When it comes to acrobatic sports, gymnastics, and tricking, the surface you train on can dramatically affect your performance, safety, and overall progress. Whether you're a gym owner, a seasoned tricking enthusiast, or a beginner looking to train at home, it’s important to understand the differences between an AirTrack, a trampoline, and a spring floor.
Each has its unique strengths and choosing the right one depends on your space, discipline, goals, and safety needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each surface, offer a side-by-side comparison, and help you decide what’s best for your training or gym setup.
What is an AirTrack?
An AirTrack is an inflatable gymnastics mat made from durable PVC material. It provides a bouncy, yet firm surface that closely mimics a spring floor, but is portable, lightweight, and easy to store. AirTracks are commonly used by gymnasts, cheerleaders, parkour athletes, and trickers for practicing flips, handsprings, and other aerial movements.
What is a Trampoline?
A trampoline consists of a fabric bed stretched over a frame with springs or elastic cords. It provides high rebound and bounce, making it ideal for aerial awareness, air time, and high-altitude flips. Trampolines are used both recreationally and professionally, particularly in trampoline gymnastics bars and training for extreme sports.
What is a Spring Floor?
A spring floor is a padded surface used in professional gymnastics facilities. Built with layers of foam and spring-loaded panels, it provides an even, consistent rebound across the surface. Spring floors are often found in gyms, schools, and professional competitions.
Comparison Table: AirTrack vs Trampoline vs Spring Floor
Feature | AirTrack | Trampoline | Spring Floor |
Bounce Height | Medium | Very High | Medium-High |
Portability | Excellent (inflatable) | Poor (fixed size) | Poor (permanent setup) |
Setup Time | Fast (2–5 min) | Pre-assembled | Permanent |
Safety for Beginners | High | Medium–Low | High |
Space Needed | Compact | Large | Large |
Cost | £200–£800+ | £300–£1,500+ | £3,000–£10,000 |
Durability | High | Medium–High | Very High |
Best For | Home training, gyms | Air awareness, flips | Competitions, gymnasts |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
AirTrack
Pros:
- Portable and easy to store
- Adjustable pressure for different bounce levels
- Safe for all ages and skill levels
- Great for home use, schools, and travel-friendly gyms
Cons:
- Limited bounce compared to trampolines
- Requires inflation (manual or electric pump)
- Needs a flat surface for stability
Trampoline
Pros:
- High bounce allows extended air time
- Great for building air awareness
- Fun for recreational users
Cons:
- Higher injury risk (especially without enclosure)
- Can promote bad habits if overused
- Not ideal for precise gymnastic skill practice
- Not suitable for small indoor spaces
Spring Floor
Pros:
- Consistent rebound and professional feel
- Excellent for gymnasts and cheerleaders
- Long lifespan when maintained
Cons:
- Expensive and non-portable
- Requires permanent installation
- Not suitable for home use
When Should You Choose Each?
Choose AirTrack if:
- You need a portable training surface
- You're a tricker, cheerleader, or beginner gymnast
- You're training at home or want to carry it between classes
- You need a safe option for kids or beginners
Choose Trampoline if:
- You're working on aerial awareness or rotation mechanics
- You have ample space outdoors or a trampoline pit indoors
- You want a fun training tool to supplement other surfaces
Choose Spring Floor if:
- You run a professional gym or school
- You coach competitive gymnastics or cheer teams
- You require consistent, regulated surfaces for routines
- You're focused on precise technique and high-performance
Infographic: Surface Showdown
Visual Layout Suggestion:
- Top section: Icons showing “Bounce”, “Safety”, “Portability”, “Setup Time”
- Middle: Illustration comparing height of bounce for all three
- Bottom: “Best For” scenarios (home use, pro gyms, tricking, etc.)
Safety Considerations for Each Surface
Training surfaces can reduce or increase injury risks depending on their use. Let’s break down the essentials:
- AirTracks are soft and adjustable, reducing impact injuries. Use indoors or on grass for added safety. Avoid sharp objects nearby.
- Trampolines should have enclosure nets. Supervision and skill progression are key to avoiding injuries.
- Spring floors are safe but demand proper skill progression. Athletes should always warm up and follow technique guidelines.
Read our full guide on training safety and injury prevention for all surfaces.
Which One Is Best for Trickers?
If you're into tricking, combining AirTrack and spring floor often gives the best experience. AirTracks offer ease and portability, while spring floors give solid rebound for advanced combinations. Trampolines can help improve air control but shouldn’t be used as your only training surface.
Shop the Best Gymnastics Equipment
Looking to upgrade your gymnastics training space? They offer premium, durable, and safety-tested equipment designed for gymnasts of all levels. Explore our bestselling products below – perfect for home training, clubs, or schools.
Gymnastics Beams
Train balance and technique with confidence using lightweight, non-slip beams. Ideal for beginners and intermediate gymnasts practicing routines at home.
Gymnastic Bars
Sturdy, adjustable gymnastic bar built for flips, kips, and core strength. Easy to set up and perfect for home or club-level training sessions.
Top Tumbler
Master back handsprings and tumbling skills faster with this essential training aid. Designed for safety, support, and progression in acrobatics.
Promat Crash Mats
Cushion every landing with our high-density crash mats, available in multiple sizes. A must-have for safe tumbling, vaults, and bar dismounts.
Carpet Roll Out Mats
Quick to set up and store, these soft roll-out mats provide excellent floor protection and grip. Great for warm-ups, routines, and mobile studios.
Gymnastic Training Aids
From incline wedges to handstand blocks, their aids are built to support strength, form, and skill-building across all levels of gymnastics.
Which One Should Gym Owners Choose?
Gym owners should evaluate:
- Budget
- Available space
- Target audience (kids, athletes, cheerleaders, acrobats)
- Storage options
For many, the ideal setup includes a spring floor for daily classes, AirTracks for extra flexibility, and a trampoline for special training or fun zones.
See the Best UK Brands & Buying Guide
If you're looking to invest, explore our curated AirTrack Buying Guide for the UK with the top-rated brands, sizes, and inflatable models for home and gym use. We also break down warranties, airtrack accessories, and pump types.
FAQs
Q1: Is an AirTrack safer than a trampoline?
Yes, AirTracks are generally considered safer, especially for beginners. Their lower bounce and shock-absorbing surface reduces the risk of injury compared to trampolines, which can be more hazardous without proper supervision or safety gear.
Q2: Can I use an AirTrack outdoors?
Absolutely. AirTracks can be used outside, provided they’re set on a clean, flat surface—ideally on grass or gym flooring. Just keep them away from sharp objects and direct heat sources to prevent damage.
Q3: What size AirTrack is best for home use?
For most home setups, a length of 3 to 5 metres and a thickness of 10 to 20 cm works well. This size provides enough room for tumbling and flips while still being compact enough to store or move.
Q4: Can I use a trampoline for gymnastics training?
To some extent, yes. Trampolines are great for developing air awareness and control. However, they don’t mimic the takeoff, landings, or surface feel of gymnastics floors. For realistic training, an AirTrack or spring floor is the better choice.
Q5: How long does an AirTrack last?
With proper use and maintenance, AirTrack accessoriescan last 3 to 5 years or more. Keep it clean, dry, and deflated when not in use. Avoid dragging it across rough surfaces to extend its lifespan.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but if you’re looking for a safe, space-saving, and beginner-friendly option, the AirTrack is hard to beat. Trampolines and spring floors both have their place in high-performance and skill-specific training, but they come with higher space, cost, and safety considerations.
🏆 Ready to upgrade your setup?
👉 Check out our UK buying guide for the best AirTracks on the market and ensure you're training on a surface that meets your goals.