As a coach and a parent, I’ve seen the spark in a young athlete’s eyes when they finally nail a new skill. I’ve also seen the hesitation that comes from practicing on unforgiving surfaces. The living room carpet, the backyard grass—they offer little in the way of shock absorption and can quickly turn enthusiasm into apprehension or, worse, injury. For years, the only real option for serious practice was the professionally equipped gym. But what about the crucial hours at home, where repetition builds muscle memory and confidence soars? That gap in training has always been a challenge. The fear is that without the proper equipment, an athlete might either lose their edge or risk a sprain practicing a back handspring on a surface that has no give. This search for a safe, professional-grade home solution is what leads countless families to explore the world of inflatable tumbling mats.
- Professional Inflatable Mats for Gymnastics: AWSUM 13ft Air Mats is made of 600D Filament Grade and high-quality Eco-Friendly PVC tarpaulin. The airtrack gymnastics mat using double-layer waterproof...
- Premium Tumbling Roller: AWSUM professional air roller is made of thickened commercial grade PVC tarpaulin with double-layer structure, which has better air tightness and durability than the general...
- Included Air Pump : The tumbling mat with gymnastics roller included a electric air pump enables quick and easy inflation of the gymnastics equipment in just 1-2 minutes. It can also be used to empty...
What to Consider Before Buying a Gymnastics Tumbling Mat
A gymnastics tumbling mat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between coached gym sessions and productive home practice. It’s an investment in an athlete’s safety, confidence, and skill progression. These inflatable surfaces are engineered to absorb impact, reducing the strain on joints during repetitive tumbling passes, jumps, and landings. This significantly lowers the risk of injury associated with practicing on hard floors. Furthermore, the adjustable air pressure allows users to customize the rebound, creating a bouncy surface that can help an athlete achieve the height needed for complex skills or a firmer surface that mimics a competition floor. The result is more frequent, higher-quality practice sessions that accelerate learning and perfect technique.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a dedicated and safe practice space at home. This includes parents of children in competitive gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, or martial arts who need to supplement their gym training. It’s also perfect for amateur acrobats and fitness enthusiasts who want a forgiving surface for bodyweight exercises. However, this might not be suitable for those who only need a thin mat for yoga or basic stretching, as the size and thickness would be excessive. Likewise, a professional gym owner would likely opt for permanent sprung flooring rather than a portable mat. For those needing skill-specific trainers over a long tumbling surface, alternatives like foam octagon rollers or cheese wedges might be more appropriate.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: An inflatable mat is a significant piece of equipment. A 13-foot mat requires a clear, long runway, whether in a basement, garage, or backyard. You must measure your available space to ensure a safe buffer zone around the mat. Also, consider the storage dimensions when it’s deflated and rolled up to ensure you have a closet or corner where it can be kept.
- Capacity/Performance: The performance of an air mat is all about its air pressure. Look for a mat that can be inflated to a high pressure for a firm, spring-floor feel, but can also be used at a lower pressure for a softer, more forgiving surface for beginners. The quality of the valve is critical for holding air without slow leaks during a practice session, ensuring consistent performance.
- Materials & Durability: The material is paramount. Look for products made from high-density, multi-layered PVC tarpaulin, often referred to by a denier rating like 600D. Reinforced seams, especially using drop-stitch technology, create a robust structure that can withstand thousands of impacts without warping or failing. Cheaper materials can lead to punctures and a shorter lifespan, making a quality build a non-negotiable feature.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A mat is useless if it’s a chore to set up. A powerful electric pump, included with the purchase, is essential for quick inflation and deflation. Portability, aided by sturdy handles, and a reasonable weight (around 35 lbs) are also key. For maintenance, a waterproof surface that can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth is crucial for hygiene and long-term care.
While the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【Safe Materials】Surface of gym mat is made of non-toxic, lead-free, durable, 18 ounce, puncture resistant, and non absorbent vinyl, which ensures safety and reduces the impact on the body during...
- ✔️ High-Density EPE Foam: Made of 2'' High Density EPE Foam, our Gymnastics Mat is soft and durable, giving you more support and keeping your knees, wrist and back comfortable throughout your...
- [ 4 Inch Thickness ] This folding gymnastics mat is filled with 4 inch thick high-density EPE foam that provides unmatched shock absorption and joint protection, giving you the confidence to focus...
First Impressions and Key Features of the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer
Upon arrival, the box containing the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer has a reassuring heft to it, clocking in at 35 pounds. Unboxing it, we were immediately struck by the quality of the materials. The 600D Filament Grade PVC tarpaulin feels thick, rugged, and anything but flimsy. This isn’t your average pool float or camping air mattress; the texture is robust and commercial-grade. One user noted they were “VERY skeptical about something like this because all I could think of was an air mattress,” but confirmed that this product “exceeded my expectations.” We share that sentiment completely. The seams are meticulously reinforced, and the valves appear heavy-duty and airtight. The kit is comprehensive, including not just the 13-foot mat but also the invaluable Air Roller trainer and a powerful electric pump. The vibrant pink and black color scheme is energetic and appealing to young athletes. Compared to standard foam panel mats, the potential for adjustable bounce and the sheer length for tumbling passes immediately sets the AWSUM mat in a higher category of training equipment.
Advantages
- Constructed from heavy-duty, double-layer PVC for exceptional durability.
- Complete training bundle includes the 13ft mat, air roller, and a high-speed electric pump.
- Inflates and deflates in under two minutes for quick setup and storage.
- Highly versatile for gymnastics, cheer, dance, and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Limitations
- The 13-foot length requires a substantial amount of clear, usable space.
- Initial reports suggest packaging could be more robust to prevent occasional shipping damage.
In-Depth Analysis: Putting the AWSUM Mat and Air Roller to the Test
A product’s spec sheet only tells half the story. To truly understand its value, you have to put it through its paces. We spent several weeks using the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer for a variety of drills, from basic tumbling to advanced cheerleading skills. Our goal was to evaluate its construction, performance, and overall convenience to see if it truly lives up to its promise as a premium at-home training tool.
Built to Last: A Closer Look at Durability and Construction
The foundation of any great air track is its ability to withstand constant, high-impact use without losing air or structural integrity. This is where the AWSUM mat truly shines. The material is specified as 600D Filament Grade and high-quality PVC tarpaulin, which translates to a surface that feels incredibly tough and resilient. We found it handled everything from simple cartwheels to repeated back handsprings without any signs of stress. The double-layer waterproof design and V-shaped interior stitching are not just marketing terms; they contribute to a remarkably stable and airtight platform. We inflated it once and left it for 48 hours, and our pressure gauge showed no discernible loss of air, a testament to the quality of the valves and seams.
This finding is directly supported by user feedback. One parent mentioned, “It’s built to last; my kids are rough, and it’s still holding strong with no signs of wear.” Another was impressed by the “top-notch… very well made sturdy material,” which held up even when multiple kids were playing on it. This ruggedness is what separates a serious piece of training equipment from a simple toy. The peace of mind knowing that the surface is stable and won’t suddenly deflate is critical for an athlete’s safety and confidence when attempting new, more difficult skills. The included Air Roller is made from the same thickened commercial-grade PVC, ensuring the entire training system maintains a consistent standard of quality. For anyone looking for a durable training solution, the build quality is a feature that really sets it apart.
Performance and Bounce: From Back Handsprings to Dance Leaps
The true magic of an air track is its adjustable performance, and the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer delivers this in spades. Using the included electric pump, we could fine-tune the mat’s firmness in about a minute. At a lower pressure, the mat is soft and forgiving, providing a cushioned landing that is perfect for beginners or for drilling new skills where falls are more likely. This softer setting absorbs a significant amount of impact, which, as the manufacturer states, allows for “increased repetitive training frequency” without the associated joint pain.
When inflated to a higher pressure, the mat transforms. It becomes firm and incredibly bouncy, closely replicating the feel of a professional spring floor. This rebound is essential for practicing skills that require height, such as tucks and layouts. The 13-foot length provides enough runway for connecting two or three skills in a single tumbling pass, a crucial element for cheerleaders and gymnasts. We saw this benefit reflected in user experiences, particularly one who noted the “amazing” improvement their granddaughter made in dance, which speaks to the mat’s versatility beyond just tumbling. The Air Roller is a fantastic addition, providing the perfect tool for safely practicing backbends, kick-overs, and the foundational shapes for back handsprings. This dual-functionality of the mat and roller creates a comprehensive system that can grow with an athlete, from foundational conditioning to advanced acrobatic elements. It’s this adaptable performance that makes the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer a standout choice.
The Convenience Factor: Setup, Portability, and Storage
For a piece of equipment to be used regularly at home, it must be convenient. If setup and takedown are a hassle, it will inevitably end up collecting dust. Thankfully, AWSUM has nailed the user-experience aspect. The included electric pump is a powerhouse. We timed it, and from a completely flat, rolled-up state, the 13-foot mat was fully inflated and ready for use in just under 90 seconds. The pump also has a reverse function, which is a game-changer for storage. It actively sucks the air out, allowing you to get the mat perfectly flat and roll it up tightly for storage.
This ease of use was a recurring theme in user comments. One happy customer said, “My kids use it and it’s easy transfer… The kids can deflate and put it up their cells with no problem then easy put away with little storage.” At 35 pounds, it’s not lightweight, but it’s manageable for one adult to move, and the built-in handles are sturdy and well-placed. We easily moved it from a basement to a backyard to test its outdoor capabilities, where it performed flawlessly on grass. Cleaning is also straightforward; its waterproof PVC surface just needs a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt or sweat. This combination of rapid setup, easy deflation, and simple maintenance makes the AWSUM mat a practical solution for busy families, encouraging the consistent use needed for real skill development.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other users is overwhelmingly positive, confirming our own findings. The theme of durability and quality is a constant refrain. One cheer coach, responsible for 27 athletes, noted that after an initial shipping issue was resolved, the replacement mat is “working fantastic!” This highlights both the product’s ability to handle heavy use and the seller’s responsiveness. Another reviewer, who purchased the set for their granddaughter’s dance practice, raved about the “amazing” improvement in her skills, attributing it directly to the “great quality” of the mat and roller.
The convenience factor is also frequently praised. A parent commented on how it’s “easy transfer soft, long enough and isn’t heavy,” adding that their children can manage deflation and storage themselves. This empowers young athletes to take ownership of their practice. The most telling review came from a self-proclaimed skeptic who expected an experience similar to a “crappy” air mattress but found the quality to be “top-notch” and far exceeding expectations. The consensus is clear: users find the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer to be a sturdy, effective, and well-made piece of equipment that delivers on its promises.
How Does the AWSUM Mat Stack Up? A Look at the Competition
The AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer offers a comprehensive, inflatable solution, but it exists in a market with excellent specialized foam alternatives. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right tool for your athlete’s needs.
1. We Sell Mats Gymnastics Octagon Skill Shape Tumbling Mat
- Cushioned Supportive Surface – We Sell Mats octagon skill shape mat provides a cushioned and supportive surface for young gymnasts, cheerleaders, and fitness enthusiasts to practice and perfect...
- Ideal For Both Beginning and Advanced Tumblers - With firm support and paddling, We Sell Mats octagon mat provides safety and reassurance for gymnasts of all ages and skillsets learning basic tumbling...
- High Quality Materials - We Sell Mats octagon mat features an anti-tear vinyl surface that resists ripping from frequent use. The block is highly durable thanks to commercial-grade materials and...
The We Sell Mats Octagon is a fantastic skill-specific trainer made of high-density foam. Unlike the AWSUM mat, it is not an inflatable tumbling surface but a developmental tool. Its primary function is to help athletes master foundational movements like walkovers, tick-tocks, and back handsprings by providing a supportive, rolling platform. It is an excellent choice for a younger gymnast or cheerleader who is just beginning to learn these specific skills. However, it lacks the versatility of the AWSUM mat; you cannot practice tumbling passes, jumps, or leaps on it. It’s a supplementary tool, whereas the AWSUM mat is a complete practice surface.
2. Tumbl Trak Folding Tumbling Panel Mat
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Crafted with 18oz knife-coated vinyl and 1⅜-in cross-linked Closed Cell EVA foam, Folding Tumbling Panel Mats offer robust protection for athletes during training.
- VERSATILE TRAINING SURFACE - Ideal for gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders, martial artists, and fitness enthusiasts, providing a durable matting solution for various activities.
- ESTABLISHED QUALITY - With over 35 years of experience, Tumbl Trak delivers durable gymnastics products engineered for consistent performance and rigorous use.
The Tumbl Trak Folding Mat is the classic, old-school gymnastics mat. Made of firm, cross-linked polyethylene foam, its main purpose is shock absorption on a hard floor. It provides a safe, stable surface for basic tumbling, stretching, and conditioning. Its key advantages are its simplicity and durability—there are no pumps or valves to worry about. However, it offers absolutely no bounce or rebound, which is a critical component for developing more advanced tumbling skills. Athletes looking to get the “spring” needed for higher-level maneuvers will find the Tumbl Trak limiting compared to the dynamic, adjustable performance of the inflatable AWSUM mat.
3. Matladin Folding Gymnastics Cheese Wedge Incline Mat
- REINFORCED STITCHING AND COMMERCIAL GRADE: Reinforced edge stitching craftsmanship will not tear and crack easily. Commercial grade incline mat is a perfect choice for gymnastics studios or home use
- SUPERB 840D VINYL ANTI-TEAR SURFACE: To achieve anti-tear and long life span, folding gymnastics incline mat uses superb high quality 840 Denier vinyl. It will not break, crack and fray easily due to...
- DURABLE EPE FOAM AND LIGHT WEIGHT: Folding cheese mat for gymnastics tumbling uses superb high density EPE foam, which achieve durable and better resilience, not easy distorted. This gym mat is light...
The Matladin Cheese Wedge, or incline mat, is another indispensable foam-based skill builder. The sloped design uses gravity to assist athletes in learning forward and backward rolls, walkovers, and the basic mechanics of a back handspring. It is an essential piece of equipment in any developmental gymnastics program. Like the octagon, it is a specialized tool designed to teach a specific set of movements. It is not a flat, continuous surface for practicing full tumbling passes. An athlete would use a cheese wedge to learn a skill and then perfect it on a long surface like the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer, making them complementary rather than direct competitors.
Our Final Verdict: Is the AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer a Worthy Investment?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is definitive. The AWSUM 13ft Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller Trainer is a superb piece of at-home training equipment that delivers exceptional value. Its greatest strengths lie in its professional-grade durability, the comprehensive nature of the kit (including the essential air roller and pump), and its outstanding performance versatility. The ability to adjust the mat’s firmness allows it to cater to brand-new beginners and seasoned competitors alike, making it a product that an athlete can grow with over many years. While it requires a significant amount of space, its convenience in setup, transport, and storage makes it a practical choice for dedicated families.
If you are the parent of an aspiring gymnast, cheerleader, or dancer, and you’re looking for a way to provide a safe, effective, and confidence-building practice environment at home, this is an investment you will not regret. It successfully bridges the gap between the gym and home, fostering the consistent practice that leads to real, tangible improvement. For its combination of quality, performance, and completeness, the AWSUM mat earns our highest recommendation. To give your athlete the training tool they need to safely reach their potential, we encourage you to check the latest price and availability online.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API