Best Airtrack mats reviewed and 7 ways to use them
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Perhaps a completely new concept for some, but for many it has become a new “way of life”: the AirTrack mast.
Maybe you want to read more about it, and I have collected a lot of background information about this new kind of mats for you.
But, maybe you have already seen one, you already know quite a bit more about it and you just want to know how to choose one.
For beginners and people who are a bit further in their choice, I have gathered all this information in this complete guide.
What is important about one AirTrack? Well, not only the type of sport is important, age, weight and your level also play a role in choosing the right one AirTrack mast.
I'll start right away with my favorite, because that's why this VidaXL Airtrack. For a good price, it offers quality, but is also great for recreational use at home. If your children are not professional athletes, they can easily practice tricks and even learn gymnastics in a playful way.
Here you can see what you can do with relatively little space in your home or garden:
Ok, if you are really going for serious exercise, I would advise you to purchase a thicker mat, such as the one from AirTrack Factory, because they have more room to play with pressure.
But more about that later, I will discuss:
- the 5 best mats in different situations,
- how to choose one that suits you
- which sports and exercises you can use them all for
First the top 5 choices:
Overall best AirTrack
The mat can also function well in the garden, for the children or for athletes who enjoy exercising in the open air.
Type AirTrack food | Images |
---|---|
Dear tall AirTrack 5 meter: Fbsport Airtrack Gymnastics Mat | (view more images) |
Excellent Airtrack for home outside in the garden: AirTrack Factory Airfloor | (view more images) |
Excellent AirTrack mini: Airspot Airtrack Pro 100cm | (view more images) |
best cheap AirTrack for children: 3TOX Yoga mat | (view more images) |
Dear fat one Air track for gymnastics and flips: Pre-gymnastic Gympro 8 inches | (view more images) |
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Buy at Bol.comWhat we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 What is an AirTrack mat?
- 2 Why an AirTrack and not a different kind of training mat?
- 3 Top 5 best AirTrack mats reviewed
- 3.1 VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters
- 3.2 Best long AirTrack 5 meters: Fbsport Airtrack Gymnastics Mat
- 3.3 Best airtrack for home outside in the garden: AirTrack Factory Airfloor
- 3.4 Best AirTrack mini: Airspot Airtrack Pro 100cm
- 3.5 Best Cheap AirTrack for Kids: 3TOX Yoga Mat
- 3.6 Best Thick Airtrack For Gymnastics And Flips: Pregymnastic Gympro 8 Inch
- 4 Variants of the AirTrack and accessories
- 5 Frequently asked questions about AirTrack mats
- 5.1 What is the difference between the traditional tumbling tracks and the AirTracks?
- 5.2 Is the AirTrack mat safe?
- 5.3 Which air pressure in the AirTrack is best to use?
- 5.4 How long does it take to inflate an AirTrack?
- 5.5 What thickness of mat should I buy?
- 5.6 What is the weight limit of an AirTrack?
- 5.7 Can you use an AirTrack outside?
- 5.8 How do you store an AirTrack?
- 5.9 How does quality control work at AirTracks?
- 5.10 Do AirTrack Factory products comply with European REACH regulations?
- 5.11 What else do you have to take into account with an AirTrack?
- 5.12 How can I protect the valves?
- 6 Conclusion
What is an AirTrack mat?
The AirTrack is a training mat that combines the benefits of a trampoline, bouncy castle, jumping floor and landing mat in one. This mat can be used for gymnastics, parkour, cheerleading, tricking, kung-fu and even physiotherapy and is suitable for different levels of sports because you can play with the air pressure.
Why an AirTrack and not a different kind of training mat?
The AirTrack is an inflatable mat that is used by gymnasts, athletes and children during their exercises.
It is so versatile because it is so safe, a thick soft plastic layer and only filled with air.
The advantage of such a mat is that you can set the hardness of the mat yourself, precisely because you can play with the air pressure, and this is unique in the world of practice mats.
And why you see them both for small children on their first roll and with professional gymnasts.
Quality of AirTrack mats
These types of mats are made of a high quality, sturdy plastic (the same plastic that is used for inflatable boats or the Stand Up Paddleboards) and the construction makes it very safe to use and durable.
The mats have a light to very large suspension, so that exercises can be done safely and you can make considerable air jumps on certain mats.
How long do airtracks last?
Airtracks last an average of 10 years with normal use. The service life really depends on how and in what frequency the product is used. Some Airtracks can last up to 12 years or more with careful use!
Versatile and portable
Once inflated, all mats can be placed anywhere. The mat is not connected to a pump that must continuously blow air into it.
So it makes no noise during use and you can use the mat anywhere. The seams of the mat are made so well that air loss during use is nil.
The AirTracks are made in such a way that you can play with the thickness and pressure, which makes them incredibly resilient and safe to land on or firm and fast as a jumping floor.
They are airtight, completely silent, lightweight (generally they weigh 3kg per square meter), flat, very small in storage (one AirTrack of 15 meters fits in any car when not inflated) and even the installation is extremely fast.
Lees meer: how can you blow up an airtrack?
Better for the body
The benefits of practice on an AirTrack mat are both physical and psychological. Your joints are less stressed because the shock is absorbed by the mat.
In addition, you can make higher jumps faster and a somersault will succeed faster, especially if you inflate it a bit more gently for more suspension.
For flexibility and self-confidence
And you can imagine that if you can do better tricks with less pain to your body, you will automatically enjoy it more.
Children who are afraid of falling are likely to dare to exercise if the fall does not hurt. Good for a child's flexibility and confidence!
4 inch vs 8 inch (10cm vs 20cm thick) airtrack
Gymnasts need to be comfortable and confident on their mat if they want to train at a higher level. Soft mats, such as the 4-inch ones, can offer more forgiveness and are better for play compared to the 8- or 12-inch airtracks, which are better for gymnastics training exercises such as flips and jumps.
AirTrack vs Trampoline
Trampolines are also a fun activity for children, but a limitation for advanced tricks and movements where you want to practice precision and balance.
Trampolines are designed to be able to jump high and possibly do tricks in the air where AirTracks are designed to facilitate exercises on the ground.
This is of course not advantageous when top athletes want to perform jumps and tricks that involve high jumps.
The trampoline is therefore more aimed at kids and teenagers who want to jump purely for fun, with average physical abilities.
This is still a large market, by the way.
However, one AirTrack a solution when you are looking for more options in activities and tricks and want to attract an even wider audience: namely also the training athlete.
And we're talking about cheerleaders, acrobats, martial arts athletes, gymnasts, circus performers and so on.
With the different mats on offer, you can really choose the mat that is right for you. It is really different from a trampoline.
Even if you can do a somersault on it, not everyone is able to do it well…
Top 5 best AirTrack mats reviewed
VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters
- Perfect size for enough exercises
- Great price quality ratio
- Inflation pump is not great
-
From: 3 years
-
Best: 4 – 16 years
-
Up to: 99 years
- Material: Plastic, PVC
- Play mode: Cooperative
- Dimensions: 300 x 100 x 10 cm (118.11 x 39.37 x 3.94 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €261,30 – $210.12
- Durability: None
- Theme: Sports and outdoor toys, Play mat
- Storage: Inflatable
- Safety parts: Soft material
- Playtime: Extended (30+ min)
- Intensity: Energetic
The Gymnastics Mat AirTrack is a handy mat for home use because it has smaller dimensions than the other two in the table.
The mat can also function well in the garden, for the children or for athletes who enjoy exercising in the open air.
This AirTrack mat is 3 meters (300 x 100 x 10 cm) in size and weighs 11 kg. Ideal for athletes, but also for children to play at home or in the garden.
Made from Double Wall Fabric PVC. Sturdy and water resistant.
With this mat you have enough space to train or play on your own, but you can also use it with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
You can adjust the air pressure depending on the number of people going on it at the same time. The AirTrack can even be used in the water!
Best long AirTrack 5 meters: Fbsport Airtrack Gymnastics Mat
The Fbsport Air track Gymnastics mat is one that can be ordered in various colors, as well as in different lengths, and this extra long mat in particular is very interesting.
You can go for a large mat if it is for example for a gym, gym or for a martial arts academy.
A smaller mat is useful for at home or when not many athletes will be training on the floor at the same time.
This mat is available in various lengths. The mat in the picture is 400 cm long, 1 meter wide and 10 cm high.
The color options are black, blue, purple, light green, pink, and white blue. The PVC layer is 0.9 mm thick, for improved airtightness and durability.
Check prices and availability hereBest airtrack for home outside in the garden: AirTrack Factory Airfloor
The AirTrack Factory original AirFloor is good to start with but also very suitable for professionals. Here's where it all started.
For serious athletes it is a big one AirTrack a lot more suitable, and this is because you can play more with the air pressure.
Good quality due to sturdy materials
By high quality we mean their Double Wall Fabric (DWF) for the perfect bounce, consisting of 2 layers of coated vinyl with thousands of threads connecting the two layers (80.000 per M2!).
This DWF is specifically designed for athletic training - it's called SportsDWF.
Also makes AirTrack Factory uses a specific technique that prevents leakage of the mats. Every detail has really been thought about.
Airtracks are made from strong, premium industrial materials derived from inflatable boat manufacturing.
The valves, Velcro and other materials are also of the highest quality.
All products are handmade by industry professionals and undergo strict quality control.
You will find that for different types of exercises, especially if you are starting something new, you will benefit from starting with a low pressure.
This way, new exercises allow you to get used to the slow, soft bounce and landing at low pressure, while the advanced athletes can bounce firmer with higher pressure.
This AirFloor is perfect for all floor exercises and tumbling passes, for both indoor and outdoor use.
Easy to carry and set up, foot pump included. This mat has dimensions of: 110 x 35 x 20cm.
The AirFloor of AirTrack can be used both indoors and outdoors: you can even use it for gymnastics in the garden or on the beach without any problems.
The air pressure is individually adjustable so that you can decide how you want to train.
The AirFloor of AirTrack is simple and, above all, quickly constructed. The foot pump is included and with this you have the AirTrack inflated in no time.
Also nice, the mat is very portable and can therefore be taken anywhere!
Check the latest prices hereHere you will find even more beautiful materials for gymnastics at home reviewed!
Best AirTrack mini: Airspot Airtrack Pro 100cm
The AirSpot is a round version of the Airtrack, a type of inflatable gymnastics mat, which can be used as a jumping mat.
Thanks to the round shape you can use the AirSpot (mini Airtrack) in many different ways and is very versatile.
It offers the opportunity to be creative, even in small spaces.
The soft and resilient AirSpots motivate children to move and jump freely. Coordination and balance are therefore greatly improved.
The handy size of the AirSpot makes it easy to transport and use on the go!
The Air track Pro AirSpot is great for tricks, flipping, balancing and many other gymnastics tricks.
The Airspot is essentially a mini AirTrack, here's how to set one up and what you can do with it:
This air-filled mat reduces the impact when landing, which ensures safe and fun practice, such as in your living room.
With the AirSpot mini Airtrack you can safely practice jumps and gymnastics tricks anywhere!
Check prices and availability hereBest Cheap AirTrack for Kids: 3TOX Yoga Mat
Just like FBSport, 3TOX also comes from the SUP world, that is the world of Stand Up Paddleboards, one of the newest water sports with an inflatable, yes actually water mat.
It is therefore not surprising that a number of these brands have developed technology that has outlived its lifespan AirTrack, take to these mats.
And because of their current infrastructure, they can produce a lot cheaper.
The 3TOX mat, which they describe as a Yoga mat, is perfectly suitable for all your needs AirTrack exercises and is one of the cheapest on the market.
Check the latest prices hereBest Thick Airtrack For Gymnastics And Flips: Pregymnastic Gympro 8 Inch
If you want to perform serious gymnastics and flips, then you need a thicker one Airtrack necessary. This Gympro is perfect for real gymnasts and is no less than 8 inches thick (20cm!).
PreGymnastic Air Tumbling Mats are made of durable and eco-friendly 1000D trap material (known as double wall PVC material) 1.2mm super thick fiber core while others are 0.9mm thick.
This type of high quality mat is more expensive than the machine made one, yet it can be recycled to a limited extent after use as it cannot be remelted for production like other mats on the market now!
Check prices and availability hereVariants of the AirTrack and accessories
The product range of AirTracks for home use is made of just as good quality as the AirTracks that are mainly used by the professional athletes.
But there are also a fair number of variants and accessories available to make it easier to meet your specific training needs.
We will list the options below for you, so that you can properly understand the difference between the mats and immediately see which mat best suits your situation.
For any other names of the AirTrack mat, they are silent, the pressure can be regulated and inflation takes place in no time. Also, they are all portable and small in storage.
- Airboard: This AirBoard here can be used as a springboard and is lightweight, easy to set up and move. The size is 100 x 40 x 10 cm.
- AirBlock: This one has more resilience than the AirBoard and is also lightweight. With the Velcro connections it can easily be attached to a gym floor or the AirFloor 3 x 1 m. The size of this mat is 100 x 40 x 20 cm.
- AirTrick: This AirTrick is the first floor specially designed for tricking and freerunning. The thick and wide surface generates a bounce like no other floor and is ideal for both beginner and advanced movements. The AirTrick is perfect for large groups and free movement. Everyone, young or old, recreational or professional will love the AirTrick! World famous athletes use the AirTrick and show that you can become a pro by training on the AirTrick. This mat is suitable for any smooth floor and is available in 20 or 30 cm thickness.
- Airbase: Thanks to the 10 cm wide and 2,5 mm thick centerline, gymnasts feel on an AirBeam like this one the edge of the beam so they can safely focus on their landings. The mat is 10 cm thick and can be placed on any floor.
- Training Set - Home Edition: Perfect for those who want to improve their skills at home, in the safest way possible. This complete set contains a combination of 3 multi-purpose mats that can be used in endless ways. Each set comes with Velcro and connecting sheets. Usage the Air Boards and the AirBlock to create extra height.
- airroll: This Airroll is a round inflatable bag that can be a good training aid for gymnastics exercises such as a flikflak, but also comes in handy for many yoga poses.
The AirTracks and AirTricks are adjustable in shape and size. Connect multiple tracks for different setups and possibilities!
Other names for Airtrack, but what they actually mean is the standard long mat:
- Inflatable Gymnastics Mat
- jumping floor
- Air floor
- Airtumbling track
Frequently asked questions about AirTrack mats
What is the difference between the traditional tumbling tracks and the AirTracks?
AirTrack mats have their history in traditional gymnastics and tumbling gyms.
Because these mats are filled with air, this leads to a reduction of injuries during training and flexibility in setups and placement around the gym.
The AirTrack mat for a faster transition to the 'jumping floor' due to the similarities in technique and timing, as opposed to the slower techniques that tumbling trampolines require.
The AirTracks are airtight and you don't need an expensive, big, noisy blower.
A small hand-held fan is enough to blow up even the largest AirTracks within four minutes.
In addition, the new generation of AirTracks has only 60% of the weight compared to the old tumbling tracks.
Is the AirTrack mat safe?
When you use the AirTrack you don't have to worry about unsafe and hard landings.
You can safely practice your artistic skills on this mat. If your jump or trick doesn't go as expected, the AirTrack you are guaranteed that you can prevent painful falls.
Which air pressure in the AirTrack is best to use?
This depends entirely on the product, the sport, the skill level and the weight of the users.
It is advised to always use enough pressure not to wear out and refill the mat for each new workout.
Always refer to the owner's manual for recommended pressure levels.
Incidentally, a mat cannot be damaged if it is 'too much pressure'. The extreme pressure that would be required to break a mat is unfeasible with the pump included in the package.
Moreover, AirFactory's products last a very long time, but in any case assume a lifespan of more than 7 years.
This of course also depends on how the mats are used and how frequently they are trained.
All products are guaranteed for two years.
It covers the following: manufacturing defects, non-use damage to all parts, including seams and surface.
How long does it take to inflate an AirTrack?
4 minutes. Within 4 minutes you can... Air track of almost all brands with even a small electric hand pump.
What thickness of mat should I buy?
The standard sizes for AirTracks are 10cm, 20cm or 35cm. 35cm mats are popular for power tumbling and trampoline parks, but you won't be buying them for at home or even in the gym.
For home use, the choice will then be between 10- or 20cm where 10cm is comparable to the standard mats for gymnastics at school and will in most cases be sufficient for beginners.
What is the weight limit of an AirTrack?
Because there is heavy air pressure on an Aitrack, it does not deform when you jump on it. That means that even if you are heavier, you can safely jump on one AirTrack without damaging the mat.
Although most manufacturers don't have weight limits on their site, so when in doubt, get in touch.
Can you use an AirTrack outside?
Just like with padded foam mats, you can also use the AirTracks outside. The plastic outer layer even protects them from rain and moisture and makes them easy to keep clean, although I wouldn't leave them outside but clean up after use.
They are waterproof and can therefore also withstand the rain.
How do you store an AirTrack?
The best you can do is one Air track Always store after use by deflating it and rolling it up to its full width, just like a mat. This way it is best preserved.
I don't recommend it, but if you have your Air track If you want to leave it outside overnight, let a fair amount of air out to prevent overpressure when the sun shines on it again the next day and it gets warm.
How does quality control work at AirTracks?
Quality control is taken very seriously by AirTrack Factory
- All materials are sourced from, purchased and managed by AirTrack Factory.
- All mats are subjected to a multiple inspection prior to shipment, including a 16-hour pressure test to ensure airtight seals, and photos and videos are taken prior to shipment to document each product.
- AirTracks are individually labeled and documented to monitor and archive the entire production process.
Do AirTrack Factory products comply with European REACH regulations?
REACH is a European Union regulation adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment against the risks posed by chemicals and increase the competitiveness of the chemical industry in the EU.
It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard assessment of substances to reduce the number of animal testing.
The products of AirTrack Factory comply with these strict regulations.
What else do you have to take into account with an AirTrack?
- Keep the AirTrack products away from fire and sharp objects during use.
- Make sure the inflatable mat is stored in a dry place and watch out for rodents and insect bites.
- It is possible that there is a small hole in the mat due to dirt on the surface that has not been cleaned. If the product is less than 9 cm damaged, you can use the repair film. This will cover the damaged area with special adhesive. Within 10 minutes you have fixed the AirTrack and you do not have to return it. Look for the instructions in the manual.
- The mats are measured by hand, so there may be 1-3 cm difference.
How can I protect the valves?
Leakage from the mat can be solved quickly and easily, but damage to the valves is more difficult.
Therefore, handle the valves with care and take the following points into account:
- Never step on the valves.
- When using the mat, do not land closer than 20 cm from the valves.
- When attaching the pump to the valve, do not force the pump, gauge or cap.
- Place the cap on the valve during transport. That way you will not lose it and you cannot damage the valve.
Conclusion
I find a AirTrack and all the options it offers are really fantastic.
Hopefully this article has given you some useful information about the AirTrack, what you do with the AirTrack can and which AirTrack mats are best.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.