Folding Trampoline

I did A LOT of research about it before I bought and ended up buying a GALT - it is the model that is listed on Amazon right now for $136, which, I know, seems pretty steep. But, the reasons I chose it were: it has a pad that covers the bungee cords that hold the trampoline in place (the other models didn't have this and I worried about DD landing on that part and injuring herself); the surface area is larger than the other models that I found; the legs do fold for storage (though I think we'd have WWIII if we tried to put it up); and the handle is really, really stable. This model goes up to 77 pounds, so if your little one is going to gain 17 pounds really quick, perhaps it won't be a good idea. BUT, I think I'd do it all over again even if there was just a small window of time that dd would use it.The benefits I've seen from it (relative to dd's sensory issues) are: when she gets frustrated, we can redirect her to the trampoline where she can really gets some energy out; she has tried lots of different positions on it and likes to feel the different textures of it (the smooth of the metal, the rough of the trampoline part, and the funny sounding material that covers the bungees); it's something that she can completely control, but that allows her to experience lots of sensory input.Additionally, she has low muscle tone and significant trunk weakness. I'd swear that she's gotten thicker and much more agile in just the couple of weeks we've had the thing. I can't wait for her physical therapist to see her on Tuesday!I know a few people have said that it is difficult to assemble, but I think if you just put on a "patience cap" and maybe listen to some Windham Hill, you'll be just fine.

I wanted the folding trampoline so I could store it out of sight when not in use. Well, no need to fold it up- it is ALWAYS being used. My son loves this, and his friends do too. It's a lot of fun, and is PERFECT for rainy days when they need to burn off some energy. There are only 3 things I don't like:- He is able to lean on the handle (while jumping) in a way that causes the back feet to come up. He's only 2 1/2 and nowhere near the weight limit... so I think that's a poor design.- The assembly is AWFUL. Luckily (thanks to reviews) we knew this. So hubby and I just started a movie and got some cocktails and took our time. I would say it took the two of us about 2 hours. It's entirely because you have to "feed" the bungee cord through the loops, and tighten, tighten, tighten (which requires beginning at the beginning and feeding it through over and over again, until it's tight enough.)- The handle isn't truly "easy to fold". It's screwed in at about 2 1/2 inches up the handle. So if you want to store it under the couch or bed, you have to unscrew this (Obnoxious) and it easily catches on things. I wish the handle had the same folding design as the legs (Simply pull and fold).Otherwise, the price is good. The colors are cheerful. It's a blast. We've had kids 1 1/2- 6 years on this thing and they ALL love it. And bonus- it makes a great "fort" or hiding place with some blankets and imagination. My 2 1/2 year old loves to hide under it.

We gave this trampoline to our 2.5 YO girls for Christmas and they LOVED it!! It is very well made and easily folded to be put away. We like that there is a cover over the bungee that gives the spring so there is no risk of getting their little feet caught in there. It gives them plenty of spring action without being extreme. I did notice that the back side (the side opposite the handles) do come up a bit with one of my girls since she really jumps high. I took the advise of one of the previous reviewers and placed the trampoline against the wall and it was fine with no risk of it flipping over. I can tell that when they get a little older and they stop using the handle, the flipping will become less of an issues as well.Onto set up/putting it together. It is definitely MUCH EASIER with 2 people! The instructions were clear and my husband was able to do everything himself. However, when it came time to put the bungee in, it was much easier to have me help him pull to get the mat centered. I would suggest a pair of gloves when pulling on the bungee, your hands will get chafed (sp?). Outside of that, it was easy to put together. All the pieces fit together easily and nicely.Overall, this is a good buy and safe with parental supervision!

I was very disappointed with this high priced kids trampoline. Previously I purchased an adult round trampoline for less than half the price. This trampoline did not have the handle bar. My todder son, age 2.5, enjoys the trampoline so much, I thought I would get the higher priced model. To my surprise, the higher priced model is not as high a quality as the lower priced adult trampolines. The most important problem is that this trampoline uses a bungy cord to wrap around the inner mat, and not springs. Springs work MUCH better. The bungy cord moves and adjusts, and does not give a good spring action. The handle bar is on one side of the device, and when the child jumps, the other side tends to raise up and when it goes down it pounds on the floor. This can ruin a wood floor, and it can cause a loud sound throughout the house. The frame is very light, and does not appear to be a durable as other frames. Overall, the design looks good, but it is not functional. The manufacturer needs a new design that eliminates the above problems and which uses springs. Perhaps the bar should be centered more, and perhaps some mechanism should be in place for putting a weight on the side opposite the bar to prevent this side from going up and down. Finally, when the trampoline goes up and down, this is dangerous, and the child could topple it over, and hurt himself.