Get an effective cardio workout at home without the pounding associated with running
FED Fitness BCAN BT4 Soft Land Pro
Rebounding has come a long way from squeaky, probably rusty mini trampolines you’d find in most home gyms. The FED Fitness BCAN BT4 Soft Land Pro (quite a mouthful) is much more snazzy. It combines a sturdy one-piece frame with a bungee suspension system designed to deliver a softer, quieter and more controlled bounce.
Aimed at people who want an effective cardio workout at home without the pounding associated with running (my poor knees) or traditional spring-based rebounders. It has pre-assembled bungees, adjustable resistance and a five-position handlebar, with a strong emphasis on beginners.
The BT4 (which I’ll call it) has a one-piece steel frame designed to provide a stable platform rather than relying on a folding mechanism, while the wide feet help keep it firmly planted during energetic workouts. There is a choice of 38-, 40- and 48-inch versions, with the 40-inch model offering a good compromise between usable bouncing space and the amount of room it takes up.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll need to find space. It is compact enough for a living room or spare bedroom, but its rigid construction means it isn’t something you can simply fold away into a cupboard after every workout.
The real star of the BT4 is its bungee system. Instead of metal springs, it uses more than 160 natural latex cords to connect the mat to the frame. The result is smooth and quieter bouncing.
FED claims up to 60% less impact than a spring-based rebounder, and while I couldn’t test this, I had no reason to dispute the figures after using it.
One of the BT4’s cleverest features is that the bounce can be adjusted to suit different users and workouts. It comes with two types of bungee cord, with six possible tension combinations. The 8mm cords produce a softer, more forgiving bounce, while the 9mm cords provide a firmer response for more energetic jumping.
That’s useful in practice. Beginners can start with a softer setting and focus on balance and technique, while more experienced users can increase the resistance for a more responsive platform.
The removable T-shaped handlebar is another welcome addition. It has five height settings, ranging from roughly 26 to 36 inches, allowing it to accommodate different users and exercise styles.
For beginners, it provides useful reassurance as they get used to the movement. It can also be handy for exercises such as high-knee work, where having something to hold can improve confidence and stability. FED Fitness also supplies grip socks and a 360-degree phone holder, which is a nice touch.
Set-up is survivable. The bungees arrive pre-assembled, avoiding the often-painful job of attaching individual cords to a rebounder frame. There’s a bit of screwing, and you’ll need some space, but I had everything up and running within half an hour or so.
The first thing you notice is how quiet it is. There is a soft thump from your feet and the gentle movement of the bungees, but none of the pronounced spring noise associated with traditional mini trampolines.
The result is an exercise platform that can be used for short bursts throughout the day or longer workouts. Ten minutes can provide a surprisingly energetic session, while increasing the pace or resistance makes it possible to build a much more demanding workout.
It’s not cheap. But if rebounding is going to become a regular part of your exercise routine, the BT4 makes a strong case. It feels substantially built, operates quietly and offers enough adjustment to grow with you as your fitness improves.
The FED Fitness BCAN Soft Land Pro Rebounder is currently available from Amazon for £208.99
What users say
“Great rebounder, comes with several extras that makes it good value for the money. The quality is really good, although time will tell. I’ve only had it for three weeks, and I’m loving the workouts! No noise whatsoever. It was easy to put together, instructions were really clear, and it feels very sturdy.”
“It’s nearly perfect, but I would just like more response from the mat to absorb more shock on landing from jumps and to rebound me back up slightly more for comfort and fun.”
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