Air tracks are inflatable, handy mats that gymnasts, armatures, and dancers use for training. These mats can save you from an injury that may occur during the maneuvers. Thus buying the wrong air track mat may directly affect your training sessions.
The air track mat is different from the traditional tumbling mat in a way that you can inflate or deflate it using a hand or electric pump.
There are different online stores where you can easily buy an air track mat. You need to know some technicalities and tips for buying an air track mat if you want to purchase a high-quality product that may last long.
Buying Guide for Air Track Mat
Table of Contents
1. Consider the Size Before Buying
While buying the gymnastic air track, you should consider the size first. This inflatable mat comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 3 meters to 10 meters. You can choose the one that best suits your requirement, like if you want to perform a roundoff back handspring, you need to have at least 5 meters long air track.
Another factor that helps you in deciding the size of an air track mat is the available space. The large air track may be a good fit if you have assigned a spacious room or yard for training. A small 3 meters air track can go in a small backyard or room.
Parents should consider the size and level of their child before buying the air tack. A small mat can save your children from injury while learning dance moves. For teenagers, a medium size inflatable mat is a good fit. If they are high-level gymnasts, they should purchase the large one because it is more bouncy.
2. Select the Right Thickness
Like size, there are air tracks of varied thicknesses. You can select the thinner inflatable mat if you are buying it for your kids. Thick air track mats provide more cushion and bounce than thin air mats. The thickness of the air track ranges from 10 cm to 20 cm.
The more thickness means you can adjust the pressure according to your need. You can make it more bouncy by putting a little less pressure or making it firm with high pressure.
A mat of 10 to 13 cm is suggested for beginner gymnasts. 14 to 16 cm is fit for intermediate. While 20 cm is perfect for advanced level gymnasts who perform strenuous tricks like a backflip.
3. Select the Best Material
Since the air track mat has to provide protection to the gymnasts during back-breaking maneuvers, it should be of high quality. The air track should withstand extreme pressure exerted during jumping.
Water-resistant, high-grade PVC is the elementary raw material of inflatable air tracks. The outermost layers contain soft and elastic PVC plastic to give comfort and save you from scratches.
The feature that makes the mat durable is its double wall or drop stitches technology which means two layers are stitched with polyester thread.
The third material that is used in the manufacturing of gymnastic tracks is rail tape. This tape commonly comes into play for wrapping the periphery and valves.
4. Check the Price
This is the most crucial factor to consider if you are tight on budget. The price may vary based on size. The small air mat of 3 feet starts from $100, which is the least expensive one. The middle-range inflatable mat of 5 to 10 feet may charge you $100 to $300. The professional-grade large air track for high-level gymnasts is a little expensive because it has more features and quality than the other two.
Some other features
1. Air Track Inflating Pump
You can inflate or deflate the air track using a hand pump, foot pump, or an electric-powered pump. Air is used as a shock absorber instead of foam in the middle so the gymnasts or armature can take it outdoors, blow it up, and maneuver anywhere.
The foot pump comes with the air track mat so look for it while buying the product. If you are interested in a long air track, you need to have an electric pump. Inflating the long mat with a foot pump takes a lot of time and energy.
2. Valve Wrench and Patch Kit
Some gymnastic air mat dealers also supply valve wrenches with the mat. If your air track is losing pressure quickly, your air mat valves must be loose. You can tighten it with a valve wrench to avoid this issue. Also, check if there is a repair kit along with the mat. With the patch kit, you can mend small patches at home.
3. Carrying case
Carrying a bag of tumbling air mats makes transportation and storage easy. You can put the tumbling air track in the bag, and you are ready to take your large air track mat outdoors.
4. Where Should I Buy an Air Track Mat
Many online stores sell air tracks, but all buyers are not providing quality products. Kameymall is a trusted online space where you can buy high-quality air track mats. While making the purchase check the features listed above to have a long-lasting gymnastic air mat.
