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?

we have a 16ft one

very long legs, malory

we don't like to get too intertwined, y'know

Weve recently bought a 10ft Plum one from AllTrampolines which seems great. Arrived when they said etc too.

They have a "compare trampolines" bit where you can check the thickness of the padding/frame etc

re: anchoring kit -I think they're recommended if its sited in a windy or exposed area. We bought the kit as I've heard about trampolines being blown over and breaking or, in some cases, being blown a few gardens away. We're on the side of a hill so thought it a wise investment

ummm

hadn't thought of that

we haven't had a party since trampoline acquisition

As ours is only a couple of weeks old we've yet to experience the pissed-up adults scenario so can't vouch for its suitability there

that tj hughes one did anyone order? WHats the verdict?

..

..anyone?

We bought a cheap one from Smyths and have lots of use over past 4 years: definitely worth it for years to come as well. However, the mat/ bouncing surface has a small hole and should be replaced but Smyths don't do replacement mats so we need to buy a completely new trampoline or patch the hole. If we had bought a TP one, we could just replace the mat...

The hole came about presumably by a piece of grit getting stuck in the sole of a shoe and then bounced into the surface: it's too wet in winter not to wear shoes when bouncing

Any ideas for repairing it?

boocha ordered the tj hughes one

We have the 10ft one from B & Q which came with the safety net.

We have it on bark, so we don't have to keep moving it round the garden to avoid yellowing grass. Our old neighbours had a massive one which took up most of the garden and made it look scruffy as 99% of the grass was covered yellow ringed grass when they moved it from side to side to mow the lawn.

That TJHughes one looks exactly like the one I got in Focus Diy for £150! It's fab- get it for that price.

its 100 in focus now just asking xp if he can grab a lorry to collect saving the delivery charge...
Cheers you lot

charliecat, we managed to fit it in our car (just)- had a renault scenic at the time.

I have a teeny weeny VW polo...would probably wheely LOL

Good guide to the differences here;

www.gardengames.co.uk/Trampoline_Buying_Guide.html

Its really down to the quality of steel, the bounce quality and weight limits and the pad quality.

Cheap ones will need new pads after one year and wont really protect from the springs.

Also get a good quality safety net. One with the net inside the poles.