Bellicon or JumpSport? PROBounce? IBounce?

(Updated 4-18-2016)
Since this post, I have purchased two more bungees from China.
The ibounce hexagon bungee is now my favorite:
http://neverendingplateau.blogspot.com/2016/01/hexagon-bungee.html
The ibounce was ordered from aliexpress
http://neverendingplateau.blogspot.com/2016/01/another-bungee-vendor.html
Ironically it was also the cheapest of my 4 bungee rebounders!

I also love my 48 inch PROBounce because it has a bounce similar to the 44 inch 550 but is even lower besides wider.

There were a couple of legs which loosened often on both models but have been reinforced with duct tape and no longer loosen or make noise.  I also reinforced their frames with duct tape.

Buying an expensive Bellicon does not guaranteed no weird noises:
https://youtu.be/ZZ2g7fdvjB4
(This one sounds much worse than my PROBounce!)
It is true the guy was going for a more ballistic healthbounce with cushions underneath the Bellicon

I have read complaints that the Bellicons with screw on legs can make more noise than their folding leg option (or is it the other way round?  LOL)

There is no doubt that a bungee rebounder is way less jarring than a spring rebounder as well as quieter.  The obvious choice for most people has been a Bellicon bungee but the Bellicon is quite confusing as far as frame size and cord tension for the size of its user and use intention.  In fact, I had one in my cart ready to order but changed my mind because of my foot and ankle problems which need a firmer and more stable bouncing surface.

Here Arnita is using a 39 inch frame with possibly Ultra strong bungees which were probably the wrong combination for her size:


Remy used a 44 inch frame and Strong bungee tension which probably were not the right combination for his size either in this youtube video.  He looked like he was struggling to keep his balance and the mat looked close to hitting the ground a few times.


I do not think either Arnita or Remy made the right choices but Different Strokes for Different Folks and Bellicon does have a chart to help determine which bungee strength may be best for the individual user.  Some people order an extra set in another tension to try.  Some like the slower bounce with looser tension like Remy and some the faster like Arnita.  However, what feels better can be deceiving down the road if a new condition like Plantar Fasciitis developes.  Also the GForce needed for the most efficient lymph pumping may be better with something in the middle of the very loose and very firm tensions.

Then there is the Jumpsport Fitness Trampoline with its various mats, frame sizes and cords.  Here's a video showing the bounce of each model:


Most models have 30 cords except their PRO models have 36 which increases the mat tension.  All except the 500 series are 39 inch frames.   The 500 series have 44 inch frames. Most of their higher end models have adjustable cords.  The petal mat costs more than the skirt mat but I actually prefer the skirt mat because the petals make a noise.
The JumpSport Fitness Trampoline has a much better warranty on its bungees as well as a lifetime warranty for its frame and costs a bit less than the Bellicon models.

(I have removed price comparisons because they vary)


Here I am on my 44 inch JS 550F PRO in my basement with a low ceiling

I am very glad I listened to my feet and went for the 44 inch JS550F PRO instead of a 49 inch Bellicon.  Besides saving money, I can probably do more on my 550 in my basement with a low ceiling than any Bellicon size and cord tension combination because the Bellicon frame is higher.  In a weird way, my Plantar Fasciitis was a blessing.

ETA July 2015:  I am still bouncing daily and happily barefooted on my JumpSport 550 with no Plantar Fasciitis flares and am convinced it was MY best choice.
I no longer discuss the pros and cons of which bungee to get on public forums because the Bellicon fans are usually very condescending, assuming the more they paid, the better their choice.  Keep an open mind and really investigate which bungee would be best for your own personal circumstances, financially and physically.

ETA: since this post I found 2 cheaper and larger bungees I like even more!
You can find my demonstrations of the 44 inch JS550, 48inch PROBounce, and 50 inch hexagon ibounce in several places online.
Check my dailymotion and youtube playlists in my favorite links to the right or

http://www.dailymotion.com/playlist/x2y2bu_POMBarb_bouncing-barb/1#video=x37asf2

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1XWdZohmbnG4HnL1BD4kDRzZQh1YWd7w

(Note: DailyMotion allows better music)

Choosing a Jumpsport Bungee

Bungee rebounders are much better than spring models which feel like concrete by comparison.  However, they are also quite expensive.  Bellicons tend to cost twice as much as Jumpsports.  You can adjust to whatever model you do decide to purchase as far as price, cord tension, and mat size.

If you want a bungee and have less cash, the cheapest Jumpsport Fitness Trampoline will cost ~$200.  Around Christmas, these were greatly reduced on Amazon.  Otherwise, you may want to try Costco's 350 which is returnable.

All of the Jumpsport 200's and 300's models have the same smaller mat diameter and have a bungee tension similar to the lighter Bellicon cords.  Their petal mat does not truly extend the jumping space as advertised unless you are wearing shoes.  The petals are noisier and distracting so save money and choose a skirt mat style.  

The Jumpsport 550 has 4 more inches of space and a much firmer cord tension than the other Jumpsports.   I have watched videos of the largest 49 inch Bellicon in action and can do all of the moves I have seen so size becomes less important than cord tension IMHO.   For me, my bare feet prefer the firmer tension because it is easier to stay balanced, stressing my feet less and enabling me to workout longer. I also can do more variety in movements on the 550 with the firmer tension, quicker bounce, and slightly larger diameter.   If I want to bounce on my 370, I now have to wear shoes to avoid stressing my feet.  Lighter tension Bellicon cords may have the same issues especially with larger mats.  Also the 550 is great because I use it in a basement with a low ceiling and its legs are shorter.

Though a lighter tension may seem to feel better if you can actually try both, it may not necessarily be better for your feet or lymphatic system.  A lighter tension may enable fun healthbouncing but a tighter tension will flush lymph better. Your weight can greatly affect which cord tension would be best for you too.

I do suggest that if you are getting a larger Bellicon mat to choose the next higher cord tension to reduce coning.  There is a chart on the Bellicon site suggesting cord tensions.

http://www.bellicon-usa.com/shop/buy-accessories/bungee-cord-sets-990.html

There are videos on youtube demonstrating moves on different Bellicon models.

Here's my playlists showing my 550 in action:

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1XWdZohmbnFSByBJxDpeBZwTuNYdX0ri&feature=mh_lolz

DailyMotion

http://www.dailymotion.com/playlist/x2y2bu_POMBarb_bouncing-barb/1#video=x1yrnod

You can decide which tension and size best suit your own needs and bankroll.

ETA: There is a new kid in town!
My 370 frame now wears a 370 PRO mat and I really like it!
Now it is an even a harder decision whether to spend the extra cash for a 550 PRO because I believe a 350 Pro would have satisfied me.  The extra couple of inches are nice but not necessary if money is tight.  The extra 6 cords come with a differently designed mat making it feel larger.  The 370 petals are smaller and quieter too but I know I like my 550 skirt mat so do not think the petal mat is worth the extra bucks.
Bottomline, if you want a fast firm bounce and money is tight, get the 350 Pro.
(Note: Plantar Fasciitis feels better with a firmer mat)

ETA: I really like the PROBounce 48 inch model which is now $350 (pre-order was just $250).  The Bellicon starts at $700 for 49 inches and no longer charges extra for shipping.  There is no 48 inch Jumpsport and their 44 inch 550 no longer has a discount through Costco so is ~$500.