Those garden trampolines: is there really a major difference between the cheap Argos ones and the expensive John Lewis ones?

[LittleBella]

What is the mumsnet verdict? Where should I buy a trampoline? Do I have to have a 10ft one? Is an 8 ft one just not worth it, or is it good enough?

haven't got one, haven't bought one, but as I teach trampolining [ok tiny bit different] just thought I'd be a h&s geek and say check how much level ground you have to put it on. I am not totally sure, but wonder if the expensive ones have adjustment in the legs (if they don't they blardy should have!!) You really need to get it flat and away from anything overhanging with 4m clearance. Defo get the net thingy for round it, see if that is another one of the differences?
Sorry I'm making a wild bunch of guesses, just didn't want your post unanswered

I'm not an expert by any means but look for things like the weight capacity (if they are low weights kids could grow out of them quickly) also what is it made of - look for galvanised (sp) steel including the springs ideally - it doesn't rust so you can keep it outdoors all the time. Also how many kids are likely to be using it at any one time.

Ds has got an 8-foot one, been fine with it. Next-doors have got a 12-foot, obviously more room and therefore more boys swarming all over it, flinging themselves around. Ds is supposed to go on it one child at a time - who am I kidding? It was from ToysRUs and has certainly been tested and has come out with flying colours!

Quality and weight of metal.

Padding round the edges.

Types/strength of springs

www.bigroundtrampolines.co.uk/trampoline-buyers-guide.html some info here but they don't compare TP and Supertramp.

Supertramp have some good info on their website and I found their brochure really helpful - not sure if you can download.

They also have a Factory Shop where you can buy products which are cosmetically out but still sound.

www.supertramp.co.uk/

We have an Argos 10ft one with safety net and it's ben fab. had it about 18 months. Don't know how different a proper branded one would be. But for us the Argos one is great.

Personally I think 8ft one too small, but if you've only room for an 8ft one (you only have 6ft jumping space because of the springs) it's better than nothing.

we have an 8ft one from outdoortoysdirect.co.uk (recommended on mumsnet) and size is just fine.

8ft is fine for kids, but many won't take a substantial adult weight if you or anyone else fancies a go. Some will - but I couldn't quite summon up the courage to do a seatdrop on an 8ft trampoline, so if we get one it'll be 10ft so I can practise my non-existent trampoline skills.

We only have space for one on paving though, and have had such wildly differing advice on whether this would be okay (with a net, and padding on the trampoline legs) that we've not gone for it yet.

we also have the 10ft one from argos. had it 6 months and no problems. in fact just moved house and it came apart and went together quite easily too. we went for the 10ft one as it is a bit of a better size imo and tbh it was on offer when we bought it

We bought a cheap B&Q one (12ft) about six or seven years ago, and it's still getting lots of use now and we haven't had any problems with it. The only down-side to not buying a more expensive make is that it didn't come with any accessories (eg cover, safety net) but we didn't care about that, and the more modern ones might do anyway.

top tip - start now with pelfic floor exercises

ours is 8ft, takes adult weight, has enclosure and is sat on concrete slabs, all great so far. children are 4 and 2, and we jump on it too.

I ordered one from outdoortoysdirect and have been well and truely messed around by then. The idea was to get it in time for the school hols, they delivered it on Monday not Saturday so dh at work and not able to put it up. When he came home and went through the boxes we realised that we'd only been sent the ladder and cover, but no trampoline. I called them the next day and they said that it was out of stock (should have told me this when I ordered), but I could have another one by the end of the week. The only problem being I'd have to pay extra for a different model.

Only after making a fuss did they agree to delivering the trampoline and not charging extra and promised it would arrive in time for this weekend. I haven't had a email telling me the delivery date, so I'm assuming it won't arrive today. We will then be back at square one because dh at work all next week. He's likely to be abroad, so the whole school hols will have passed without the trampoline. Am most cross.

Sorry for the rant.

hmm, won't be ordering from outdoortoysdirect then!

What make is yours, flier?

Littlebella, ours was from outdoortoysdirect and we had excellent service, as have our friends. We used them on recommendation from fellow mumsnetters.

we bought our from ebay it was a 12ft,
TJhughes has a 10ft with enclosure for £89 just now if you have one near you??

we've just ordered the tj hughes on online. Absolute bargain, thanks for that sazm!!!!

your very welcome,have fun xx

Wow that tj hughes one is cheap

[http://www.tjhughes.co.uk/Toys/Outdoor_Toys/83168699999?view_large=true here]

But is it any good? It doesn't mention galvanised anywhere...

oops

here even

It does say weather proof. But I would phone them to clarify. Ask if it is the springs as well!

Another question: do people need anchoring kits with the trampolines? When/ why would you need one?

If the ground isn't quite flat?? Don't know hopefully someone might post who does...?