The Trampoline Market in the UK

Why are trampolines so popular, are they dangerous and if you don't have on yet here is some useful info on buying a trampoline.

(PRWEB) March 11, 2005 -- Trampoline sales in the past 4 years have grown to the point that a high percentage of families now own one. Looking back to 5 years ago there were very few trampolines sold to the UK domestic market due to the high cost of ownership and the perception that they are dangerous. As the volumes of sales increased, due to cheaper Chinese manufacturing have bought the prices down to an affordable cost. Prior to Chinese manufacture, trampolines were manufactured in Australia and America and were relatively expensive.

As more families experience the benefits of owning a trampoline they have realised if used correctly they are no more dangerous than most other outdoors activities such as cycling and perceive the trampoline to be the best toy they have bought their children. Also, a trampoline does not loose it's 'wow' factor and provides all year round exercise for the whole family - fitter children are happier children and the same for parents.

Buying a Trampoline

As more companies realised that there is a huge demand for affordable trampolines they have imported trampolines from China, some of these cheaper trampolines are built from cheaper materials and therefore don't last, and can be dangerous especially if the jump weights are exceeded. The general public have bought these trampolines only to find that a year later they are buying another trampoline, hopefully this time it will be better quality. It's not possible to manufacture a good quality 12 or 14 foot trampoline for less than 200, so price can be an initial indicator of quality. A good 12 foot trampoline should cost between 300 - 600 and a 14 foot 330 - 700. Therefore the average price today is around 350.00 plus a new set of pads after 5 years gives a total of 470, so the cost over 10 years for a 2 children family is a mere 3.90 per month - not bad for loads of fun and exercise.

Trampoline components specifications should meet or exceed the following criteria:

Frame:- 14 Gauge steel, Galavanised

Safety Pads:- 1.5" thick (not tapered)

Springs:- 7" long

Guarantee:

Minimum 10 years on the frame

Minimum 2 Years on pads, mat and springs

Many suppliers provide a free cover and sometimes a ladder. Ladders are dangerous as they protrude from where they attach to the trampoline and therefore could hurt someone if they fell off the trampoline in the area of the ladder. The rungs are also slippery when wet, which would cause a child to slip and scuff their shins. Please avoid ladders! - if you have younger children who need a boost then a little plastic box works well. If your trampoline has a safety net enclosure, then a ladder is required. Covers are sometimes useful to keep off leaves and bird droppings, however the material they are made from is not very tough causing them to rip. Most people don't bother using their covers as they take time to fit and remove and can act as deterrent, (kids are lazy and therefore they will opt out of a quick jump). Lastly if your trampoline is of a good quality, the components will be rustproof and waterproof - therefore a cover will not be of much benefit. There is however some benefit in keeping the sun off the pads in summer, but life is short and therefore it is your choice if you don't mind continually putting on and taking off the cover.

Disadvantages of a trampoline in your garden

Trampolines are large and therefore occupy valuable space in smaller gardens, they are also not designed to look good - you do have the option of sinking it into the ground. Trampolines are as dangerous as other activities including cycling, swinging, climbing etc., so take care and supervise your children with safety in mind. Boys can get carried away with dangerous activities like bouncing younger siblings, we suggest you keep an eye on them, (maybe stop them bouncing for 10 minutes as a deterant.)

Trampolines will affect the grass under the trampoline, initially the grass will grow faster due to the reduction of sunlight and then in summer the lack of water can cause the grass to die, moving your trampoline around will help to illiminate this problem. Although there are a few disadvantages, the benefits are endless.

The future of the trampoline

Trampoline technology hasn't changed much in the last 30 years although the use of new materials has lengthened the life of a trampoline. Most people in the UK think of a trampoline as something that stands 3 foot above the ground, however more and more people are starting to sink their trampolines into the ground, which makes it less conspicous, safer and removes the need to use a safety net enclosure (also known as a bounce arena). At the moment the only option is to buy an above ground trampoline and then sinking it in a pit, legs and all. We feel there is a growing need for a legless trampoline that is secured to the top of the pit, these trampolines are very popular in South Africa & Australia, in fact 5 years ago these were the only trampolines available in those countries.

These trampolines would be cheaper to manufacture, as the frame could be made in the UK. Springs, pads and jump mats could be imported from Australia or America boosting the manufacturing industries of these countries.

We trust the above information was of interest and benefit to you. If your should require any further information please visit our website www.foroutdoors.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1483-889666.

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