Choosing the right shape of trampoline for the family can be a confusing process! So, to give you a helping hand, we have compared two of the most common shapes — round vs rectangular trampolines.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the best shape of trampoline to suit your family. All trampolines can be a wonderful family activity, provide a fun time with friends and are a brilliant way to keep fit and healthy.
Before you decide which trampoline is right for you, there are several aspects to consider. Such as how you’re planning on using the trampoline, the space you have available in your garden, your budget and, of course, safety.
Round vs Rectangular: The bounce
One of the key factors when comparing trampolines is bounce performance. This is probably going to be the feature kids care the most about – how high can you jump on the trampoline?
Bounce quality will depend in part on size. A smaller trampoline is going to offer a much smaller bounce. If you have young children, you might want to consider a smaller model that won’t send them jumping too high.
Rectangular trampolines offer a higher bounce than round trampolines. This is because the springs on a rectangular trampoline operate independently from each other. This means that wherever you are on the mat all of your jumps will rebound equally. It doesn’t matter where you jump on a rectangular trampoline, you can expect your bounce to have equal height and power.
The opposite is true with a round trampoline. When you jump on a circular trampoline, all of the springs work at the same time. The centre of gravity is in the middle of a round trampoline. On a round trampoline, users must jump in the middle to gain the maximum jump performance. Jumping on the edges of a round trampoline will mean the bounce won’t be as high or powerful. When someone jumps on a round trampoline they will be pulled back towards the middle. This helps to keep the jumper away from the edge and the hard parts of the trampoline.
Round vs. Rectangular: Usage
Why are you buying a trampoline? Is it going to be used purely for fun? Or will your kids be using the trampoline for athletic reasons? These questions are important to ask before you choose a trampoline.
A rectangular trampoline can provide the perfect setting for jumpers who want to learn more tricks and push their skills to a higher level. A rectangular trampoline provides more space to complete tricks. Rectangular trampolines are great for more advanced trampolinists and families who want to explore and develop their abilities.
Round trampolines are a great choice if you plan to use them for recreational purposes. A round trampoline limits how high bounces can go and where they land. The circular shape draws jumpers back to the centre of the trampoline. This is a great, subtle safety feature for younger children and more inexperienced bouncers who simply want to experience the fun of bouncing.
Round vs. Rectangular: Location, size & weather
The space you have available will have a direct bearing on the size and shape of the trampoline you choose. Knowing where you plan to put your trampoline is an important consideration. Your space restrictions will play heavily into your final decision on which shape to buy. Finding a convenient space for a round trampoline can be difficult. You need sufficient space for the entire diameter of a round trampoline. This usually means you will need to place the trampoline more in the centre of your garden. A rectangular trampoline will fit more easily into a corner or in a side return of the garden and can be hidden away from view. Before making a round vs rectangular trampolines purchase, it is important to take measurements and carefully choose where you want to put your trampoline.
The weather is also a consideration when choosing the size and shape of your trampoline. If you live somewhere with harsh summers, such as the UAE, you might decide to store your trampoline to keep it out of the summer sun. The “zero bolt” assembly of the North Trampolines we sell at Jump Fitness Dubai, means that storing your trampoline for summer will be a breeze. However, once taken down, a rectangular trampoline could be easier to slide into storage compared to a round trampoline.
The final choice
Depending on how and who will be using your trampoline will impact which shape of trampoline you choose to buy. There are advantages and disadvantages to both round vs rectangular trampolines. On the whole, we recommend that if you are buying a trampoline for small children or inexperienced users who just want to have some fun, then choose a round trampoline. If you have older or more experienced jumpers, then the rectangular trampoline is a great choice for training, as well as fun family activities.
Trampolines available at Jump Fitness Dubai & UAE
We offer a wide variety of premium North Trampolines, with delivery throughout the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. Delivery and installation within the UAE is included in the price of your trampoline. Browse our collection to find the right trampoline for you and your family.
North Explorer Round: the classic round shape gives a large and playful jumping surface with an excellent bounce.
Available in two sizes:
3.6m / 12ft
4.2m / 14ft
North Explorer Rectangular: aimed at jumpers who want the very best performance! Perfect for aerial acrobatics and gymnastic moves.
Available in one size:
4.7mx 3.15m / 15ft x 10ft
North Explorer Oval: the oval shape offers outstanding performance and an elongated jumping surface that is well-suited for tricks and acrobatics. Also perfect for those with long, narrow gardens or side returns.
Available in three sizes:
3.5m x 2.45m / 12ft x 8ft
4.2m x 2.9m / 14ft x 10ft
5.0m x 3.45m / 16ft x 11ft