Purchase of a trampoline is not a simple thing, it requires time and effort to study in detail all the specifics and advantages of each trampoline. Each trampoline is made of a durable frame, jumping mat, springs, safety pads, and safety net, which is why its safe use can only be guaranteed by selecting appropriate, high-quality materials.
The jumping mat is probably the most important part of each trampoline since the bouncing characteristics of the trampoline, the safety of the users, and the useful life of the trampoline all depend on it. The main function of a mat is to support the weight of the jumper and all the forces created during jumping, which is why the structure of the mat and the materials used for making it are of key importance.
What are the principal characteristics of a high-quality jumping mat?
The mat is part of the trampoline that users jump on, and is therefore also called the jumping mat. This is the key element of a trampoline, which significantly affects the user experience and must therefore be selected with great care.
And what are the characteristics of a jumping mat that make some types simply better than others?
1. Selection of materials for the mat
When considering the most suitable mat it is important to ensure that it is made of durable high-quality materials without any toxic substances, one that guarantees high resistance to mechanical and weather conditions, and thus prolongs the useful life of the trampoline.
In order to improve safety it is important that the mat is UV-resistant and appropriately attached to the correct springs that allow for even stretching. It is also essential to make sure that such materials need no special treatment or aggressive cleaning agents for maintenance and care, in order to make such maintenance simple and the useful life of the trampoline longer.
Akrobat uses only top-quality certified European materials for making trampolines, all of which are fire-resistant, and weather-resistant and do not contain toxic substances such as phthalate and latex. The jumping areas are made of a two-layer jumping mat, with the bottom safety net being resistant to tearing.
The materials used wear slowly, and thus ensure a long useful life of the trampoline.
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2. Selecting the thread
The mat is most often damaged or torn at the joint between the jumping area and the ring to which the spring is attached. This part is sewn with a thread that must bear all the forces resulting from the action of the spring and the weight of the jumper on the mat. It is therefore essential that the thread intended for external use be resistant to UV rays, salt, and high and low temperatures since the mat would otherwise not be safe and could be torn.
Before selecting a trampoline one must thus be aware that the quality of the thread determines the useful life of the mat and thus the trampoline.
Akrobat uses extremely durable sewing thread from the USA, which is also used in the heavy military industry. Such thread is used exclusively due to its numerous advantages, which include:
- maximum UV resistance, to prevent the disintegration of materials;
- resistance to salt which can affect material degradation;
- resistance to high temperatures which could cause the materials to start melting;
- resistance to low temperatures which could cause the materials to crack;
- mechanical resistance which prevents the spring from tearing the ring from the mat due to the force applied.
3. Seam quality
In addition to selecting high-quality thread, it is also important how many times the triangular ring to which the spring is attached is sewn to the mat. This is because if the seam is torn then injuries are possible, and it must therefore be ensured that the mat is sewn firmly.
Nowadays, six- or eight-line sewing is used for mats. Six-line sewing means two lines fewer, which means less material and thus reduced load-bearing capacity of the jumping mat. The general rule is that the more lines of sewing that are used with the mat enables better affixing of the ring to the material, and thus better resistance to tearing.
Akrobat uses the eight-line sewing method for attaching the triangular ring to the mat, which means that the ring is sewn all the way from the rim of the jumping mat to the rim of the safety pad. This method guarantees optimum safety and maximum resistance against tearing.
Why is the selection of a trampoline jumping mat so important?
There are now many trampolines of different brands, sizes, forms, and models available on the market. However, we must be aware that the selection of the right trampoline is definitely not as difficult as the selection of a safe trampoline.
The jumping mat plays a key role in this process, and we could say that there are no quality trampolines without quality mats. Since the mat significantly affects the bouncing characteristics of the trampoline, it can become loose rather quickly, due to all the forces and pressures applied to it, making it slack and unable to bear the pressure over time.
By selecting an appropriate jumping mat, the useful life of a trampoline can be extended significantly. With a mat that is resistant to external impacts, such as cold, heat, humidity, and exposure to UV rays, we can avoid many problems related to rapid wear and tear.
Finally, we must not forget the manufacturing quality of a mat also contributes significantly to reducing the probability of tearing, and thus makes the jumping mat safer. With the right mat, there’s no reason why your trampoline will not last for many years without the users suffering any serious injuries.
Discover our ultimate guide where we compile all the essential details you require to find the ideal trampoline tailored to your specific needs.
