Calendered and non-calendered trampoline mats both start with similar cross-woven polypropelene fibers. To make it calendered, the mat is then run through a series of large, heated rollers, which to some degree melt and flatten the fibers, so that they are fused together at the intersections of the weave pattern. One of the effects of this is that the mat has a much smoother feel. Another is that the fibers have less of a tendency to shift, causing them to either squeeze together or open up into holes in different areas. A non-calendered mat will probably give the user more traction and have less of a tendency to slip while performing maneuvers, but there is opportunity for mild injury due to abrasion (think skinned knees). By far, the majority of manufacturers chose to go with calendered fabric, probably just because it feels nicer in bare feet. In general, calendered fabric is more expensive because of the extra manufacturing step.

There are many new and exciting games and accessories for trampolines. However, engaging in any of these activities without a safety enclosure can put players at serious risk of injury.

When the jumping mat is at ground level, the possible falling distance has decreased. At this level, possible falling distance is the distance between ground level and the highest part of the body at the highest point of the jump. For energetic jumpers that could be a distance of 9-10 feet. Falling on the ground or trampoline frame at that distance can still result in serious injury.

Do not buy a buy a cheap, ineffective safety enclosure—beware, there are many.  To be certain that the trampoline safety enclosure you purchase is engineered for safety and durability, look for these features:
•    The net should be secured along the entire length of the enclosed poles, on the outside
•    The bottom of the net should be installed toward the inside of the spring/frame pad to avoid contact with that area
•    The doorway should be an overlapping of the net, in effect providing double security at that point of the enclosure.  We do not recommend buying  a safety enclosure with zip, Velcro or button doorways—children often forget to fasten them and are prone to fall-off accidents

Many, many people were hurt in the old-school trampoline days – with injuries ranging from mild bruising or scratches to paralysis and even death. You were lucky enough not to experience injury, but others weren’t. Consider this illustration: in past decades, plenty of people drove around without seatbelts and were never injured, but any sensible person today knows that it just takes one accident to make wearing that seatbelt worth while. The same is true for trampoline enclosures. In that instance that you or your child is falling toward the edge, you’ll be happy that you made the choice to install a quality trampoline safety net.

Trampoline safety nets are not a replacement for safety rules and adult supervision. Some stunts are only appropriate for trained professionals, regardless of whether or not an enclosure is being used. A net engineered for safety should be part of a trampoline safety plan you develop with your family. For tips on safer jumping, review our Safety Rules for a Trampoline with a Safety Enclosure Installed.

If you want to protect your jumpers from fall-off injuries, there is no better protection than a well constructed safety enclosure. A study of trampoline injuries in children conducted by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 70% of the injuries in their study occurred when “there were no protective barriers around the trampoline…”

A trampoline safety enclosure (also called a trampoline safety net) is a net designed to prevent jumpers from falling off. A safety enclosure can also add to the jumping fun by providing a barrier to keep safe play objects, such as soft foam or crushable balls, in the enclosure. The simplest safety enclosures consist of three basic elements: poles, net and mounting hardware.

If your trampoline pads are missing or in poor condition, yes. Indications that a pad needs to be replaced include: torn cover, discolored or brittle cover, torn straps or attachments, and foam cushion material missing or damaged. Pads typically are one of the first trampoline components to need replacment, but they are an important safety protection to help reduce or prevent injury on the trampoline.

The typical backyard trampoline has a round 14' diameter frame. In general, the larger the trampoline, the more room that is available for bouncing. However, bouncing with multiple jumpers is not recommended, even for large trampolines. Smaller trampolines will fit more easily in backyards with less space, but adult trampolines are typically 12' or greater in diameter. Trampolines higher than 20" above the ground are not recommended for children less than 6 years of age, and there are many trampolines 8' diameter and smaller that meet this requirement. If you are only interested in low impact stationary exercise, an indoor rebounder 36" to 40" in diameter may be the best choice.

Absolutely. According to a landmark study done in New Zealand, 80% of all trampoline injuries that were severe enough to cause a hospital stay were related to "fall off" accidents. Trampoline safety enclosures are such an important innovation that the CPSC now recommends their use, saying that "Trampoline enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls from trampolines."