Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline Review – Is it worth it?

Mini trampolines have been around for many years. Most of us know them as rebounders, although I have a fitness expert friend who tells me that mini trampolines are not one and the same with rebounders. To put it in very simple words, he says that rebounders are more portable or smaller than mini trampolines.

Regardless of this difference, both can be very fun ways to burn calories while also enhancing core stability and strengthening of the leg muscles. It is one of the most frequently used equipment in modern gyms. I cannot blame you if you also want to have one at home. However, do understand that high-end rebounders can cost you anywhere between $400 and $600. For most of us, this is a rather expensive equipment.

But, don’t fret yet. I’ve found a mini trampoline that fits right in your budget while also giving you modest results in your rebounding activities. I invite you to read my review of the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline, a good device for absolute beginners and budget conscious folks.

Overview of the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline

The Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline is an affordable rebounder for indoor use. It boasts of good quality construction that utilises a unique hexagonal frame design. The trampoline surface is wide enough to accommodate up to 4 individuals, although their combined weight should not be more than 180 kilogrammes.

It has one of the widest trampoline surfaces on the market. Most portable rebounders come with an average trampoline surface area of about 90 to 103 centimetres. The Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline bests this stat with a 134-centimetre width.

Very affordable price and ample space to bounce on

At less than A$100, it is not surprising that people are questioning the mini trampoline’s quality. It has a steel frame construction; although the actual gauge of the steel is quite difficult to ascertain. The material used in the design of the trampoline mat is a cross between canvas and nylon. It is possible that the rebounding mat is a combination of these two materials.

The Mini Trampoline from Smart Healthcare also features a pogo stick-like stability bar. It is different from conventional guardrails that run across the equipment. The grips come with full padding, nonetheless, for optimum grip and comfort. It is also easy to adjust to accommodate the current user’s height.

Connecting the mat to the frame are 60 resistance bands, 10 on each side of the mini trampoline. These are not the heavy-duty springs that you see in high-end mini trampolines. However, they provide enough elasticity and resilience to propel you higher in each bounce.

A Closer Look at the Features of the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline

Good and Stable Hexagonal Frame Construction

The Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline comes with an adequate steel frame construction that follows a hexagonal design. This is quite different from the more conventional circular shapes that we see in gyms and in homes.

The first time I used the Smart Healthcare, I noticed a couple of things that were quite unusual. First, I had a more controlled take-off and landing without me having to correct my position before every bounce. Second, I also felt that the bounce is sturdier than other shapes of trampoline frames. I am not sure if this has something to do with the shape of the frame or something else.

I also tried looking for information as to the gauge of the steel used in the construction of the mini trampoline. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any.

This is one of the most important considerations whenever buying a mini trampoline. We need to be certain about the strength of durability of the steel frame. We can only base this on the grading or gauging of the steel.

Sadly, I could not find any data as to the gauge of steel that Smart Healthcare used in its mini trampoline. All I know is that the construction seems strong enough that it can accommodate the combined weight of me and a friend.

This contraption has a user weight rating of 180 kilogrammes. I was surprised to learn that it can take this much weight considering that it only costs less than a hundred Australian dollars. If it can take up this much weight, then there should be no questions about the strength of its frame.

There are six steel legs that support the hexagonal frame of the mini trampoline. These legs connect to the 6 joints that make up the frame’s shape. At the tip of each leg is a rubber pad to help prevent skidding. I think this is now a standard feature in almost any other device or equipment we bring home.

Wide Trampoline Mat Surface Area

In addition to the unique hexagonal frame design of the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline, there is another feature that surprised me a bit. This equipment comes with a wide trampoline surface area of 134 centimetres.

I have seen fitness rebounders that had larger surface areas, of course. But given the fact that the average size of rebounders in Australia is only about 90 to 103 centimetres, then I can say that the Smart Healthcare Rebounder is exceptional.

There’s one good reason why I think people will love the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline. Its large bouncing surface area means you have a much safer workout. Having a larger surface area under your feet can give you that sense of security during workouts. For me it does.

My only lament is that I couldn’t get any information as to the exact material used on the trampoline mat. I am pretty certain that it is not polypropylene or Permatron. These materials are far too expensive for the current price of the Smart Healthcare. It does feel like a cross between nylon and canvas, although I cannot be 100% certain.

It is very important for me to know what kind of material manufacturers put into the construction of their products. In the case of this trampoline, the issue is safety. I don’t want to be rebounding on the platform only for me to suffer broken bones and bruises if ever the material is not strong or durable enough.

However, given that this mini trampoline has a weight limit of 180 kilogrammes, I would like to believe that its mat material is tough.

Resistance Band System of Mat-to-Frame Attachment

Most of the mini trampolines I have tried at the gym feature heavy-duty springs as a means to connect the trampoline mat to the frame. I have also tried jumping on a bungee cord-type of system.

I was surprised to see that the Smart Healthcare rebounder doesn’t feature either system. Instead, it uses what the company calls “resistance bands”. They do look a lot like the resistance bands that we use in the gym.

Each of the six sides of the frame comes with 10 resistance bands. As such, each corner doesn’t have an attachment point, unlike a circular frame that features a series of bands or springs forming the circumference. The design of the bands gives it enough flex and help you bounce a little higher. It’s also great for reducing stress on the joints of the ankles and knees.

T-Bar Type of Stability Bar

Compared to other low impact fitness rebounders, the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline features a T-bar type of Stability Bar. It looks more like a pogo stick smacked on one side of the mini trampoline.

This is a removable feature, so you can always take it off in case you want unrestricted use of the trampoline. The stability bar is adjustable, too. It means you can either make it taller or shorter depending on who is on the platform.

The handlebars come with padded grips so you will not feel strain on the hands. Unfortunately, I find its construction to be a bit off. It was wobbly at best and did not give me the feeling of security that traditional stability bars do. As such, I ended up using the mini trampoline without the stability bar.

Pro and Cons

Should You Buy It?

There are a lot of things that are left to be desired about the Smart Healthcare Mini Trampoline. While it does provide a good platform for newbies, it may not be able to withstand the high-paced activities of seasoned fitness buffs. Its greatest draw, without a doubt, is its price. With a modest design and construction, it is a great mini trampoline for beginners.