In our experience as AirTrack dealers, we’ve learned that various consumers look to purchase this innovative inflatable mat. Some customers we’ve had since our company’s inception include trampoline park owners, dance studios, cheer camps, gymnastics schools, athletic programs, as well as individual consumers who needed a portable yet durable, non-slip surface.
Most of our customers have one question after researching AirTracks and learning that they come in various thicknesses. They often want to know how to best pick their AirTrack size. Your plans for use largely impact what is the right size AirTrack to get, which we’ll explore in more depth below.
Different AirTrack Options That Exist
There are six models of AirTracks currently on the market, including the:
- AirTrack 10
- AirTrack 13
- AirTrack 16
- AirTrack 16 Pro
- AirTrack 20
- AirTrack 20 Pro
All of the above-referenced AirTracks are similar in that they’re all constructed from a double-walled, industrial-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and stitched together using a 0.2 mm drop stitch. However, they’re different in terms of physical dimensions and weight, meaning different AirTrack size choices are appropriate for different consumers and uses.
Figuring Out What Size AirTrack To Get
Determining what’s a good size AirTrack can be challenging with so many options available, so a good place to start may be assessing the size of the space where you’re planning to put it and the capabilities of the person who will be moving it around.
Dimensions and Weights of AirTrack Mats
Some preliminary information that can help you decide on what size AirTrack to get is learning a bit more about the dimensions and the weights of the different models available, including:
- Air Track 10: Measures 3x10x4 and weighs around 30lbs
- Air Track 13: Measures 3x13x4 and has a weight of nearly 37lbs
- Air Track 16: Measures 3x16x4 and weighs approximately 45lbs
- AirTrack 16 Pro: Measures 3x16x8 and weighs around 78lbs
- AirTrack 20: Measures 3x20x4 and has a weight of nearly 55lbs
- AirTrack 20 Pro: Measures 3x20x8 and weight approximately 95lbs
You’re probably wondering how a difference of a few inches in height or length in the AirTrack size could significantly affect its weight. It has to do with the fact that the pro versions come with a heavier electric pump, whereas the other ones come with more lightweight foot pumps instead.
Deciding What AirTrack Size Is Best for Your Purpose and Space
The next concern you need to worry about when determining what is the right size AirTrack is how you plan to use it. Your intention for using it and the environment you’re planning to set it up in will largely affect what’s a good size AirTrack to get.
Some factors to consider on a per model basis include:
AirTrack 10
This model is ideal for use in tight spaces such as inside homes, backyards, or smaller studios and gyms that can’t accommodate a longer or wider mat. It weighs approximately the same as an average toddler, so it’s the perfect AirTrack size for most people to easily transport wherever they need to go.
AirTrack 13
This model AirTrack is also ideal for smaller spaces but gives customers wanting a bit more length an extra three feet to use. It’s also of similar weight to an average toddler once packed into its carrying bag, meaning it’s easily transportable.
AirTrack 16
Many individual consumers with large backyards and gyms select this model as their AirTrack size of choice because it allows them to do a longer pass than the shorter mats do. This model is approximately 10 pounds heavier than the previous models, so you may need to do a “team lift” to move it around.
AirTrack 16 Pro
This mat is ideal for use inside of a larger gym or auditorium space, yard, or a wide-open field. An AirTrack size like this is best suited for a gymnast looking to do multiple tricks and roundoff, for example.
The pro version has a bit more cushion or bounce to it, which can be ideal for learning to do backflips and other more challenging tricks. This model’s properties are also a lot like what gymnasts would expect when performing a floor routine at a gymnastics competition, which can be helpful to acclimate oneself when training to gain a competitive edge at the meet.
One downside to this mat is its weight. When you’re looking for what size AirTrack to get, keep this in mind. You’ll certainly need a second (or third) person to help haul around a pro AirTrack size this big (or larger).
AirTrack 20
When you’re trying to determine what’s a good size AirTrack for your needs, definitely consider the weight of this one.
One positive associated with this mat is that it offers tremendous flexibility in terms of length since it’s double that of the AirTrack 10 model. This AirTrack size allows gymnasts, for example, to complete as many as two tricks on it. However, the one downside associated with this model is its weight. It weighs approximately the same as an average elementary school student.
AirTrack 20 Pro
Athletes and dancers appreciate this mat’s additional thickness because it gives it more bounce. However, this mat is quite heavy at nearly 100lbs, so it’s necessary to have someone else to help transport it. This AirTrack size is best suited for larger facilities like arenas, conference centers, warehouses, and sports fields or courts that can accommodate its long length.
High-level athletes who need more space to rehearse multiple passes or full routine may find this AirTrack size ideal for their needs.
Additional Insight on What Is the Right Size AirTrack
Manufacturer recommendations for what size AirTrack to get focus on whether the consumer is going to use it for cheerleading or gymnastics, experience levels, and also the age and height of its everyday users. They recommend the following AirTrack size models for the following purposes and populations:
- AirTrack 10: Listed as best for beginner cheerleaders or gymnasts aged 5-10 and measuring between 34-50 inches in height.
- AirTrack 13: Is best suited for beginner-intermediate athletes aged 5-10 and measuring between 34-55 inches.
- AirTrack 16: Recommended for intermediate-level gymnasts or cheerleaders aged 5-10 and measuring between 55-64 inches.
- AirTrack 16 Pro: Also listed as best suited for intermediate users, but this time for those 11 years old or older; however, also with a height of 55-64 inches, much like the recommendations for the AirTrack 16.
- AirTrack 20 and AirTrack 20 Pro: Both described as appropriate for intermediate to advanced cheerleaders or gymnasts at least 11 years old and 60 or more inches in height.
Despite these recommendations, the manufacturer notes that each AirTrack model is appropriate for all ages and sizes.
Where To Turn for Help in Deciding What Is the Right Size AirTrack for You
While the AirTrack can be used for various purposes as described above, it’s often a must-have for gymnasts.
AirTracks are a wonderfully innovative offering that simulates what a gymnast might experience when tumbling on 4-inch mats on a gymnastics spring floor. This heavy-duty, inflatable mat is an ideal alternative to grass or foam mats. It affords users an ability to experience surface repetition and play similarly to real-life competitive environments, which can significantly enhance their performance on “game day.”
Choosing the right AirTrack size for your needs can be challenging. However, considering your plans for use, including user age and height, experience levels, and the sport or activity, it can make selecting among the different size options an easier fete.
For example, gymnastics tricks and tumbling take approximately eight feet to complete on the lower end of the spectrum. When considering what size AirTrack to get, you may, therefore, want to consider purchasing an AirTrack 16 or 20 (regular or pro versions) model if you want to be able to make a longer pass.
One detail to keep in mind as you try to determine what’s a good size AirTrack to purchase is that you can expect each model to have the same high-quality construction, allowing your mat to serve your needs for years to come. So, when selecting your AirTrack size, focus on your space more than anything.
You or your loved one will inevitably age and grow their height and skill level, thus warranting the graduation to a higher level mat. However, it’s less likely that the space where you plan to set up your mat will change as often as these growth spurts occur.
There’s always room to grow your skills to fit even the biggest pro AirTrack mats. You or your clients may even see it as a goal to conquer the challenges that come with using a larger AirTrack size, including learning to cover more area and effectively respond to its bounce.
So, if you’re in the market for a portable mat that closely simulates competitive spring mats, then AirTrack can fulfill that need. Hopefully, the insight above about AirTrack size is helpful as you try to determine which of the model options available is right for you and your needs.