Custom Airbag

What’s the Return on Investment of a Bagjump Airbag?

Have you ever compared the return on investment of an airbag to that of a foam pit? 

When deciding between a foam pit and a Bagjump airbag, it’s important to understand how each affects your facility’s long-term financial performance. At the end, it boils down to two simple questions: Which airbag is going to offer the safest experience for our athletes, and which one offers the best return on investment? 

When it comes to safety, Bagjump has always been ahead of the curve. Therefore, in this article, we want to focus strictly on the numbers and compare the return on investment of a Bagjump airbag/airpit to that of a traditional foam pit from a purely financial perspective. 

Initial Costs of Foam Pits vs. Bagjump Airbags 

One of the first factors facility operators consider when making their decision is the upfront cost. We are not going to lie: foam pits generally seem to have a lower initial cost compared to Bagjump airbags.  

Depending on the size of the foam pit and quality of the foam cubes used, the price for a foam pit can range anywhere from $28,000 to $32,000. This includes foam cubes, the pit infrastructure, and any necessary padding.  

On the other hand, a Bagjump airbag starts at around $32,000 and increases depending on the size and customization options. 

Still, when it comes to specific products such as our Bagjump Inground Airpit, the initial costs compared to a foam pit are lower. This is because a foam pit usually consists of 8″ and 6″ cubes, pit edge padding, concrete padding, angle iron anchors, 6″ springs, and a black poly bed, while our Bagjump Airpit consists only of the concrete padding, airpit system, and top sheet – and this is not even including freight. 

This initial price for a foam pit is also rising constantly, as foam prices have been going up significantly in the past years. 

 

A gymnastics facility featuring a TRC Gymnastics-branded Bagjump airbag.

 

Lifespan and Durability 

The durability of foam pits is one of their biggest drawbacks. Foam cubes degrade quickly due to frequent use, becoming compressed and losing their shock-absorbing properties. In busy facilities, foam cubes need to be replaced every one to two years. This process is not only costly but also time-consuming. 

Replacing foam cubes is a labor-intensive task that often requires facility downtime, which can result in significant revenue loss. Some facilities even shut down for up to two weeks just to replace all their foam products. On average, replacing a foam pit costs approximately $3,300 per year, depending on the size of the pit and the amount of foam required. These maintenance costs accumulate quickly over time. We’ve observed some faciltiies replacing 30% of their cubes annually or all their cubes at least once every five years. 

Some facilities attempt to extend the lifespan of their foam cubes by purchasing covers. However, these covers add additional costs without providing a long-term solution. In fact, we’ve found that these covers are sometimes more expensive than the foam cubes themselves and offer minimal protection against the breakdown of the cubes within. 

In contrast, Bagjump airbags are designed for durability. A typical Bagjump Airpit Inground has a minimum lifespan of 6 years with minimal maintenance, and the average annual maintenance cost is around $1,200—primarily for blowers and spare parts. This estimate assumes a facility running 24/7 with a large number of athletes, where spare parts may occasionally be needed. 

Maintenance Costs 

Foam pits require continuous maintenance. Not only do the foam cubes need to be regularly replaced, but the pit itself must be cleaned frequently to prevent the build-up of dust, sweat, and other elements. Foam pits are notorious for being difficult to clean, and improper maintenance can lead to health hazards for visitors. 

Maintaining a foam pit requires around 40 hours of just labor – not counting cleaning supplies. This is about $1,200 in the US. 

On the other hand, Bagjump airbags have much lower maintenance requirements. While occasional cleaning and inspections are needed, the costs are significantly lower. We asked a few of our operators, and the costs for pure maintenance are about 1 hour per year with just one employee. 

Surprised? Today, foam pit maintenance requires an average of 4 workers, while an airbag only requires one. 

 

A young gymnast performing a backflip onto a Bagjump airbag in a colorful training facility, with spectators watching in the background.

 

Operational Efficiency and Revenue Generation 

Foam pits often slow down the flow of jumps. Users tend to sink into the foam, making it harder to get out of the pit after landing. This slows down the process, meaning fewer people can use the jumping area during peak hours. The slower turnover rate reduces the total number of customers that can participate in activities, which in turn affects overall revenue. 

Our airbags, on the other hand, allow for quicker turnover between jumps—360 jumps vs. 120 jumps per hour according to our statistics. Users can easily land and exit the airbag without getting stuck or having to crawl out slowly. This increased operational efficiency means that more people can use the trampoline attraction within the same time frame, leading to higher revenue potential for park operators or more efficiency for gymnastic facilities. 

Transport and Installation Costs 

Another hidden cost with foam pits is transportation and installation. Foam cubes are bulky, and foam modules are simply gigantic. They take up a lot of space, making them very expensive to transport. The average cost for the shipment of a foam pit is about $8,000. This is also caused by owners having to deal with different shipments of large size. 

Airbags are easier to transport and install. Their compact design allows for more efficient shipping, reducing transport costs. The average cost for a Bagjump inground pit is around $3,000. Furthermore, installation is quicker and less labor-intensive, saving park operators time and money during the setup process – one shipment, one package.  

 

An indoor training facility featuring a Bagjump airbag setup with red branding, wooden parkour structures, and a trampoline for high-performance activities.

 

Better Return on Investment (ROI) 

Why are airbags a better long-term investment than foam pits? 

When evaluating the long-term financial benefits of using airbags over foam pits, the numbers speak for themselves. Although foam pits might have a lower upfront cost, the long-term expenses—maintenance, replacements, and downtime—quickly add up, reducing their overall value. 

The lifespan of an airbag far exceeds that of foam cubes, meaning that after the initial purchase, operators can expect years of use without the need for expensive replacements. This longer lifespan, combined with reduced maintenance and operational costs, makes Bagjump airbags a smarter financial decision for facilities looking to maximize their ROI. 

For facilities looking to make a financially sound decision, investing in an airbag is the smarter choice.