Trampolines come in different shapes and sizes—oval, round, rectangle, square, octagon, and hexagon. However, the most common ones are either oval or round. It’s because they are quite affordable, easy to place, and allow more than one person to jump simultaneously.
If we look at oval vs round trampoline the main difference between an oval and round trampoline is their bounce experience and safety. An oval trampoline offers a large jumping surface and more safety than a round trampoline, especially for multiple people. However, round trampolines offer a better bouncing experience and are easier to assemble than oval ones.
So, let us now dive into the details and get you started on the age-old debate of Oval VS Round Trampoline!
Oval VS Round Trampoline: Detailed Comparison
Even if it’s not overtly apparent, the shape of a trampoline is responsible for the overall bouncing experience. The shape of your trampoline completely determines the jump rebounds and central points. It also decides the space that the trampoline would occupy in your yard. So, you must know the difference between an oval and a round trampoline before you purchase one.
Shape and Size
The main difference between oval and round trampolines is their shape and size. Oval trampolines have an elongated shape and take up a large space. So, for limited spacing, round trampolines are the best. But if space isn’t a liability, then oval trampolines stand a chance.
The shape of the trampoline affects the overall jumping experience too. A round trampoline offers more bounce than an oval trampoline since they differ in their distribution of the springs. More springs call for greater bounces. Hence round trampolines with centrally distributed springs offer better bounce than oval ones, whose elongated shape tends to distribute the springs differently.
Moreover, the shape and size of a trampoline are also responsible for its durability, at least to a certain extent. The springs of a round trampoline are seen to wear out faster than that of an oval one. Its jumping pad, too, wears off quicker because of the load it has to bear every time someone jumps on it. This problem isn’t observed in an oval trampoline since the load gets distributed evenly along its elongated shape.
Stability and Safety
Regarding stability and safety, an oval trampoline seems to be a better option than a round one. Oval trampolines have two center points, enabling them to offer a stable and safe experience, even when multiple people bounce simultaneously. Round trampolines can also offer safety and stability, provided only one or at most two people are jumping on it.
Oval trampolines have a habit of directing the bouncers toward the middle of the jumping pads, reducing their risk of landing outside. Some oval trampolines also come with two separate “jumping or bouncing zones,” which are placed one at each end. This allows two or more people to achieve maximum height while bouncing without colliding or even interfering with one another.
However, round trampolines with one center point don’t fall too far away from safety and stability. Being round in shape, it also directs the bouncers back to its central jumping pad and makes it difficult for them to jump very high or move towards the edges, arresting their fall.
Both types of the trampoline have safety net enclosures that prevents bouncers from falling off. But it’s just that round trampolines can’t offer as much safety to multiple jumpers as an oval trampoline.
Jumping Surface
The shape of a trampoline directly affects its jumping surface. Since oval trampolines take up more space, they also choose to offer a larger bouncing surface. A large surface means that there is more room for multiple people to enjoy jumping at the same time. The jumping space of a round trampoline can fit two persons at most, while the oval trampoline can safely accommodate more people without colliding.
Its large bouncing space enables the oval trampoline to create two jumping zones at each end so that the jumpers run little risk of bouncing into one another and causing injury. Moreover, a larger jumping surface comes with a higher weight limit. Hence, round trampolines have the lowest weight limit, while oval trampolines have a comparatively higher one.
Both oval and round trampolines offer a centre-focussed bounce and hence come with a great jumping experience without any chance of risking safety. The only difference between the two is that due to their large jumping surface, oval trampolines can ensure a good bouncing experience for multiple jumpers. In contrast, round trampolines have enough space to satiate the thirst for a good jumping experience for only a single bouncer.
Also, the larger jumping surface of the oval trampoline offers greater control to each jumper bouncing simultaneously, ensures safety by providing a greater margin for wayward bounces, and makes it easier to achieve great heights while maintaining a good distance.
Price and Value
The shape of the trampoline does have a slight effect on its overall price. Instead of their relatively high popularity and comparatively low manufacturing costs, round trampolines are the most cost-effective compared to others available in the market.
The oval trampolines, on the other hand, are a little expensive because of their exclusive features. Plus, assembling the oval trampolines requires more time, care, and attention, raising costs. The large and exotic models tend to cost even higher. Still, the additional features like higher durability and greater safety or high stability that come with it make it worth the expense.
However, the shape of a trampoline isn’t the only factor determining its cost. Other elements like its size, brand, durability, etc., decide its price. But in most cases, the principle still applies that round trampoline leans more towards a lesser price range than oval ones.
What Shape is the Best for a Trampoline?
The best shape for a trampoline depends on the purpose that it’s supposed to serve. For instance, round and oval trampolines are usually designed for recreational purposes, while rectangular and square trampolines are mainly employed for professional or competitive purposes.
Rectangular trampolines are usually used by athletes or someone passionate about gymnastics; since it helps them achieve the highest bounce needed for their performance. But for youngsters who want to abstain from high jumps, square, round or oval trampolines are the best options.
Again, square and round trampolines work best for single users, while oval and rectangular trampolines are ideal for multiple users. And square and oval trampolines are known best for offering the greatest overall bouncing experience.
Hence, the purpose and the individual requirements determine which shape of the trampoline will serve you the best.
Which Shape of Trampoline is the Safest?
When it comes to safety, circular trampolines—whether it’s round or oval—are always the best. Rectangular or square trampolines are generally used by professional athletes or acrobats and for gymnastic competitions; hence, they are more inclined towards providing the greatest height rather than focussing on the safety of the bouncer.
Circular trampolines run high on safety quotient because their controlled bounces don’t let the jumpers bounce too high. Moreover, both round and oval trampolines are designed to make the jumper move naturally toward the center of the jumping mat.
This enables them to land in the middle of the trampoline every time they jump instead of falling off and hitting the edge. As for the safest shape, the oval trampoline takes the cake with its elongated shape, large jumping surface, and two center points, offering the bouncers the most stability than any other shape.
Why Are Most Trampolines Round?
Round trampolines enjoy the most popularity among bouncers because of certain strong reasons like:
- Round trampolines work best for beginners and young jumpers just learning the art of bouncing.
- Round trampolines offer soft and consistent jumps, which are great for basic rebounding exercises.
- Round trampolines distribute the force equally around the surface, reducing the impact of the bounce on the body.
- Round trampolines are easy to manufacture, and hence they are cheaper than others.
- Round trampolines can easily accommodate themselves in a fairly narrow space and find a place in most houses.
- Round trampolines are very light and hence are easier to move from one place to another.
- Round trampolines come with a natural strength because of their circular frame that provides high stability.
- Round trampolines are extremely safe for children and youngsters as they limit bounce heights, reducing the chance of high jumps and injury. Plus, they keep the young jumpers away from the edges and avoid hurting themselves.
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Conclusion:
The choice between an oval and round trampoline can be a tricky one. Everyone who prefers a circular trampoline has to face this dilemma since the difference between the two isn’t a major one. But even in their similarity, both the trampolines do have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
Judging by their features, it’s evident that the choice between an oval and round trampoline depends on you and your specific needs. So, while purchasing a circular trampoline, you need to list your requirements and check whether the oval or the round trampoline works best for you. And once you figure that out, you are all set to achieve the greatest jump of your life!
