Factors:

Observations
Appearance
Documentation
Packaging Quality
Fit and Finish
Ease of Installation
Pad Coverage/Effectiveness
Door Type
Standing or Rest Areas
Measurements
Installation Time (hrs.)

Having the system set up and reviewing the details of the design enables us to make a variety of observations.  Packaging quality is something that seems to be very important.  Quality packaging and an organized method of packing help to insure that parts are in good shape.  Our process begins when the systems are delivered to our door.  We carefully photograph each box and then open the boxes and take inventory of the parts.  Because of the box size and weight, the boxes often appear to be in bad shape.  We have experienced both damaged and missing parts as a result of poor box quality and lack of packing materials in the box.

Documentation is often the next category that we evaluate.  Manuals vary greatly from one manufacturer to another.  Our main concern is that the needed information is provided in a logical, straight forward manner.  The customer should be able to follow the sequence shown in the manual and be able to complete the assembly process without having to take things back apart.  

We then set the system up. The clock is running during this activity as we have found large variations in how long it can take to set up a trampoline and safety enclosure.  We also make sure to have different people contribute to the set-up, which allows us to get a good sense of any difficulties.  We have a variety of installers including both moms and dads to attempt to give us an accurate sense of what can be expected when the unit is purchased and self installed in a yard.  

System appearance is also evaluated during this phase.  We are really looking at the details of the system.  Paint and fabric colors, fit and finish and materials used in the construction of this product are all evaluated. On painted parts we look for sharp corners and paint blemishes. On all the sewn parts, we are looking for straight seams, even stitch size and loose threads. Our observations are intended to give you some insight into the quality of the different products.  

With the system assembly complete, we can begin to assess usability. We have defined some criteria that we feel is important and will insure a better use experience.  We want to make sure that consumers know what type of door is incorporated into the net, one with a zipper or Velcro or some fixed position overlapping design.  We also feel that there are advantages with the designs that allow for observers to stand off of the jumping surface but on the pad inside the safety enclosure.  Observers inside the trampoline should be discouraged, but if it happens, it is desirable that there be a safe place off of the jumping surface.  Many of the Net attachment designs interact in some way with the spring pad.  What we look for here is that the pad is retained in position to prevent a jumper from coming into direct contact with the frame.

We are hopeful that you, the consumer, can use the information that we provide to insure that you have a positive experience when you select and purchase a trampoline.  We have purchased, installed, reviewed and tested all of the systems that appear on this site.  We have tried to provide a useful combination of measured results and objective opinions.