We are looking to get our kids a trampoline for Christmas. I have been searching Gumtree and Ebay everyday for a 2nd hand trampoline, but have also been researching brands on the internet and reading lots of reviews. Basically what I have found is the old saying of "You get what you pay for" is largely true.
Looking at trampolines that my friends have bought and what I have read on reviews, it seems as though if you buy your trampoline from a department store (eg Target, Big W, Kmart), you are getting a product built to a price rather than a standard. The reviews on brands sold by these stores, such as Gametime and Action Sports all complain of the same things; mats/padding/nets not even lasting a year, customer service difficult to deal with, assembly instructions inadequate or translated from another language into English. One website I found yesterday gave an in depth report on the structure of the Action trampoline, how it moved about while being jumped on, the uneven bounce of the mat which may result in injury and the author said they felt it wasn't very safe. Many review websites feature complaints from people vowing never to buy those brands again. Occassionally some say they are happy with their purchase. Most trampolines are kept out in the weather, so there will always be some wear and tear, but from what I have read, the better brands last longer as they have better UV and rain protection.
Trampolines bought from a trampoline shop or on-line trampoline shop fare much better in the reviews. If you are looking for a trampoline, look out for ones that say the mat is made in the USA or Australia, as these seem to be the best. The mats last years compared to cheaper ones, even when kept out in the weather. I have read good reports on Oz Trampolines, Vuly and Jump Start.
99.9% of the trampolines I have seen on Gumtree have been bought from one of the above mentioned department stores. All of those are only a year or two old and need bits replacing. I found one that was bought from a trampoline on-line store with a mat made in the USA. The padding and net need replacing but the owners have had it for quite a few years and their girls still jump on it everyday. Only getting rid of it to buy a bigger one. I can get replacement padding and nets relatively inexpensively from Oz Trampolines and Jump Start. My husband is planning to go and have a look at it on Saturday to see if his opinion of it is the same as mine. If so, then we will probably buy it and get the bits replaced. The mat is in excellent condition. If it works out and all goes to plan, we should have a good quality trampoline (with new net and padding) and it only costing us less than $200.
Ours will also be out in the weather.
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