- All Vuly trampolines exceed the voluntary AS:4989 safety standard, as accredited by independent certifiers.
- Choice does not provide the methodology used in their tests.
- There is evidence that the Vuly trampoline tested was assembled incorrectly.
- A Springfree trampoline's compressing rods represent a stronger "head entrapment" and "crushing" hazard than the Thunder Leaf Springs.
- Vuly is a strong advocate for mandatory safety standards
Full statement:
Brisbane, Australia – Vuly Play has labelled the Choice Trampoline Review, published in December 2017, as "inaccurate, misleading and biased" after Choice reported that the company's springless 'Thunder' trampoline failed major safety tests.
In its review, Choice outlines that Thunder's frame "failed structural integrity tests". Vuly asserts that its Thunder trampoline completely exceeds the AS:4989 Australian Standard – which includes tests for structural integrity, entrapment, pinching, crushing and shearing – upon which Choice alleges that its own testing is based. Vuly's accreditation was provided for 150 kg by respected and independent certifier, TÜV SÜD. In its review comparison page, Choice does not provide the tested weight capacity or methodology used, and the image of the 'Thunder' on this page is very clearly assembled incorrectly.
Choice also describes the Thunder's Leaf Spring system as both a "head entrapment" and "pinching" hazard when "under and around the trampoline". They neglect to offer the same assessment of the Springfree Trampoline, which features compressing rods that pose a strong crushing hazard and is just as easy for users to crawl beneath. Vuly points out that, unlike the Springfree, a Safety Skirt that covers these parts is available for 'Thunder', and that all its labelling and safety warnings match standard requirements (despite Choice's allegation that it does not).
In its 'Trampoline Buying Guide', published alongside the review, Choice includes a video that Vuly says is deceptive and unethical. The video shows a camera vaulting out from within a Vuly trampoline onto the ground, alongside the text "major safety FLAWS". However, the video provides no context, and the trampoline model in the video is not the model that Choice claims to have reviewed. Based on the few blurred seconds of footage and sound, Vuly believes that it can confidently determine the trampoline in the video as a coil spring 'Vuly2' model – which is not only a vastly different trampoline to 'Thunder', it has also been discontinued. The accompanying Facebook post also used the incorrect image, of 'Thunder Pro'.
Vuly maintains that the tests performed by Choice were not those specified by AS:4989 and that Choice has created its own, unrealistic tests to produce a foregone conclusion. Vuly CEO, Joe Andon, has called into question Choice's motives for using non-standard and vague testing procedures – which he describes as "designed to collect paying subscribers to the Choice website". Mr Andon states that Choice's publishing of sensationalised reviews, before hiding the results behind a paywall, deliberately deceives and causes fear among consumers. "Choice needs subscriptions", he says, "but they won't get big news headlines or paid sign-ups if everything is okay. It's why one has to pass and everyone else has to fail". This assessment is echoed by other business leaders, like CNP Brand's Charles White, who says that Choice "pick[s] on areas that have a cord to pull. That's the way they are funded".
As a strong proponent of robust safety standards, Vuly suggests that Choice use its position within the Australian Standards organisation to push for the inclusion of additional safety requirements and tests – if it believes that the current AS:4989 is inadequate – which it has had the opportunity to do for some time.
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Vuly Play, an Australian business, is the manufacturer of coil spring and springless trampolines that push the limits of design and safety . It is a company that takes the well-being of those who use its products extremely seriously, and it is able to provide documentation to support all claims regarding safety.
Links:
Choice's false 'Trampoline Review' comparison page (which also shows incorrect assembly):
Choice's 'Trampoline Buying Guide' (which shows their deceptive video of Vuly2):
Choice's sensationalised reviews fail to scare Vuly customer:
