This is one of the most common questions asked. Deciding which inflatables to purchase and from which manufacturer is very important. I have used several manufacturers. The biggest lesson I learned was to verify the strength of the company. I purchased all my original inflatables from one company when I first opened. They went out of business six months after I opened. A two year warranty is useless if they close.

Inflatables were started back in 1959. Little has changed since that time. They are pieces of vinyl sewn together with an industrial machine. A good design adds the strength needed for a good lifespan. Most manufactures claim a 5-7 year life span. This is based on the outdoor rental companies. Indoor center operators have learned that a 2-3 year life span is good. The equipment gets a lot more wear and tear in the jump centers. It is important that equipment is inspected daily for damage and tears. Keep a log book on each piece. Small problems are easier to correct than large tears. Repairs are covered in a separate article.

Now that you have a brief history, a basic view of what inflatables to choose is as follows.

Keep designs simple. The fewer amount of seams, the less chance for tears. Keep in mind that designer themes (Disney, Nick, etc) are passing fads and appeal to a small population or age range. The inflatables I sell on my site are the ones I have used and found to last in terms of both durability and popularity. I do not personally use equipment specified only for young ages. I have a large customer base of young kids from 2 years to adults (yes, we host adult events more than you’d think). They all play fine on the same equipment. Parents enjoy being able to play on the equipment with the kids and it is good exercise.

Make sure you budget for extra pieces. If not immediately, you should have the ability to buy one or two extra inflatables within the first year of business. Remember, an inflatable is going to be as good as the seamstress that put it together. A broken thread or seam too close to the edge will give way. Having extra pieces will cover you when one goes down unexpectedly. I assure you, this will not happen at a good time. The average repair time will be 3-6 weeks, if you need to ship it to the manufacturer.

Look at the size of your projected jump arena. The sizes given by manufacturers are usually a little smaller than reality. They do not take into account the swell some pieces have (slides) that cause them to be 1-2 feet wider than stated. Get graph paper and map out your space. Keep in might your building’s height clearance. Make sure you can rearrange the equipment is several locations. Over time, this allows you to make a room look new without adding cost. Some of the manufacturers will help with layout if you provide room dimensions.

Be Patient. Prices vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The business has become very competitive and the designs more imaginative. I have found that patience saves money. When a new design comes out, I wait at least one year before buying. This not only allows cost to come down, but manufacturers will discover the minor flaws or weak points and make corrections.

These points shoud make your decision a little easier and remember choosing which inflatables you purchase is just as important as from which manufacturer you purchase them from.