As a parent, my living room floor has seen it all: impromptu dance-offs, daring superhero leaps from the couch, and countless attempts at wobbly somersaults. The challenge has always been creating a space where this boundless energy can be expressed safely without turning our home into a padded cell. We’ve tried piles of pillows and blankets, but they slip and slide, offering a false sense of security. The constant worry about a mistimed jump leading to a bump or a bruise is exhausting. We needed something more—a dedicated zone that could absorb the tumbles of today and inspire the gymnastic dreams of tomorrow, something that was both a toy and a tool for development. The quest was for a solution that was durable, easy to clean, simple to store, and, most importantly, engaging enough to lure my kids away from their more perilous climbing adventures.
- Colorful - The tumbling mat features 6 panels that form the hexagon and that easily comes together with a hook and loop tape closure at the end.
- Gymnastics - The mat laid flat measures 12" wide, 71" long, and 3" high. The mat is great for at home gyms to practice handstands, somersaults, backbends and so much more.
- Jump, Hop, Skip - Help your little ones develop well needed motor skills. The soft play set is suitable for indoor and outdoor fun!
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 creating a safe, designated area for physical activity, skill development, and imaginative play within your home. It provides the necessary cushioning to protect joints and prevent injuries during tumbling, stretching, and general horseplay. For families with active children, these mats are instrumental in channeling energy constructively, helping to develop crucial motor skills like balance, coordination, and strength in a controlled environment. The main benefit is peace of mind, knowing your child has a forgiving surface to land on, transforming a hard floor into a safe haven for exploration and exercise. We found the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat to be an excellent example of this principle in action.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent or guardian of toddlers, preschoolers, or young elementary-aged children who are beginning their journey with gymnastics, cheer, or martial arts, or who simply have a lot of physical energy to burn. It’s perfect for those living in homes with hard flooring like wood or tile, where tumbles are more hazardous. However, it might not be suitable for those with advanced or elite-level gymnasts who require professional-grade sprung floors or much larger tumbling tracks for complex passes. Similarly, if your space is extremely limited and cannot accommodate a mat that, when unfolded, stretches to nearly six feet, you might consider smaller, single-pad options. For most families seeking a multi-purpose, safe play surface, this category of mat is an invaluable addition to the home.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your available floor space carefully. Consider both the mat’s fully extended dimensions for activities like log rolls and its folded dimensions for storage. The New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat offers a unique configuration, laying out to 71 inches long but also forming a compact hexagon, providing versatile use options for different room layouts.
- Thickness & Density: This is perhaps the most critical safety feature. A mat’s thickness and foam density determine its ability to absorb impact. For young children practicing basic tumbles like somersaults and cartwheels, a thickness of 2 to 3 inches is ideal. The 3-inch high-density foam in this mat provides substantial cushioning without being overly soft, offering a stable surface for balancing.
- Materials & Durability: The outer cover should be tear-resistant, non-toxic, and easy to clean. Most high-quality mats use a durable vinyl or PU leather cover over EPE foam. We were impressed with the sturdy material on the New Bounce mat, and user feedback confirms it holds up well to frequent use, even with pets occasionally walking across it.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for mats that are lightweight and have a simple folding mechanism. Hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners are common for connecting panels or securing the mat when folded. Maintenance should be straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild soap is all that should be required to keep the surface hygienic and looking new.
Choosing the right mat is an investment in your child’s safety and physical development. Taking these factors into account will ensure you find a product that meets your family’s needs for years to come.
While the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat 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: More Than Just a Mat, It’s an Invitation to Play
The New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat arrived compactly folded in a surprisingly manageable box. Upon opening it, the first thing that struck us was the vibrant, cheerful color scheme. Each of the six panels is a different bright color, immediately signaling “fun” to any child in the room. There was no chemical smell, a huge relief for us as parents, confirming the company’s commitment to using non-toxic materials. Unfolding it was intuitive; the hook and loop tape closures are strong and easy to connect, allowing you to configure it from a long tumbling strip into its signature hexagon shape in seconds. The material feels thick and durable to the touch, with a slightly textured, non-slip vinyl surface that promises easy cleanup. At 3 inches thick, it felt substantially more protective than older, thinner panel mats we’ve used in the past. It was immediately clear this wasn’t just a piece of safety equipment; it was designed from the ground up to be an engaging and versatile part of a child’s play environment. You can see the vibrant design and full specifications for yourself.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly versatile design promotes imaginative play beyond gymnastics
- Substantial 3-inch thickness provides excellent cushioning and impact absorption
- Bright, engaging colors make it highly appealing to young children
- Durable, wipe-clean surface is practical for busy families
- Lightweight and easy to fold, connect, and store
Potential Drawbacks
- May be too small for older children or advanced tumbling skills
- Hook and loop fasteners can attract pet hair and debris if not kept clean
A Deep Dive into the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat’s Performance
After several weeks of rigorous testing—which included everything from structured gymnastics practice to chaotic fort-building sessions—we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat truly shines and what its limitations are. This isn’t just a passive piece of foam; it’s an active participant in a child’s development, blending safety, fun, and practicality in a unique and compelling way.
Design, Versatility, and Imaginative Play
The standout feature of this mat is undoubtedly its hexagonal design. While it functions perfectly as a traditional, 71-inch long tumbling strip for practicing forward rolls and nascent cartwheels, its ability to connect into a hexagon opens up a world of possibilities. This transformative quality is what elevates it from simple gym equipment to a cornerstone of the playroom. We watched in delight as our kids immediately saw its potential. Folded partially, it became a triangular “house” or a cozy reading nook, a sentiment echoed by one user whose granddaughter loves using it for that exact purpose. Stacked, the folded panels become a set of soft, sturdy steps for toddlers to practice climbing or, as another user reported, to get a boost up to the family couch, providing a safer alternative to scaling furniture.
This versatility is a massive win for parents looking for toys that grow with their child and serve multiple functions. It encourages open-ended, imaginative play. The mat has been a castle wall, a boat on a stormy sea, and a series of “stepping stones” across a lava floor. The bright, distinct colors of each panel further fuel this creativity, aiding in color recognition for toddlers and serving as markers for games and exercises. This multi-purpose nature provides incredible value. Instead of buying a separate mat, a soft climber, and a play fort, the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat capably fills all those roles, making it a smart, space-saving investment for any family with young children.
Safety, Material, and Durability
When it comes to equipment for children, safety is non-negotiable. The New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat delivers peace of mind in spades. The core of the mat is a dense EPE foam, and at a full 3 inches thick, it provides exceptional impact absorption. We tested it with jumps, tumbles, and the inevitable unplanned falls, and it cushioned every landing effectively. This is a significant upgrade from the standard 1.5-2 inch mats often found on the market. One user noted the thickness was “perfect,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It strikes the ideal balance between being soft enough to be protective yet firm enough to provide a stable surface for balancing and building skills without the “sinking” feeling of softer materials.
The exterior is just as impressive. It’s covered in a thick, puncture-resistant vinyl that feels robust and built to last. It has a slightly grippy texture that helps prevent slips, even when kids are wearing only socks. The seams are well-stitched, and the overall construction feels solid. We were particularly impressed by a user’s comment that it holds up to their dogs occasionally walking on it—a true testament to its durability. The “hand wash only” instruction is standard for these products; in practice, it means the surface is non-porous and incredibly easy to clean. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent handles juice spills, snack crumbs, and dirt with ease, keeping the play area hygienic. Knowing it’s also tested to be free of harmful chemicals is the final, crucial component that lets us recommend it without reservation.
Practicality for Parents: Portability and Storage
A great piece of kids’ equipment can quickly become a parental nightmare if it’s difficult to manage and store. This is another area where the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat excels. Despite its substantial thickness and size when laid out, the mat is surprisingly lightweight. One reviewer mentioned that even a one-year-old could lift and manipulate the folded sections, and we found our five-year-old could easily drag the folded mat across the room to their desired play spot. This empowers kids to take ownership of their play space and reduces the burden on parents to constantly set things up.
When playtime is over, the mat folds down into a compact rectangle measuring approximately 35 x 8 x 13 inches. The hook-and-loop fasteners that connect the panels also serve to hold it securely in its folded state, preventing it from flopping open. This compact form is a game-changer for those of us without a dedicated playroom. It slides easily into a closet, under a bed, or stands neatly in a corner, freeing up valuable floor space. The transition from a full-sized tumbling mat to a stowed-away block takes less than a minute. This combination of being lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to store makes it an incredibly practical choice for modern homes where space is often at a premium and versatility is key. The convenience factor cannot be overstated; it ensures the mat gets used daily rather than becoming another bulky item collecting dust.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from other families to see how their experiences compared, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. A common thread is the mat’s surprising versatility for very young children. One person who gifted it to a one-year-old reported that the child loves “walking across the steps, lifting it, folding it, making a wall with it, and having a blast!” This confirms our findings that its use extends far beyond formal gymnastics into crucial developmental and imaginative play.
The quality and durability are consistently praised. Phrases like “Quality item,” “holding up well,” and “very sturdy and looks like it will last a long time” appear frequently. Many, like us, were specifically impressed by the cushioning, with one user stating their toddler “rolls all around and acts wild on this mat,” highlighting its “nice amount of cushion.” The sheer joy it brings is a major theme, summed up perfectly by the parent of two boys (ages 4 and 5) who exclaimed, “12 stars!!! My boys (4 & 5) LOVEEEEE this mat. Why did I wait so long?!” The feedback strongly suggests that for the toddler and preschool demographic, the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat is a home run.
How Does the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat Compare to the Alternatives?
While the New Bounce mat excels in its niche, the world of home gymnastics mats is diverse. Understanding how it compares to other popular types can help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
1. AKSPORT Gymnastics Air Mat
- ✔【IDEAL GIFTS】Due to the variations in thickness and pressures, air tumbling tracks can be bouncy and safe to land on; It is also the best gift for teenagers to practice gymnastics or tumbling;...
- ✔【PROFESSIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE】 Please feel free to contact us first if you have any questions about the product, we will be responsible for our product
- ✔【COMPLETE & FAMOUS BRAND ACCESSORIES】You will get one electric air pump,one durable carry bag and one repair kit(without glue) for free when you purchase air mat;With famous brand...
The AKSPORT Gymnastics Air Mat represents a completely different approach. As an inflatable “air track,” it’s designed for more advanced and higher-impact tumbling. Its surface provides more bounce and spring, mimicking a professional gym floor, which is ideal for gymnasts and cheerleaders practicing flips, handsprings, and tumbling passes. While it offers superior performance for serious athletes, it requires an electric pump for inflation and lacks the instant, tool-free setup of the New Bounce mat. It is also less suited for imaginative play, serving a singular, performance-oriented purpose. Choose the AKSPORT if you have an older, more serious gymnast who needs a practice surface for high-level skills; for general play and foundational tumbling for young kids, the New Bounce is far more practical and versatile.
2. BestMassage Folding Gymnastics Mat
- MAKES CLEANING A BREEZE : The gymnastic mat is covered with high-quality PU leather, which can directly clean the surface of the gymnastic mat with water, Save time to clean gym mats.
- LIGHTWEIGHT&PORTABLE :The folding incline mat is only 11lbs，include sturdy handle,You can carry the gym mat anywhere you want to go, the exercise gym mat suitable for indoor sports, outdoor sports,...
- DURABLE INCLINE MAT :The folding gymnastics incline mat made of high-quality EPE, High-density EPE provides a comfortable experience, the incline mat is durable but soft.
The BestMassage Folding Gymnastics Mat is an incline mat, often called a “cheese mat” or “wedge.” This specialized shape is a training tool designed to help athletes learn and master specific skills, such as backbends, walkovers, and handsprings, by using the slope to assist with momentum and body positioning. It is an excellent piece of equipment for skill progression but is not a general-purpose tumbling or play mat. You can’t lay it flat for a comfortable landing surface over a large area. You would choose the BestMassage wedge as a supplement to a flat mat like the New Bounce, not as a replacement. If your child is working on specific incline-based skills with a coach, this is a great tool; otherwise, the New Bounce offers broader utility.
3. We Sell Mats Gymnastics Mat
- Gymnastics Mat for Joint Protection – We Sell Mats home gymnastics floor mat is specifically designed to prioritize joint protection during workouts, tumbling, and fitness routines. With a cushioned...
- Easy to Carry and Store - Experience ultimate convenience with our foldable gymnastics mat. The portable and compact design, combined with hook and loop fasteners and lightweight foam, makes it...
- Versatile Usage – We Sell Mats Gym Tumbling Mats are designed to cater to various lifestyles and activity needs. Offering safe cushioning, they are perfect for light fitness exercises, yoga,...
The We Sell Mats mat is the most direct competitor to the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat. It is a traditional, high-quality, four-panel folding mat that provides a flat, cushioned surface for tumbling. It’s a fantastic, no-frills option known for its durability and is available in various sizes and thicknesses. The primary difference lies in the design and intended user experience. The We Sell Mats product is purely functional gym equipment. The New Bounce mat, with its vibrant colors and unique hexagonal configuration, is designed to be both functional equipment *and* an engaging play structure. If you need a straightforward, simple tumbling surface, the We Sell Mats is a solid choice. If you want a mat that doubles as a creative play toy that will capture a young child’s imagination, the New Bounce has a clear edge.
The Final Verdict: Is the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat Worth It?
After weeks of hands-on use and careful analysis, our conclusion is clear: the New Bounce Hexagon Gymnastics Mat is an outstanding product that punches well above its weight. It successfully bridges the gap between a protective piece of gymnastics equipment and an endlessly engaging, imaginative toy. Its primary strengths lie in its exceptional versatility, robust 3-inch thick cushioning, and a bright, kid-friendly design that actively encourages creative play. We found it to be durable, easy to clean, and incredibly simple to store, ticking all the boxes for busy parents who value practicality as much as performance.
While it may not be the right choice for advanced gymnasts needing a professional air track, it is arguably one of the best options on the market for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. It provides a safe and inviting space to develop motor skills, practice basic tumbling, and simply burn off energy in a constructive way. For its price, it offers immense value by serving multiple roles—mat, climber, and fort—in one compact package. If you are looking to transform a corner of your home into a safe, fun, and dynamic zone for your little one, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the current price and see more user reviews right here.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API