Factors:

Test Results
   Bed Softness
   Impact Test (SE)
Observations
   Pad Effectiveness
   Perimeter Bounce Performance
   Multiple Levels of Protection

A couple of the tests that we perform are particularly relevant to this category of Safety. Specifically, we see a strong relevance with bed softness tests and the impact tests that are performed on the safety enclosures. Bed softness is an important criterion because this is the surface that you contact if you fall while jumping; and it feels better to fall on a pillow than to fall on the floor. We have seen systems with two parallel mats that trap air, which seems to add to the cushioning effect of the mat. At least one manufacturer has recognized the trade-off between safety and overall performance. They offer a kit that increases the number of springs that attach the mat to the frame. The addition of springs takes a soft trampoline and enhances its performance by improving system efficiency. This is really ideal, because you have options for your purchase. With all other products, you get what you get with no way to tune it to your preference. Perimeter bounce performance is another attribute that we have come up with that describes the feel of the bounce away from the middle of the trampoline. Many of the games and other activities that will interest kids involve jumping between the center and edge of the mat.

Some of the systems that we have tested offer multiple levels of protection. We have observed, for example, how you might impact the net well in advance of getting to a pole on some designs or how a net is connected to a pole is several different locations. This redundancy seems to add some additional value over some of the bare bones systems.