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As cost-cutting measures become important parts of our shopping experience, we may see refurbished, used, or second-hand rebounders for sale on various websites online (Ebay, Craigslist, Amazon). In principal, there isn’t a problem with buying something used, but the issue with a rebounder is, just like a used car, you want it to be something that will save you money in the long term.
If you purchase a used rebounder that looks good but has been used extensively, or in the case of a bungee rebounder, has been sitting around for a while (bungee cords stiffen and can become brittle even without use), the springs or bungees may not last very long, and because you don’t know the history, it becomes a risky endeavor.
What we recommend is that if you are indeed going to purchase a used rebounder online, that you first see if you can buy replacement parts for it online from the original manufacturer – don’t try to fit third party parts onto a different frame, as the results can be disastrous. The springs and mat and frame must be taut and work in perfect unison – even an inch here and there can have horrible outcomes.
If you are able to find parts readily available, consider purchasing a used rebounder primarily for the frame (assuming it’s in good condition) and the legs, and possibly the mat – then expect to replace pretty much everything else, and in a good situation, you will have an almost-new rebounder. This, of course, depends on the quality of the original product. Needak rebounders, for example, have high-gauge steel frames which, in most cases, last a lifetime. And so if it is in good condition with no rust, you are likely to be able to enjoy a nearly brand new rebounder if you refurbish all the necessary parts.
In most cases, however, given the longevity of a high quality rebounder, as long as the price point is affordable, buying a brand new one is probably a better investment, as you don’t have to go through the trouble of rebuilding anything or researching anything – just buy it and start hopping on. Also, one benefit of a brand new rebounder is you get the full backing of a manufacturer warranty, which in the case of Needak, protects you for years on some components, and a lifetime on others (including the frame).
If you purchase a used rebounder that looks good but has been used extensively, or in the case of a bungee rebounder, has been sitting around for a while (bungee cords stiffen and can become brittle even without use), the springs or bungees may not last very long, and because you don’t know the history, it becomes a risky endeavor.
What we recommend is that if you are indeed going to purchase a used rebounder online, that you first see if you can buy replacement parts for it online from the original manufacturer – don’t try to fit third party parts onto a different frame, as the results can be disastrous. The springs and mat and frame must be taut and work in perfect unison – even an inch here and there can have horrible outcomes.
If you are able to find parts readily available, consider purchasing a used rebounder primarily for the frame (assuming it’s in good condition) and the legs, and possibly the mat – then expect to replace pretty much everything else, and in a good situation, you will have an almost-new rebounder. This, of course, depends on the quality of the original product. Needak rebounders, for example, have high-gauge steel frames which, in most cases, last a lifetime. And so if it is in good condition with no rust, you are likely to be able to enjoy a nearly brand new rebounder if you refurbish all the necessary parts.
In most cases, however, given the longevity of a high quality rebounder, as long as the price point is affordable, buying a brand new one is probably a better investment, as you don’t have to go through the trouble of rebuilding anything or researching anything – just buy it and start hopping on. Also, one benefit of a brand new rebounder is you get the full backing of a manufacturer warranty, which in the case of Needak, protects you for years on some components, and a lifetime on others (including the frame).
