How we compare

We calculate a score from 0 to 10 from stated specifications covering safety, performance, durability, ease of use and value relative to footprint. The model is specification-based throughout.

Four component scores

Each trampoline gets a component score from 0 to 10 for safety, performance, durability and support, and ease and extras. The overall score is a weighted average. Price is not part of it. The weights depend on the list or purpose the score is used for:

“Budget” uses the same weights as “Overall”: the budget is a price filter in the trampoline finder, not part of the score. “In-ground” counts an included safety net as at least 1.5 points, because in-ground trampolines rarely have an integrated net.

Core facts and evidence

We split the inputs into two kinds. Core facts are stated by nearly every maker and retailer, such as the net, edge pad, shape and weight limit. A missing core fact counts 50% of its points, because it says little about the product. Evidence is a quality claim a maker usually states when it is true, such as a certificate, warranty or tested load. Missing evidence counts 20% of its points. The more a model states, the more its score rests on its own facts.

How each component is scored

Safety (up to 10 points)

• Core facts: integrated sealed net 2.5 · integrated net with an opening 1.5 · separate 1 · none 0 (in-ground models with a net 1) · edge pad over the springs 1 · edge pad at least 30 mm thick 1, at least 20 mm 0.5.
• Evidence: independent testing (TÜV/GS, RISE) 1.5 · EN 71-14 1.5 · self-closing entrance 1 · safety belt on the net 0.5 · net poles inside the frame 1.

Performance (up to 10 points)

• Core facts: shape round 1 · oval 2 · rectangular 3 · springs per metre of frame at least 7 gives 2, at least 6 gives 1.5, at least 5 gives 1, fewer 0.5 · weight limit per person at least 120 kg 1, at least 100 kg 0.5.
• Evidence: spring grade standard 1 · reinforced 1.5 · pro 2 (otherwise spring length: at least 210 mm 2, at least 170 mm 1.5, at least 140 mm 1, shorter 0.5) · tested load at least 500 kg 1, at least 200 kg 0.5 · jumping mat performance 0.5, competition 1.

Durability and support (up to 10 points)

• Core facts: corrosion-protected (galvanised) frame 2.
• Evidence: frame light 0.5 · standard 1 · heavy 1.5 · pro 2 (otherwise tube size: at least Ø 45 × 2 mm 2, at least Ø 42 mm or 1.8 mm wall 1.5, at least Ø 38 mm 1) · manufacturer’s warranty (longest) at least 10 years 3, 5–9 years 2, 2–4 years 1 · spare parts 2 · UV-protected net 1.

Ease and extras (up to 10 points)

• Core facts: net included 3 · ladder 1 · anchor kit 1 · cover 1. Stock never affects the score.
• Evidence: tool-free assembly 2 · quick assembly (up to 120 minutes) 1.5 · adjustable bounce 0.5.

The scale

The overall score is rescaled so that 10 equals 80% of all points. No model has every feature at its best, so otherwise the top of the scale would never be used.

Good value

Price does not affect the score. Instead we mark models as “Good value”: in the same market and size class (kids and mini under 2.5 m or under 80 kg, garden, in-ground, indoor) no model at the same or a lower price scores higher, the score is at least the class median and the price at most the class median price. At least five priced models are needed in the class.

Indoor mini trampolines

Indoor fitness trampolines have no enclosure, edge pad or spring class, so they are scored with their own inputs under the same four components. Their scores are compared only with other mini trampolines and shown as a “Fitness score”.

• Stability and safety (max 10): handlebar 3 · at least six legs 2 (fewer 1) · maximum user weight ≥ 120 kg 3, ≥ 100 kg 2, lower 1 · cover over springs or bands 1 · independent test (TÜV, RISE) 1.
• Bounce (max 9): jump surface ≥ 110 cm 4, ≥ 100 cm 3, ≥ 90 cm 2, smaller 1 · elastic bands 3, steel springs 1.5 (our classification: bands give a quieter, softer bounce for home use) · height-adjustable handlebar 2.
• Durability (max 8): warranty ≥ 5 years 4, 2–4 years 3, 1 year 1.5 · spare parts available 3 · corrosion protection 1.
• Handling (max 9): foldable 4 · tool-free assembly 3 · weight ≤ 10 kg 2, ≤ 15 kg 1.

When data is missing

Missing core facts count 50% and unstated evidence 20% of their points (see above). Data completeness is the share of points whose fact is stated. A score shows from 20% data completeness, otherwise “n/a”. Below 50% the “Limited data” label shows. A top list needs at least 50% and the model must be sold in the market. Stock does not matter: it changes, the rating does not. Indoor mini trampolines are instead scaled to the known points: a component counts once at least 40% of its points are known, and an overall score shows from 40% data completeness with at least two components.

One score per model

A model usually comes in several sizes. The model’s score is the score of its median-priced size (“score for the typical size”). Under every score you can expand exactly which inputs were used and which were missing.

How we classify manufacturers’ tiers

Manufacturers give their springs and frames their own names. For North Trampoline we use this classification, which is our reading of the manufacturer’s own tiers: springs S400 = standard, S700 = reinforced, S1200 Pro = pro. Frames “Heavy Duty” and “Heavy Duty+” = heavy, “Pro” = pro. Net features follow the manufacturer’s own comparison table. For BERG: TwinSpring Pro springs = pro, TwinSpring = reinforced, SoloSpring = standard; the AirFlow Pro mat = performance, others = standard. BERG’s facts come from the specification list on each berg.com product page.

Sources and updates

• Specifications: manufacturers’ product pages, comparison tables and manuals, labelled “according to the manufacturer”.
• Prices and stock: retailers’ product feeds via affiliate networks (Adtraction, Awin, Addrevenue, Tradedoubler, Amazon Associates), updated daily. Prices not confirmed for 48 hours are hidden.
• Retailers’ own customer ratings are only shown with their source and never feed into our score.
• A struck-through “was” price is only shown once we hold at least 30 days of our own price history, and the reference is the lowest price in the previous 30 days.

Limitations

A specification-based score cannot tell you how a trampoline feels to bounce on or how it holds up after several winters. Manufacturers’ data can be incomplete. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual and current safety advice when assembling and using a trampoline.