Frame-Types

Just for the record, because I focus on a quality frame as it is the most important part of the trampoline, I will still recommend the non USA steel low gauge models with drilled in holes for some people. Some people are buying a trampoline for the first time and want to see even if their kids will jump on it and not just the first week while its a new toy to them.

Frames give me the most complaints of all when people buy thinking they bought a good model but it starts to rust. Oh and this is probably not the space to right this but have to post it somewhere. If any parent wants to buy thier kid a trampoline or someone can't afford the trampoline they really want but they really want to get a trampoline sooner, not to sound like a jerk but I do have control over prices and although I don't sell them at this time (I might in the future), all it takes is one single call to the manufacture and have you buy under my account and get my cost (reseller cost). I need certain videos done (you can do on your iphone and upload them), I want someone to take a spoon and tap on every spring on a random trampoline, even someone selling one on Craigslist. Basically, what I'm saying is someone doing me favors can upgrade someone to a much better trampoline for the same price. I waive my commission that I would normally make as a dealer as now I am in the review stage of my site. I am not selling anything. I have to say this because people doubt me all the time. Do you see a freakin shopping cart on my site. Then don't call me up talking to me like I'm a car salesman approaching you at a dealership and bringing you into their office trying to sell you a car. I will simply hang up if I feel this way.

So back to frames......

Here are some random tips on frame buying based on my research and personal experience:

Make sure the frame is coated properly. Frames will get weaker if they get corroded.

Wobble: A frame should not flex but should not be too rigid. Ask questions about if the trampoline you are buying if the frame flexes or wobbles at all. Don't wait to find out after its too late.

Know the Gauge of the steel. If higher it can feel more rooted and grounded.

Beware HIgh gauge and thin tubing or Low gauge and thick tubing to fool you.

Always look for 11 gauge or stronger.. the lower the better.

For maximum boost the frame that has locked joints that flexes the least will provide more bounce per joule of energy

Flexed frames reduce the number of free bounces and give less air time per joule.

Look for 12 and 13 guage steel, preferrably tubular steel.

Most importantly the tensile strength of the steel should be at least 55,000 P.S. I. and the yield strength of that same steel 50,000 psi in proportion. Anything less will feel less grounded and start to flex.

Performance can increase by the way the springs are attached to the frame. Attaching the springs in a V formation gives the most tension and more springs can be attached to the mat this way. Look for models with corrogated rods where the springs attach to the frame. These are more expensive but worth it if needed.

Frames with steel made in the USA that is 100% usa steel, not mixed alloy. The springs can be alloy but frames should always be the highest carbon steel for highest [performance. Know also if the steel is cold formed or formed differently. Steel can be the same density but cold spots inside. Steel with the least air bubbles in it are the most dense. Steel that is cold formed is smooth. Most flexing frames have that marbled feel to the steel to the hand. Usually not cold formed but galvanized and dipped (hotly).

Know if the frame resonates or vibrates. Some frames tend to have a vibration through out when jumping on it. Just like taking a spoon and tapping on each spring to hear if it vibrates or has a baratone or high pitch sound, I take spoons and hit different parts of the frame to hear how it vibrates. I can usually tell if the frame will hold up by listening to the steel. Strong steel has mor of a baratone sound (bass, like the deep sounds if you turn the bass up in the car). Note: incubated springs may change the structure of them as the cluster size of the molecules of the steel changes. I am looking into a place to incubate the frames so the benefit from them stays as springs you have to change. The incubating process permanently changes the structure of the frame and springs. I have samples if anyone wants to try one. It will make a night and difference. I personally jump at least a foot higher without even trying with it. I am not selling these. I wil lgive one free, one per address. These cost about 160 each. I have several hundred to give out. I do NOT sell these. These are given to me to show people and if someone wants more, the intention is to infuse springs and frames only.

Flexing frames: I am not against flexing frames. If the frame is to rigid it will break and warp even sooner. The frame must be balanced between too much flex and not enough. We interiewed engineers who build bridges. They all talk about how they engineer the bridges to flex and they gave me a lot of insite into the way different frames gives different peformances.