While shopping for your trampoline, you may come across a plethora of different shapes available at the store, such as rectangular, round, oval, etc.
And you may wonder whether they are just for the sake of aesthetic value or if they really matter in your game.
Truth be told, the shapes play a huge role in your overall performance. They cater to different purposes and benefit you distinctly.
Now, rectangular trampoline vs. round vs. oval trampoline which one is better? I will say all of them are worthwhile if you utilize them, focusing on your various needs.
Depending on the user’s age, bouncing capacity, storage convenience, surface area, and price range, you can determine the ideal trampoline shape for you and your family.
For more emphasis on each type, let’s wade through the guide I have curated for you!
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What Are the Different Shapes and Their Features?
There are primarily three trampoline shapes, rectangular, round, and oval. Let’s get into the details.
Rectangular Shaped Trampoline
For starters, you have the rectangular shape trampoline, which is one of the most popular among professionals.
They are ideal for skilled jumpers who have years of mastery of trampolining.
Also, rectangular trampolines come in handy when you want to trampoline in groups. Undergoing heavy and multiple jumps all at once is one of its fortes.
Features
- Suitable for gymnastics and competitions like the Olympics.
- Impressive bounce quality for high jumps.
- Provides increased control on landing.
- Keep the jumpers in a steady place due to zero center gravitational pull.
- Ample space for multiple bouncers.
- Best for performing various tricks.
Safety and Maintenance
Since rectangular trampolines don’t have any center gravitational pull, you won’t land in the center.
That means if you are not experienced enough, then you may bump against the frame or net.
Now about the maintenance, rectangular trampolines require a lot of work. Due to the uneven edges, they corrode faster.
One side may rust faster than the other one. Moreover, these trampolines are on the heavier side as they are specifically built for complex use.
The frames are extremely heavy and large to withstand all the force. Also, ensuring a secure landing requires robust construction.
That said, disengaging the frames for alteration is tricky.
Round Shaped Trampoline
A round shape trampoline is the most common and popular option available for young jumpers.
Another reason why people are hell-bent on buying round trampolines is that they are the safest and cheapest of all shapes.
Features
- Ideal for children.
- It can hold one or two jumpers.
- Doesn’t take up much space.
- Center gravitational pull ensures drawing the jumpers into the middle.
- Prevent the chances of bumping against the trampoline net or frames.
- Cheap and easy to maintain.
Safety and Maintenance
It doesn’t have any harsh, uneven edges; thus, it’s the safest option for young jumpers.
Also, the center gravitation pull ensures that the overall pressure and weight distribute consistently to the springs.
Hence there’s no risk of having one side corroding faster than the other.
Now, worth mentioning that longevity and performance depends on the construction quality.
If the frames are tough and made of high-quality materials, then they will last longer, and the price will also increase.
Oval Shaped Trampoline
Oval trampolines are the most common and popular ones among adults and kids for their compact size, user-friendliness, and safety.
They are suitable for both beginners and intermediate jumpers. With no center gravitational pull, it facilitates a swift and effortless landing.
Also, it’s spacious enough for regular practice sessions.
Features
- Ensures even and balanced bounce.
- Good for multiple users.
- Ideal for practicing trampolining tricks.
- The extended shape allows better control of the landing.
- Best fit for narrow gardens.
Safety and Maintenance
Oval trampolines don’t have any sharp edges; hence there’s no risk of hurting yourself regardless. However, the edges are uneven, like rectangular trampolines.
This means one side may wear down faster than the other. But since it’s a lighter option, you can dissemble the frames easily and mend the damage without investing much effort.
Rectangular vs. Round vs. Oval – The Fight of Shapes
Now that you are familiar with the various trampoline shapes and their features, it’s time to make a comparison so you can determine the right fit for you.
| Rectangular | Round | Oval |
| The best option for professional and experienced jumpers | The best option for beginners and young jumpers | Perfect choice for beginners and intermediate jumpers |
| Can undergo heavy pressure from multiple jumpers, suitable for intricate tricks and practicing | Can’t handle extreme pressure, mostly suitable for basic rebounding exercise | Withstands pressure more than the round ones. However, it can’t stand a chance against rectangular trampolines. More than two jumpers can use it. |
| Needs a larger space | Fits in a narrow space easily | Doesn’t require a large space and sits perfectly in small gardens |
| Facilitates the best quality bounce for higher jumps | Not ideal for high jumps | Better bounce quality than the round ones but not the rectangular trampolines. Although a good choice for high jumps |
| No center gravitational pull for optimal landing control | Offers center gravitational pull and ensure a safe landing in the middle | Semi-center gravitational pull for better control over the landing |
As you can see, each of them excels in different fields and cater to different purposes.
So, I believe they shouldn’t be pitted against each other, and honestly, making such a comparison won’t help you in the long run.
Just figure out your needs and try to merge your standards with the features.
The one that appeases most of your necessities should have the upper hand and be the perfect fit for your trampoline sprees.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Right Trampoline Shape
There are some key factors to consider to determine the right shape for your trampoline.
Amid the myriad of options, it can be quite overwhelming to be decisive and put your finger on one thing.
However, you can narrow down the options if you take a mental note of your needs and how you want to capitalize on your trampoline.
But before shopping, let’s have a butcher on these 5 crucial facts.
1. The Place
It’s important to have a flat and soft surface to lodge your trampoline.
Before buying a trampoline, the first thing you should speculate about is where it’s going to rest.
Make sure the place is free of pebbles, rocks, and plants so the trampoline can stand stably, allowing you and your kids to play risk-free.
Also, it’s wise to pick the warmest area to locate your trampoline as it simplifies the drying process whenever you plan to clean your trampoline.
2. The Storage Capacity
Depending on how much space you can afford for your trampoline, the size and shape vary. You may underestimate the size of your trampoline right off the bat.
And without any second thought, you may buy one, but what if it doesn’t fit?
No doubt, your impulsiveness can shove all the money down the drain. Thus, measure the area where you are going to store the trampoline and choose the right size.
It can be in your backyard or garden, and no matter where you keep it, remember that you must spare some space for people to walk around it without stumbling.
3. Clearance
While choosing the ideal place for your trampoline setup, make sure it offers at least 2ft clearance around the diameter of the trampoline.
Since it curbs the risk of potential injuries, besides, it helps you and your kids to get on and off effortlessly.
4. Overhead Clearance
Imagine you take a high jump to impress your friends, but you bump your head against the tree branches. Ignore the hurt, and you will be embarrassed for life!
And I firmly believe you don’t want this to happen to you.
Therefore, you should have a 24 ft overhead clearance so when you want to flaunt your rebounding skills, you safely land on the ground.
5. The User
One thing people often turn a blind eye to is considering who is going to use the trampoline. If you are buying it for the kids, then the concerns will be completely different.
Depending on their age, their rebounding skills, and most importantly, their safety, your choices will vary.
For example, when you are buying it solely for your kids, you shouldn’t buy a tall above-ground trampoline that lies at a high altitude.
This can maximize the risk of falling and cause severe injuries.
On the other hand, if you want a trampoline that is safe for people of all ages, then you can have that too.
So before investing in a trampoline, think about the potential jumpers.
6. Trampolining Experience
If you are big on experimenting with different trampoline tricks or want to level up your game in the future, then you should determine the trampoline size and shape based on your experience or trampoline skills.
Now, if you are a rookie, then you will most probably stick to the basic bouncing tricks, and in this case, a round-shaped trampoline will suffice.
In contrast, when you are an intermediate jumper or big on trampoline gymnastics, you will need a rectangular trampoline to withstand all the pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the other trampoline shapes?
There are other shapes apart from the rectangular, round, and oval ones, such as squares and hexagons. The square trampolines are not as popular as the round and rectangular ones; however, they are impeccable for amplifying your garden space.
Also, they are the best kind for intermediate jumpers to practice high jumps and tricks. They offer a high-quality bounce rate and a big space to do flips. But, while it’s a better option for high jumps than a round trampoline, they can’t triumph over rectangular ones.
2. Are round trampolines any good for multiple jumpers?
Well, a round trampoline doesn’t provide much space; thus, it can’t hold more than two people for the most part. If you want increased jumping space for more than two or three people, then choosing a rectangular or oval-shaped trampoline will be the best.
3. Which trampoline shape is the safest for kids?
Without a doubt, a round trampoline is the safest option among all due to its even and smooth edges. Also, the center gravitational pull protects your kids from crashing against the frames.
4. Are rectangular trampolines costly?
Yes, they are the most expensive ones than the other shapes. And the price escalates depending on the overall construction quality and its materials.
5. Which trampoline shape is ideal for high jumps?
Both rectangular and oval-shaped trampolines are suitable for performing high jumps as long as you are experienced.
Final Word
Be it a rectangular, round, or oval trampoline, while deciding, it all boils down to your various needs.
The space, bounce quality, load enduring capacity, and budget undeniably plays the biggest role here.
Hence, try to be as certain as possible when speculating your requirements.
This way, you can avoid the guesswork and easily figure out the best trampoline shape for your game.
Last Updated on August 15, 2023
