Our neighbors have a trampoline in their backyard, and I’m pretty sure it’s been there for the last 30 years. It has no net. No cover for the springs. It’s kind of a parent’s worst nightmare, but the kids beg to get on it every day. And who can blame them? Trampolines are so much fun. So, I’ve been searching for a safer option for my kids (and the neighbors’ kids) and stumbled upon Springfree Trampolines, and I have to say, I’m intrigued.
The designer behind Springfree has the philosophy that the problems related to trampoline safety should be re-thought, redesigned, not just covered up. So, he’s ditched the flimsy pads and steel-framed net and created an entirely different trampoline.
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We haven’t tested it out ourselves, but from the looks of it, the most noticeable difference seems to be the way you bounce. Springfree trampolines use flexible rods underneath the bouncing surface rather than springs at the edges of it, making it impossible to fall through or to get your fingers or toes pinched.
The other big difference is their FlexiNet. Whereas traditional trampolines use steel frames for the net, which really hurt if you crash into them, the Springfree has flexible rods that give way when you hit them, while still holding you inside the trampoline.
But all this safety comes with a hefty price. A Springfree Trampoline starts around $2,000 (whoa!) and goes up, depending on the size and accessories you want. There’s even a tablet-like device that allows you to play interactive games with kids while they bounce. You know, in case you get bored.
You can find the Springfree Trampoline at our affiliate Amazon, or try them at certain retail stores across the country.
In our family the children haven’t hurt themselves with trampoline. We parents have been the ones injuring ourselves, but I guess the safety nets will work with that also, hah!