10ft Trampoline and Enclosure £90

Or.......... £89.99 for 10 ft & enclosure
http://www.tjhughes.co.uk/Toys/Outdoor_Toys/83168699999

In the world of trampolines if it's cheap then it is usually due to it being cheap - by this I mean it WILL rust within 12 months, it WILL NOT be as strong as more expensive trampolines, it WILL NOT be as safe as more expensive trampolines.

If you went to John Lewis they would be selling just the 10ft trampoline not including the netting for over 5 times the price - they are simply not the same things.

What price you should be paying for a decent / safe trampoline

10ft - £500
12ft - £600
14ft - £700

With this you would get a frame that would take teenage / adult weights (Frames under £200 will break at the leg welds)

With this you will get longer springs and more springs - trampolines that can take the heavier weights obviously require stronger and more springs - if your cut price trampoline has short springs or have half as many as a proper trampoline bells should start ringing!

Safety - around every trampoline sold in the Uk are foam filled pads - these are called safety pads, however if you were to look at the pads before you purchased a trampoline again you will see why the price is what is quoted on the ticket, they are designed to safe you child's life if they impact the sold metal frame or springs. Walk in to TJ Hughes or B&Q (Only picked out as they are so widely available) and look at the pads, lay a single layer on the floor and punch it with your fist, if your hand is broken then chances are the child's fall will not be fatal, if you are screaming in the shop run out quick and get to an A&E department.

"...But the trampoline comes with a safety net", true but this will not last very long, take a look at the picture, look in the box, it is suspended by thin elastic from metal poles, think of it like an air bag to be used once if things go wrong. The elastic will break if fallen or bounced against, preventing injury for that occasion only. You would need to replace the elastic then. However kids prefer to think of it as a new toy to throw themselves against so usually breaks within the first week. It's a false economy to get a trampoline with net, you are better put the extra money from the net to increasing the size of the trampoline.

Only one at a time on a trampoline - it is very important that only one person at a time is allowed on the trampoline. Forgetting the fact that the cheap trampolines will not support the weight (they will twist and break / fracture the leg welds) the users will be pulled to the centre of the trampoline pad and bang heads together, plus if the second user lands while the first is still on the mat the elastic limit of the trampoline will have been reached and the user could break their legs / ankles as there is no more give in the springs.

Also note that if your child is good at trampolining they will bounce with their legs together, not spread apart, this doubles their weight instantly. A lightweight gymnasts could break most garden trampolines within minutes. Also round trampolines are useless for gymnastics you will need a rectangular trampoline, to give the same bounce required for gymnastic movements.

Many companies have jumped on (excuse the pun) the trampoline band wagon trying to offer cheaper prices but there is a limit to quality over price, and with something that could be as dangerous as a trampoline that line should not have been crossed. It has been now for the last 3-4 years and as such we have seen many recalls from most household names including TP Toys, B&Q, Plum Products, Hedstrom etc.

If in doubt ask how many and the length of the springs to give you an indication of the strength of the trampoline.
10ft should have 72 x 7 inch (18cm) springs
12ft should have 80 x 8.5 inch (22cm) springs
14ft should have 96 x 8.5 inch (22cm) springs

Any less that this then you will know corners have been cut.

Oh please. We bought a 'cheap' trampoline from argos 3.5 years ago and it is still going strong with almost daily use by 4 children including a 9.5 stone one. (not to mention quite a few bounces by us adults!)

I know quite a few people with 'cheap' trampolines who have had them for years with no problems, and they must have been tested and be fit for purpose, plus they have a kite mark.

The only reason anyone would say you have to have an expensive trampoline is a)they are selling one or b)they have been fooled into buying one.

I'm putting my order in as we want a bigger one! So thanks MSE. :beer:

Beck
:j

wow was thinking of getting a cheap one, cant pay the John Lewis prices!

Can anyone else say how long theirs has lasted, i am not sure whther to get one now

I just found another cheap website and the trampolines here have the required amount of springs as the 2nd poster recommended. Worth a look. I have emailed TG Hughes and just awaiting reply about the amount of springs.

The mysmartbuy website has a 5 year rust warranty too.

http://www.mysmartbuy.co.uk/products/Garden+%26+Outdoors/Trampolines/10ft+Trampoline+and+Safety+Net+-+Free+Weather+Cover+Included/4224062602

Will keep you updated as to what mine looks like when it arrives.