So you’ve decided to get a rebounder (also knows as a mini-trampoline). Now the next question is… Should you get a spring or a bungee rebounder? Is one really better than the other? There are certainly many claims for one or the other.

Some companies claim that bungee cord trampolines are the superior choice. Have you noticed that those are almost always the companies selling the bungee cord mini-trampolines? Others say spring rebounders are the tried and true. Who is right?

With some rational observations, experience and logic, lets attempt to separate fact from fiction in the spring vs bungee rebounder arguments.

Here are some of the pro bungee cord arguments and our observations:

Bungee cord rebounders have more bounce:     Possibly, but with a caveat.

That is true only if you get the most expensive bungee cords. The type of bungee cords that come with less-expensive rebounders don’t really provide that much more bounce compared to a rebounder with good springs. However, comparing the bounce of a high-priced rebounder that has superior bungee cords to a rebounder with cheap springs, the bounce would be greater. Which leads us to the next caveat…

The unsteadiness of the bounce can trigger dizziness and/or loss of balance… and cause a fall. This is a huge safety issue, and it is why handrails for rebounders were invented. Even stepping up on a super-springy rebounder can instantly cause balance issues before the handrail is even grasped!

This is why its important to consider which type of bounce is really best for you and your needs.

Bungee cords last longer than springs:     Not true.

In most cases, they do not. This might only be true if you get the most expensive bungee cords. Even quality bungee cords will need to be replaced every 18 months or so with daily use. Cheaper cords, more often than that. Compare that to good springs, which can last years and even decades.

Steel springs rust or break:     If you purchase a $50.00 mini-trampoline, then yes, they can. Quality springs never rust and rarely break.

Rebounding on springs doesn’t flush the lymphatic system:     Not true.

Rebounding on springs does a great job of flushing the lymphatic system. The balance of gravity and weightlessness is the same on both and both rebounder types stimulate the organs and provide great workouts to the major and minor muscles in the body.

Bungee cord rebounders are be quieter than springs:     Yes, they are practically silent.

Bungee cord rebounders sturdier and more reliable than spring trampolines:     Nope.

Bungee cords can break or tear far easier than springs and hold up less weight. Reliable manufacturers of bungee cords normally disclose on their websites the approximate periods that their bungee cords need to be replaced. The not-so-reliable manufacturers might not mention it, but many anecdotal reports say replacements are needed every 3 to 9 months, depending on the manufacturer. Those costs add up, so they are worth considering in your rebounder purchase.

The jumping experience is different:     Yes.

A quality spring rebounder offers a sturdy, firm bounce that responds to pushing down on the rebounder with your feet and staying low. This is great for working out your quads, glutes and calves (and bringing up your heart rate) while being easy on your muscles and joints.

Quality bungee cord rebounders offer faster, higher bounces allowing you to lift your legs higher, bounce higher and twist and move side to side more. This is also great for working out your body and bringing up your heart rate while being easy on your muscles and joints. Its really a matter of how you like to work out and how you want the jump to feel while you’re working out.

Its not really a battle of one being better than the other. If you’re looking to get fit, tone up, lose weight and detoxify your entire system, both rebounders will help you reach your health and fitness goals.

In our analysis, quality spring rebounders like this one are probably sturdier and more reliable in the long run because the springs won’t need replacing for years. However, if its a lighter, faster, springier jump that you’re after (and you don’t mind the cost and effort of replacing the cords regularly), a bungee cord rebounder is more your style.