choosing-a-mat

The mats can be made of canvass, Permatron (most expensive) or some other combination of material. Mats made from Permatron from Ten Cate usually has the best hold up over all the other materials. Some mats are woven better than others and have smaller or larger sweet spots. Almost everyone cares about having a larger sweet spot surface area to jump on

Note: A permatron mat can be great but if it has cheaper nylon fasteners that are around 1" can wear out before the mat does. Also, the widest webbings made of seat belt material are the most expensive, and more expensive if it has a larger ply count. A good mat is also UV coated for out door use and doesn't leach the black stuff on your feet. Some UV coatings oxidize in the sun more than others. I have never heard of any stories of off-gassing or leaching with US permatron made mats.

The most common complaint in trampoline mats is running. A better quality,seared per matron mat is the most run resistant of all, especially ones that have 2,000 lbs of pressure added to it. If a nail or something sharp punctures a seared permatron type, its less likely to fray. I always prefer permatron made in the USA too.

They type of weaving of the mesh is also important. Some weaves have more spaces and allow more air to seep through the mat causing the mat allow the person to get to higher heights. This is great for people that live in rainy areas cuz it stops water from being held on the mat.

For multi users the mats that allow the most air flow is preferred as the ballistic impact from the mat from the other bouncer is more with less aero dynamic weaves.

If you are trying to pick out the right mat that will give you the least lag or more or less free bounces, its better to know what to expect from each type of material and weave. Take my Trampoline quiz and I will help based on personal experience.

What to look for in a Permatron mat:

Know if it is the laminated (calendaring) type that is run though a machine to sear and melt the fabric so it will be run resistant (but not run proof). Or the type that is porous and allows for more air to seep through and give higher bounce due to higher airflow. The other doesnt let any air in though the mat but lasts way longer. Most permatron lasts long anyway but for multi users and heavy weights the stitching usually gives out first. Some feels more stretching than others and has a different foot feel. People that want to jump high will always want the porous type. But some people want more control and more of a push versus a pop feel and will prefer and choose the laminated mat. If using it in the backyard and it rains a lot, most people don't want the seared kind. For those trying to get exercise and get more bounces per minute to move lymph, the porous kind is not usually picked. Neither type leaches formaldehyde. Other materials that are seared can change the structure of the mat and can leach. I personally don't like jumping on any mat that is not made out of permatron. I also want to know the stretch rate of the mat. Some have a 1 % stretch rate per year, others 2% and some way more. Usually the webbing gives out before this happens. Webbing styles are also different. People are having to send their trampoline mat in every few years and some people never do it. Please see my webbing page. It is just as important as getting a good mat. See my trampoline webbing page here.