We rate trampoline systems on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). Because of the importance of Safety Enclosures we only review the combination of a trampoline with a safety enclosure. For the purposes of collecting data and rating different elements we have divided these systems into trampolines and safety enclosures. Each of these elements is weighted based on its relative importance within the different categories. For example, performance counts for less on a review of a safety enclosure than it does for a trampoline. We then calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10. This enables us to rank and rate different attributes of the product.

We are planning on maintaining product reviews on our site as long as the manufactures continue to offer them for sale. We also plan to continue to evaluate new products and update old reviews as our process and the products evolve. We will clearly denote updates and any changes to ratings that have resulted from additional testing or further review.

The rating criteria and weightings by category:

Safety
Trampoline safety is why we exist. We feel so strongly about the value of safety enclosures, we have decided not to rank or evaluate trampolines without one. In this category, we are looking at specific attributes that greatly impact user safety. Based on historical injury data, we have defined criteria that align with how injuries have occurred on trampolines. The highest risk of injury occurs when jumping, followed by falling off, more than one person, hitting the frame or springs and jumping off of the trampoline onto the ground. Every trampoline manufacturer warns against allowing multiple jumpers on the mat at one time, but this continues to be a problem and one that is difficult to address in the design and manufacture of the product. While we don’t advocate multiple jumpers on a trampoline, we want to identify and promote systems and features that are designed to protect jumpers in the event that there are multiple users on the system at one time. We are evaluating the trampoline system to assess its ability to best protect users while getting on and off of the unit, keep them from falling off and making sure that they are safe while jumping. Mat safety is related to the bed softness and the specifics of the springs.
Trampoline: 35%
Safety Enclosure: 30%

Performance
We look at the overall performance and warranty of the trampoline system. This rating includes test results and an analysis of the manufactures warranty or view of their product. We have performed tests on the trampoline and the safety enclosure to determine their fitness for day to day use. System efficiency, function of the net, cost of ownership and warranty periods for different elements are summarized and compared.
Trampoline: 25%
Safety Enclosure: 20%

Design
We rate the out of box quality, initial impressions and other aspects related to installation. Specific features that we evaluate include product packaging, box quality and the ability of the packing to protect the parts after production and during transit, manuals and other provided documentation, general appearance including fit and finish, ease of installation and installation time. We also evaluate the physical design of the system, including dimensions, features and general quality of construction. We make sure that needed information is presented in a sensible fashion and that it is easy to avoid problems associated with set-up.
Trampoline: 20%
Safety Enclosure: 20%

Features
The features, and their quality, vary widely, depending on the price range of a trampoline system. There are a wide range of features and options available from the different manufactures. Our focus is on value; the best combination of features for a price. We will look at elements like the steel tube diameter and wall thickness, spring type, count, length and diameter, mat and pad construction, material quality and weight ratings.
Trampoline: 20%
Safety Enclosure: 30%

What the numbers mean?

10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.9 (Spectacular):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your family.