1. When looking for a trampoline pad, you would first notice that it is thick on the sides and it becomes thinner towards the center. This varied thickness of a trampoline safety pad according to proximity from the center is normal. You do not have to worry that the pad is thin in the middle part since it was intended to be thicker on the sides where the soft cushion is much needed to cover up the steel frame.
2. There are two types of materials used in trampoline mats which you need to look out for – polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The best trampoline safety pads are those that are made of PVC because of its better resistance to ultraviolet rays of the sun and to weather changes in general. These benefits come at a higher price but would be worth it if you will place your trampoline in the outdoors. Mats made with PE may be cheaper but are less tolerant to the sun and to extreme weather, making them ideal for indoor use only.
3. Before you buy trampoline safety pads, you have to take a good look at how they are attached to a trampoline. Most manufacturers use Velcro or shoe strings to append a pad to a trampoline. These attachment methods aren’t the best ideas if you want to ensure safety. Velcro straps could get detached during trampoline-jumping and tied shoe strings could get untied, displacing the pad from its original place and exposing the frame of the trampoline. Pads that use thick elastic bands would be your best choice because they give the surest grip.
4. Lastly, make sure that the trampoline safety pads that you are considering are the right size. For trampolines with standard-sized 8 ½ inch springs for example, the recommended size of a pad is 13 feet. Other varying sizes are available according to the size of the springs used.
