When we moved to our current home, our oldest son was three and his brother was due in two months.
We wanted a trampoline because we had a hunch it would provide hours of fun for our kids. The problem we faced is that the only flat area on our backyard was small. At most it could accommodate a 9-foot wide trampoline.
Because our kids were small, we opted for a junior 8′ x 8′ round trampoline. It was low to the ground so little kids could access it. It was cheap (something like $250 CAD). It was small so the bounce potential wasn’t too high. It served us very well for 5 years.
Now that our oldest is 8 and youngest 5, it was time to upgrade to a full-size trampoline. However, we faced the same problem in that it could only be 8 feet wide. That restricted us to a rectangular-shaped trampoline.
Fortunately, there are a decent number of rectangle trampolines to choose from. Our first pick was the springless trampoline by Springfree. Our friends have one and it’s great. While pricey, they are exceptional.
Sadly, Springfree was sold out. Because it’s Summer we didn’t want to wait. We needed a new trampoline now (just like we needed our “grass patio” furniture now.
Our next pick was a rectangular trampoline by Skywalker which is sold on Amazon and Walmart websites. I was delighted to see that Walmart could deliver it in 12 days. We bought it. In fact, I was worried it too would sell out so I didn’t hesitate.
Related: Danby Dishwasher Review | Blaux Portable AC Review | Arctic King Portable AC Review | Black + Decker Lawnmower Review
Here is the rectangular Skywalker trampoline we bought:
Two days ago it arrived in two large boxes.
It took my wife and I two nights to assemble it. While that sounds like a long time, I think it went smoothly. It wasn’t terribly difficult to assemble it but then this wasn’t our first rodeo.
By 8:15 pm last night we had it fully set up and our kids enjoyed their first bounce.
To say our boys love it is an understatement. That makes me very happy. It wasn’t cheap but given they bounced daily on the small trampoline, I had a hunch they’d really take to a full-size version. I was right.
Their friends are taking to it as well. It’s a hit. It was worth every penny.
Specifications
- Length: 15′
- Width: 9′
- Height with net: 9′
- Height above the ground: 37.4′ (a tad over 3′)
- Jumping surface: 92 sq. ft.
- Weight limit: 250 lbs. No jumper should be more than 200 lbs.
Is it a good trampoline?
Whenever you measure “good” price must be taken into account. We paid around $900 CAD. Considering you can spend $3,000+ on a trampoline, we’re very happy with this one.
Another thing to keep in mind when reading this review is at the time of writing we have only had it a very short while. Whether it will last a few years is anyone’s guess. The fact our former junior trampoline made it 5 years is unbelievable to me so I have high hopes.
Bounce quality
Is this as good as a professional gymnastics trampoline? Absolutely not, but we don’t need such a trampoline. We just needed something with a decent bounce, room enough for two kids to bounce safely and a decent safety net.
Our kids can jump far higher than our former junior trampoline. He’s thrilled by this. I’ve jumped as well (I weigh 220 lbs.) and it accommodated my just fine (even though the specs say the max weight is 200 lbs. – I guess I’ll have to limit my participation).
It gives me a decent bounce and my kids definitely get a good bounce.
Sturdiness
The first thing I noticed when I opened the boxes and grabbed pieces of the frame is how solid and thick the frame pieces are. The photo doesn’t do it justice. I could tell right away that this trampoline would be sturdy and sit in place. This is important because our old junior trampoline was getting too small for 8-year-old boys. I worried about it collapsing. I’m sure glad it’s gone and replaced with our new Skywalker trampoline.
It has for corner U-shaped legs that plant firmly on the ground. It’s critically important that wherever you place it, the ground is level. Fortunately, we have such a place.
The Safety Net
The net itself
If I’m disappointed in anything about this trampoline, it’s the quality of the safety net. I love how it’s taught and it rises up from the trampoline inside the springs so the springs aren’t exposed to jumpers, but the material itself could be stronger. It feels like a thin plastic netting. I worry that once there’s a slight tear that it will spread quickly requiring an urgent replacement. I’ll be monitoring the net regularly.
The net support bars
On the plus side, the bars that extend upward securing the net are solid and are securely placed into square holes attached to the frame. I’m satisfied the net is sufficiently secure to prevent kids from flying off the trampoline and that’s what counts.
Trampoline access
Net access portal
The zipper that opens for access and exiting the trampoline doesn’t spread open up like a curtain would. Instead, it remains attached at the bottom creating an opening that you have to squeeze through. While this is good for safety it makes it difficult to get in and out.
No access ladder
This trampoline is about 37.4″ above the ground which makes it hard for younger kids to get into. It would be nice if it came with a small attached ladder. It doesn’t and so we’re looking for a firm platform to place outside the entrance.
The safety pad over the springs
While it doesn’t offer too much padding, it sits firmly in place and was easy to tie down with a series of thick elastic ribbons. Another nice feature is that the safety net extends up from inside the springs so jumpers aren’t exposed to the springs. Short of a foot ripping through the safety net, jumpers should land in the springs.
Assembly
While it took my wife and I about 4 hours spread out over two evenings to assemble it (this included taking down the old trampoline and pruning some bushes back) I have to say it wasn’t all that hard to assemble (and I’m not the handiest guy in the world).
When assembling the frame, ensure you place the spring holes upward. I missed that with one bar and had to flip it around. It wasn’t a big deal but something to keep in mind.
As for inserting the springs, it wasn’t all that hard. The instructions provide step-by-step instructions as to the order to inserting them. We followed it by the letter and didn’t have much problem.
Be sure to always count out that you have enough holes along each section with V-rings (where the springs attached to the trampoline mat). If you’re off by one, you have to remove and re-do the springs – it’s not fun doing it once; twice would be a real drag.
The trampoline came with most tools necessary to assemble it including a simple wrench and spring pulling tool, but you also need a screwdriver for tightening the frame’s bolts. Fortunately, we have a nice set of screwdrivers.
The instructions suggest a rubber mallet but I didn’t find it necessary. Good thing too, because we don’t have one.
Delivery
We ordered this trampoline from Walmart.ca on June 25, 2020. I was told it would be delivered on July 7. It arrived on July 6 in two large boxes. The boxes were pristine in-tact; no damage whatsoever and were delivered to our front door.
The total delivery time took 12 days. Given it was during COVID-19, I was very happy with that timeline.
Overall Impression
We’re thrilled with this trampoline because it’s safe and our kids love it. I guess after having a small 8′ x 8′ trampoline with not nearly as sturdy a frame for 5 years, this seems like a top-of-the-line model. While it’s not a top-of-the-line model, it’s very good. We have no regrets whatsoever.
Yes, I’m sure a $3,000 trampoline would be better but is that necessary for 8 and 5-year-old boys? I think not unless they’re on their way to gymnastics Olympics (which ours appear not to be).
