There is an increasing number of trampoline brands on the market, which makes it easy to become confused when trying to find the right one for your family.
To help narrow the selection process, we’ve created a detailed comparison between two of Australia’s favourite trampoline brands: Vuly and Springfree.
Trampolines used in this comparison
In this article, we’ve compared the following models:
This includes both of Vuly’s springless trampolines along with the equivalent trampoline in the Springfree range.
Size and weight
The table below compares the various size and weight attributes of the three trampolines (size Medium).
| Size & Weight | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| Type | Springless | Springless | Springless |
| Shape | Round | Round | Round |
| Trampoline width | 300cm | 367cm | 380cm |
| Jumping mat width | 250cm | 253cm | 300cm |
| Total height | 282cm | 300cm | 270cm |
| Assembled weight | 106kg | 168.9kg | 96.6kg |
| Max user weight | 150kg | 150kg | 100kg |
While we don’t think it’s worth dwelling too much on these (because choosing a different size from either brand will get you a bigger or smaller trampoline), here are our key takeaways:
1. Jumping mat width vs overall width
Despite the Springfree having a slightly larger overall width, it does have a significantly bigger jumping mat area than the Thunder Pro.
If we divide the jumping mat size by the total overall size we can see the percentage that consists of the jumping surface:
- Vuly Thunder: 83%
- Vuly Thunder Pro: 69%
- Springfree: 79%
All this means is that the Thunder Pro takes up more space than the other two trampolines to get the same amount of jumping surface. This may be a consideration if you have a small backyard.
2. Assembled weight
At almost 170kg, the Vuly Thunder Pro weighs significantly more than the other two models.
We attribute this difference to the extensive lower frame on this trampoline, that covers the area from the jumping surface down to ground level.
While a heavier trampoline is almost always going to feel more sturdy, it also comes with potential tradeoffs relating to assembly and transport.
3. Max user weight
The Vuly trampolines both have a max user weight of 150kg while the Springfree trampoline is 100kg.
Keep in mind that this rating doesn’t relate strictly to the strength of the frame or trampoline. The rating relates to how heavy an individual can be before they risk touching the ground when jumping.
RELATED: Vuly vs Oz Trampolines
Features
Here we take a look at the various safety and construction features of the trampolines to assess whether there are any stand-out differences.
| Features | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| Springless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Edge to edge bouncing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spring type | Leaf | Leaf | Fibreglass rods |
| No contact design | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Superfine mesh | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-closing entry | Yes | Yes | No |
| Full-length entry | No | Yes | No |
| No underside access | No | Yes | No |
| Galvanised steel frame | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Powder-coated steel | No | Yes | Yes |
1. Spring type
It’s clear from looking at the products that the two brands employ different technology in their springs.
Vuly uses leaf springs, which were originally used in vehicle suspension. They have proven themselves to be able to withstand very heavy loads over an extended period.
Springfree uses fibreglass rods which they say are 3 x stronger than steel.
Vuly claims that leaf springs are better because they provide more vertical bounce, which can reduce tension on joints.
They also say that fibreglass rods “may still deteriorate and become unsafe within a few seasons of weather exposure”.
Read the full article here: Spring Free & Springless Trampolines – What You Need to Know
Springfree says their rods are “designed to work in unison, bending inwards as a jumper bounces. The mat movement is negligible and has no effect on jumpers.”
We’re not going to claim to know which of these is better, and as far as we can see there hasn’t been any independent testing comparing the two technologies.
2. Self-closing entry
Vuly trampolines have a self-closing entry which makes it quick and easy for kids to enter and exit the jumping area.
Springfree trampolines have a zippered entry. While this is potentially less convenient, according to Springfree it ensures jumpers cannot fall through the opening.
3. Underside access
A stand-out feature of the Vuly Thunder Pro is that it completely blocks access to underneath the trampoline.
This is a great safety feature that prevents young children from coming into contact with the bottom of the jumping surface while others are jumping.
4. Powder-coated steel frame
All models in this review are made from sturdy and weather-resistant double galvanised steel.
However, the frames on the Thunder Pro and the Springfree are also powder coated.
This provides an extra protective barrier against UV and corrosion.
The powder-coated finish also generally looks a lot more premium than uncoated steel.
Important:
Whichever trampoline you choose, we highly recommend also purchasing an anchor kit, which will secure your trampoline to the ground.
Safety standards
Both brands state that their products pass the Australian trampoline safety standard AS4989:2015.
Vuly’s trampolines also pass the USA standard ASTM F2225 and the Thunder passes Europe standards EN71-1:2014, EN71-2:2011+A1, and EN 71-14:2014.
Warranty
While the Vuly warranties appear reasonable, Springfree is the clear winner here, with a full 10 warranty on all models.
| Warranty | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| Warranty (frame) | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Warranty (jump mat) | 5 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| Warranty (safety net, pads, springs) | 1 Year | 1 Year | 10 Years |
Accessories
Both brands offer a wide range of accessories that you can purchase to add another element of fun to your trampoline.
| Accessories | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| Shade cover | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tent wall | Yes | Yes | No |
| Jumping mat cover | No | No | Yes |
| Basketball hoop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anchor kit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leveller | Yes | Yes | No |
| Water mister | Yes | Yes | No |
One standout accessory that is available only from Vuly is the tent wall.
Combine this with the shade cover and the whole trampoline enclosure can be turned into a tent for backyard camping.
Vuly also offers a levelling kit with their Thunder and Thunder Pro trampolines, so you can set your trampoline up on a slope and retain a flat jumping surface.
On the other hand, only Springfree offers a mat cover to protect the jumping surface while not in use.
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Shipping
Shipping times vary based on where in the country you are located.
While we’ve included this comparison for completeness, we don’t think the differences will sway anyone one way or the other.
| Delivery times | Vuly | Springfree |
| Sydney | 1-6 days | 1-3 days |
| Melbourne | 2-7 days | 1-3 days |
| Brisbane | 1-5 days | 1-3 days |
| Canberra & ACT | 2-5 days | 2-7 days |
| Adelaide & SA | 4-7 days | 2-7 days |
| Hobart & TAS | 7-8 days | 2-7 days |
| Perth & WA | 4-12 days | 2-7 days |
| Darwin & NT | 4-12 days | 2-7 days |
| QLD Other | 1-5 days | 2-7 days |
| NSW Other | 1-6 days | 2-7 days |
| VIC Other | 2-7 days | 2-7 days |
Customer reviews
Vuly and Springfree generally both receive very positive user reviews.
On Product Review the three trampolines have the following ratings (at the time of publishing):
- Vuly Thunder: 4.2 from 399 reviews
- Vuly Ultra: 4.5 from 77 reviews
- Springfree: 4.7 from 834 reviews
Company and manufacturing
| Company and manufacturing | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| Australian owned | Yes | Yes | No |
| Made in | China | China | China |
Vuly was founded in 2007 by Joe Andon, and is based in Brisbane. The company has been at the forefront of global innovations in trampolines for many years.
In addition to trampolines, Vuly makes swing sets, kids’ bikes, and other backyard play equipment.
Springfree was founded by New Zealander Dr Keith Vivian Alexander of Canterbury University.
After noting the three major impact zones on a traditional trampoline (the springs, the steel frame, and the ground), he decided to re-engineer the trampoline to improve its safety.
The first versions of the Springfree trampoline were sold in 2004.
Price
Perhaps the most important factor for many people will be the price.
While we have listed the RRPs of each model below, price comparison between these products is quite difficult due to the fact that Vuly trampolines are often heavily discounted.
| Price | Thunder | Thunder Pro | Springfree |
| RRP ($AUD) | $1,699 | $2,449 | $1,999 |
Visit the Vuly and Springfree websites to check the current prices.
Conclusion
There’s a reason these are two of the most popular trampoline manufacturers in the country.
They both offer innovative design, industry-leading safety features, and a wide range of accessories.
They also both meet the Australian trampoline safety standard AS4989:2015.
You can, however, see that there are a number of minor differences between these trampolines that may sway you one way or the other, such as:
- Leaf springs vs fibreglass rods
- Max user weight
- Warranty period
- Access to underneath the trampoline
- Accessories
- Price
Whichever way you go, you’re sure to end up with a high-quality product that will provide your kids with entertainment for years to come.
FAQ
Are springfree trampolines better?
Springless trampolines offer a range of benefits over traditional trampolines, mostly relating to safety. They reduce the likelihood of jumpers making impact with either springs or the steel frame, as it is located well below the jumping surface.
What are the downsides of springless trampolines?
Springless trampolines are usually much more expensive than traditional trampolines. There are also concerns about them not being as bouncy as traditional trampolines. However, Vuly says their springless Thunder and Thunder Pro are the bounciest trampolines they make.
Featured Image: Vuly
