Buying Guide for the Best Air Track For Tumbling
Buying an air track for tumbling can really boost your practice by giving you a safe and cushioned surface for gymnastics, cheerleading, or other acrobatics. Making the right choice depends on your skill level, available space, and what moves you want to work on. Before buying, think about where you’ll use it (like indoors or outdoors), how easy it should be to move and store, and how much support or bounce you need. Comparing the different features will help you pick an air track that's both safe and suitable for your routines.LengthThe length of an air track determines how many skills or combinations you can practice in a row. Air tracks generally range from around 3 meters (10 feet) up to 8 meters (26 feet) or even longer. Shorter tracks are easier to set up and store, making them better for limited indoor spaces or for younger gymnasts who only need to practice basic moves. Longer tracks give more room for running starts and advanced tumbling passes, which is ideal for higher-level athletes or outdoor use. To pick the best length, consider what tricks you want to do, how much space you have, and whether it needs to fit in a room or can be left outside.
ThicknessThickness affects how much cushioning the air track offers. Common options include 10 cm (4 inches), 15 cm (6 inches), and 20 cm (8 inches). Thinner tracks are firmer and closer to the ground, which some athletes prefer for stability and basic skills. Thicker tracks provide more softness and bounce, which is safer for higher-impact tricks and helps protect joints when landing. If you’re a beginner or practicing lower jumps, a thinner version might work well. If you’re advanced or doing big flips, go for more thickness to stay safe.
WidthWidth influences the usable area of your air track and how safe it is for off-center landings. Most air tracks are around 1 meter (3 feet) wide, but some models are wider. A wider air track offers extra space so you don’t fall off the edge easily, which is especially helpful for new learners and kids. If you plan to use the track for group activities or want more freedom during complex moves, choose a wider one. For solo, precise practice and limited space, standard width often works well.
Material Quality and DurabilityThe type of material and how it's put together influences how durable your air track is and how long it will last. High-quality PVC is common, and double-walled fabrics can make the track more resistant to punctures and leaks. A sturdier, well-made air track is more reliable and safe for repeated use, especially if lots of people will use it or it will be moved often. If you plan to use it outdoors, check that the material is resistant to UV rays and water. To decide what durability level you need, think about how often, how intensely, and where you’ll be using it.
Air Pressure AdjustabilityBeing able to adjust the air pressure lets you change how firm or bouncy the surface feels. Higher air pressure makes the track harder and faster, which can help advanced users and tumbles that need quick rebounds. Lower pressure makes it softer, adding comfort and making landings gentler for beginners or younger users. This feature is important because it allows the air track to suit different skill levels and activities. When picking, consider if you want this flexibility for various exercises and who will be using the track most often.
Portability and StoragePortability is about how easy it is to move or store the air track when not in use. Some air tracks are lightweight and roll up compactly, while others are heavier and bulkier. If you need to take the track to the gym, school, or a friend’s house, look for one that is simple to deflate, transport, and pack away. Also consider how it will fit in your car or storage space at home. Your intended use should guide you here: frequent movers need a lighter, easily packed option, while those leaving it set up most of the time can go for something sturdier.
Pump TypeThe pump inflates the air track, and they can be manual or electric. Electric pumps are much quicker and make set-up easy, which is helpful if you’ll inflate and deflate the track regularly. Manual pumps don’t need power, but they take more effort and time, which could be a drawback for larger or thicker tracks. Choose the pump style that matches your routine: for quick set-up and breakdown, pick electric; if you’re rarely moving the track or don’t have power access, a manual pump may suffice.