Trampolines have won the hearts of children and adults alike, as they provide exciting fun right in the comfort of one’s backyard. But beneath the excitement lies one essential and critical component that ensures a safe and enjoyable experience – the trampoline springs.
Because the springs are among the parts we can’t see, we often overlook their role. But the fact is that they’re one of the most important components of a trampoline, and so it matters a lot what kind you choose. So we’ve put together this short guide to explain why springs are important and what to look out for when choosing them.
Why are trampoline springs important?
Trampoline springs are made of steel, most commonly of galvanized wire, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s a misconception that all trampoline springs are the same, as different trampolines feature springs with different designs, elasticities, and sizes. At the most basic level, there’s a distinction between trampolines for home use and sports trampolines. The latter generally have a greater bounce, because they have longer springs with a longer stretch.
The springs are thus especially important in terms of functionality and safety, but they also have a significant impact on the lifetime of a trampoline. This is reflected in different ways when jumping because the right springs:
- have a significant impact on the bounce of the trampoline and thus on the performance of optimal jumps;
- have a positive effect on the spine and joints by reducing the forces generated during jumping;
- are made of durable materials and ensure that the trampoline will last a long time.
It should be noted at this point that springs can only do their job effectively if they’re correctly installed. You should therefore always follow the manufacturer's instructions and not try to take any shortcuts.
What springs should you choose for your trampoline?
Springs play an extremely important role when jumping, which is why it makes a great deal of difference what kind you choose. Be sure to pay particular attention to the following factors:
1. Size of the springs
Trampoline springs come in various lengths, which greatly affects the bounce. If the springs are short, they can’t stretch as much, which results in a much stiffer, jerkier bounce. In contrast, longer springs contribute to a slower energy transfer and absorb landings better. In this respect, it’s advisable to avoid springs shorter than 17.5 cm, and ones longer than 20 cm are a much better choice.
2. Spring diameter
The diameter of the spring coil has a significant effect on the quality of the spring stretch. The larger spring will generally provide a better bounce when comparing two springs of the same length but with different coil diameters. However, it’s important to note that the spring elasticity must be proportional to the strength of the frame, otherwise it may cause damage to the frame.
3. Spring quality
As mentioned above, most springs are made of galvanized wire of various thicknesses to resist rusting. The quality of the material used has a significant effect on the stretching of the springs and resistance to heavy loads, so a good-quality spring will lose its elasticity later and thus last longer. An important indicator of quality is the warranty on the springs provided by the manufacturer, so don’t overlook this information, as it guarantees you care-free use and protection against manufacturing defects.
Solutions offered by Akrobat
Choosing the right springs requires thorough research and, above all, consultation with experts, one of which is most certainly the world-renowned trampoline manufacturer Akrobat, which offers several solutions in this area:
- Akrobat uses 3.2 mm galvanized wire for the springs, which is the highest quality material currently available on the market. Their springs are virtually indestructible and are the result of in-house development and production, which is why the company provides a 10-year warranty or an estimated 2.5 million carefree jumps.
- What’s more, Akrobat springs are unique in their design. They are the only springs on the market that have a conical shape, which means they have an extremely low impact on the body and are also characterized by their long-lasting elasticity and very quiet operation.
Akrobat springs feature an optimal combination of length, elasticity, and design to reduce the forces generated upon landing, resulting in a lower impact on the spine and joints. Together with the jumping mat, Akrobat trampolines are thus carefully designed to give the best combination of performance and safety.
Whether you’re a parent who wants to provide your child with safe fun or an enthusiast who wants to get active, trampoline springs are the secret to better jumping. With all this in mind, always choose them responsibly and thoughtfully.
