Consumers looking to buy trampolines will find that round and rectangular shapes dominate the market. Then it comes down to which shape is the better choice, and that depends on what the consumer wants to spend, what type of performance they want and what types of safety precautions they want to take. Individual preference has almost everything to do with the choice.
Availability
While round and rectangular are the two most popular trampoline shapes, round trampolines are the easiest to find and purchase. Retailers that specialize in trampolines are very likely to carry both but stores that do not specialize in that type of equipment usually stock many more circular ones than rectangular ones. Consumers looking online for trampolines will not have trouble finding either type, with most trampoline websites offering the chance to buy either shape.
Performance
Either shape will allow jumpers to bounce in the air. For those who are jumping for professional or competitive practice, though, rectangular trampolines are the preferred choice according to Trampolinesafety.com. "It's no accident that trampoline gymnasts and athletes in training do all their work on rectangular trampolines. These trampolines tend to have a very efficient, responsive bounce." The longer and softer springs associated with rectangular trampolines provide a higher bounce compared to circular designs. The site adds that circular designs are more suited for recreational use, and by kids.
Cost
Rectangular trampolines cost more because they are built for better performance. For those seeking value, round trampolines are the better choice. Trampolinesafety.com states that "Round trampolines will always be significantly cheaper, chiefly because they are more cost effective to produce than rectangular ones." Circular trampolines cannot be beat on the value aspect, and it is a matter of personal opinion whether the savings in price justify the lower performance.
Design
Physics and weight distribution play a role in the comparison. A circular trampoline's springs get pulled from every direction on each jump, but according to the website for Triad Trampolines a rectangular trampoline cushions the downforce and distributes the impact to the springs that can handle it. "A bounce in the center of a rectangular trampoline progressively stretches the side springs and to a lesser degree the end springs."
Composition
Different materials are used for the different shapes. Rectangular trampolines require a sturdier frame because more stress is put upon certain spots, and more length of material is needed to frame the outer edges. Triad Trampolines mentions that circular trampolines often use a lightweight, 16-gauge flimsy frame, while Trampolinesafety.com says that "The basic design of a rectangular trampoline requires very strong frame rails along its length, hence the need for more material and sturdier construction."
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