumps gently beside them.

Trampolines can be used safely by all age groups.

What to look for in an ideal rectangular trampoline?

Like most things, trampolines are not created equal. Some are superior to others, both in terms of performance and quality.

Before you buy a trampoline, you need to understand what is really important in a trampoline – the uncompromising features that should guide your decision to choose one model over another. Below are the most important aspects to consider.

Weight limit

Some trampolines can support up to 700 lbs. Others support a much lower weight range. Before choosing a trampoline, check its weight limit. The best trampolines are those with a higher weight limit, as both children and adults can use them. There are some differences between adult and children’s trampolines though, so if you are considering buying a trampoline for yourself, you should probably check out this list of adult trampolines.

If, however, you are buying the trampoline only for children, you may be happy with a trampoline with a lower weight capacity. However, this means that the children jumping on the trampoline at any given time should not exceed the weight limit. If you have not yet decided which trampoline to choose, there is an ultimate list of the best trampoline models.

Safety

As your little ones will be using the trampoline under supervision, it is a good idea to check that the trampoline is manufactured to a high safety standard. Check the following points in particular:

It comes with a safety mat and enclosure net to keep jumpers safe during use.

The frame posts are covered with foam sleeves to protect them in case of accidental impact with the frame.

There is no gap between the jumping mat and the surrounding net. If there is a gap where the two materials meet, it becomes a hazard through which one can slip and be injured. Many modern trampolines use gap-free technology to eliminate the gap left by the joining of the two parts. Choose one of these.

The trampoline is high enough to protect users who jump high from falling off the trampoline.

Choose a trampoline that meets ASTM safety standards.

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Also, you should not jump on a trampoline in casual clothes because of the lack of flexibility. Always carry your sportswear and safety equipment in your sports bag.

In summary, you need to understand that trampolining is fun and can help you improve your coordination and response, but if you want to strengthen your muscles, you are better off with rowing machines and treadmills, which can be cheaper and more effective.

Springs and frame

The springs and frame are the most important components of the trampoline. They are responsible for the quality of the trampoline experience.

The frame must be strong and sturdy. It holds all the different parts together and must be well constructed to withstand weight and pressure. The ideal trampoline frame is made of steel, which should be galvanised or coated with other compounds for added strength and resilience.

Like the frame, the springs should also be strong. If they are not, they will start to break as soon as you use the trampoline. Choose trampolines with steel springs. They should be thick enough and considerably long and placed close together. All these attributes, as well as the number of springs used in the whole frame, determine the amount of bounce and the quality of the cushioning of your landing.

Trampolines with few springs have a low bounce, while those with a higher number of springs give a higher bounce. The quality of the bounce is what matters most, so why compromise on the one thing that attracts us to the trampoline in the first place? Don’t. Choose a trampoline with nearly 100 springs. The best trampolines have over 140 springs.

Storage

You probably won’t use your trampoline every day of the year. So you want a model that is easy to take apart and store. Many manufacturers encourage you to remove the enclosure net, jumping mat, safety pads, and pole sleeves in cold weather. You should be able to remove them easily for storage, or disassemble the unit if you prefer to keep it until you are ready to use the trampoline again.

Some models are designed for all-weather use and are quite weather resistant. They do not need to be dismantled and stored. But in situations where you may be away for a year, it would be wise to store the trampoline until you return. Choose a tramp that is easy to assemble and has clear instructions on how to dismantle it.

Diameter

The diameter of the trampoline frame can be an indication of the strength of the frame. Opt for larger diameter frames, as they indicate that the frame is larger and therefore more solid.

Some models are designed for all-weather use and are quite weather resistant. They do not need to be dismantled and stored. But in situations where you may be away for a year, it would be wise to store the trampoline until you return. Choose a tramp that is easy to assemble and has clear instructions on how to dismantle it.

Warranty

Make sure that the trampoline you choose has a warranty. The type and length of warranty varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but aim for at least a 3-year warranty on the frame and at least 1 year on all other parts. Some companies offer a lifetime warranty on the frame, which is a good deal.

Additional features

Some trampolines come with accessories such as a ladder and latches for hanging on the trampoline.

The best Trampoline USA Galactic Xtreme is an example of a model that comes with a sturdy ladder for easy access to the trampoline.

JumpKing’s 10 x 14ft Rectangular Trampoline is another example of a trampoline with locking clips to allow children to stabilise themselves inside the trampoline.

Our verdict

The best USA Galactic Xtreme trampoline caught our eye for its large size, good performance and reasonable price. No other model comes close to this near perfect balance. And with Acon’s 10-year frame warranty, you can be sure of getting your money’s worth during that time.

For sports enthusiasts we offer the Skywalker rectangular trampoline. From the patented no-open fence system to the large jumping area, the excellent load capacity and the durable frame, this model offers you everything you want in the best rectangular trampoline for exercise.

Finally, the JumpKing 10 x 14 foot Rectangular Trampoline is a fantastic choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of installation as it is quite simple here. On top of that, you’ll appreciate its UV and water resistant materials that offer perfect durability.