Swingset Comparison – Selwood, Plum, TP, Little Tikes & Soulet Swing Sets

March 5th, 2010

Looking for a swing or wooden swingset?

Don’t buy a swingset until you have read our wooden swingset comparison review featuring the following swing set manufacturers:

- Plum Products Swingsets

- TP Swingsets

- Little Tikes Swingsets

- Soulet Swingsets

- Selwood Products Swingsets

As part of our policy for customer satisfaction, product knowledge and continuous product improvement we regularly purchase competitors products and test them directly against each other.

We purchased a swing set range from a number of manufacturers including Selwood Products, TP, Soulet, Little Tikes and Plum. All these items are sold at similar prices accross the internet, mostly by large national companies such as Toys R Us and Argos who have a range of swingsets each, or smaller independent online retailers. In pictures the sets look the same, they all feature swings with plastic swing seats, many have a duo seat glider swing and some have ropes.

What were our swingset review findings?

Although there are a selection of differences we will go on to discuss, this review concentrates on the first amazing difference between all these items. The 20%+ difference in swing uprights (or legs)! This is a huge difference given all manufacturers use 100mm dimension swing beams on their wooden swing sets, the majority chose to have a very ‘top heavy’ look by using only 80mm lumber for the legs. The one exception to the rule is Selwood Products, who for many years have been seen as the quality manufacturer but more recently have also managed to be the most competitive on price. No mean feat to be able to beat competitors on both specification and price Selwood Products really are a force to be reckoned with in the outdoor toy market.

Selwood Swingset Dimension Comparison

As you can see from the above image, the difference between the beams is so obvious when positioned side by side. If your looking for the strongest, safest swing set available for your children then there really is only one choice – with Selwood Products Wooden Swingsets quality really does come as standard!

The full Selwood Products Swingset range is available to view at http://www.climbingframesuk.com/wooden-swing-sets-1.htm

Tags: little tikes swing set, plum swing set, selwood swing set, swing, swing set, Swingset, tp swing set

Invest in the Future with a Modular Play System

June 6th, 2009

backyard adventures Modular play systems really are an investment. They are an investment in the future health and happiness of your children.

Active outdoor play is a great way to help your children develop a range of essential skills. Hand-eye coordination, motor skills, balance, strength and social skills all benefit from active outdoor play and a modular play system can really help.

The modular design means that you can expand and adapt the play system as your children grow. They will never grow bored of the same old wooden climbing frame. You can add new modules or reconfigure the system to keep it fresh and challenging for your little ones.

Climbing Frames UK supply only the best quality modular play systems from Backyard Adventures. Backyard Adventures are considered to be the pioneers of the Redwood Play System in the United States. These playsets are designed with the highest level of attention paid to safety and reliability. You can be confident that your play system will bring many years of fun and enjoyment for your children.

Tags: backyard adventures, Modular Play Systems, play systems, playsets

How to Encourage Children to be More Active

June 4th, 2009

There can’t be many parents in the UK who are not aware of the childhood obesity problem. Surveys carried out in 2007 and 2008 indicate that around 20% of primary school children were classified as overweight of which 7.9% were considered obese and 3.9% severely obese.

The reasons why we are seeing an increasing number of overweight and unfit children are a combination of poor diet and lack of adequate exercise. The Department of Health have acknowledged the problem and launched a new anti-obesity campaign to promote active play as a means to keep fit and healthy.

In the United States the percentage of overweight children has more than tripled in the last 30 years and as many as 1 in 3 are predicted to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Around 50 to 70% of overweight children will become overweight adults. Another startling fact is that children born in 2001 have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

The specific obstacles that must be overcome include:

Television
Video Games
Computers
Food portion sizes being too large
Availability of fast food
Too much fat, sugar and salt
Not enough fresh fruit and vegetables.

It is recommended that children of pre-school age should be spending at least 60 minutes a day engaged in structured physical activity and at least another hour a day in unstructured physical activity. Primary school children should have at least 30 to 60 minutes of appropriate structured physical activity a day and a further hour to several hours of general physical activity. Long periods of inactivity are discouraged.

So what can you, as a parent or carer, do to encourage children to leave their computer games and videos behind and become more active?

Play is the answer.

Play doesn’t feel like exercise. It provides children with the physical activity that their growing bodies need, it builds confidence, self esteem and helps children to develop their social skills and is great fun.

The trick is to try lots of different and varied activities to find something that your children enjoy doing. They will tend to like the things that they are good at and it’s up to you to provide them with opportunities to develop and expand their skills.

Another important factor is the example that you set. It is no good simply telling your youngsters that they shouldn’t be spending so much time in front of the television if that is what you are doing. You need to set a positive example and join in with their play to provide a positive example.

Providing some good quality outdoor play equipment can go a long way toward helping your children become more active. But you need to engage with them, push them on the swings and provide lots of positive feedback and support.

Watch as their skills develop and if you see that your child is excellent at balancing you might encourage them to get into dance or gymnastics, or if you see that your child has great hand-eye coordination you might suggest a game of tennis or catch.

It’s also good to get the children involved in the household chores, washing the car, helping in the garden, shopping at the supermarket etc. This is not only excellent physical activity it’s also great education for life.

Try to limit the time spent in front of the television. Encourage your children to be more selective regarding what they watch rather than watch whatever comes on. Aim for less than two hours a day.

One of the simplest ways to introduce more physical activity into the day is by walking. Rather than drive everywhere, walk instead. Walk to school, walk to the shops, walk to friend’s houses. And be certain to set a good example by walking everywhere yourself!

The earlier you start these healthy routines in a child’s life the easier it is to maintain them. The later you start the harder it becomes. Good luck!

Tags: child obesity, obesity, outdoor play

Selwood Windermere II Playset Comparison to Selwood Pathfinder Playset

March 17th, 2009

SELWOOD WINDERMERE WOODEN PLAYCENTRE

windermere play centre

2009 Windermere II Playset arrives in the UK and looks to fill the space in the market left by the discontinued Plum / Selwood Pathfinder Playset. The Pathfinder is an 08 Playset and has now been taken out of manufacture. The Windermere is a well specced Cedar Swingset that is a fantastic replacement for the Pathfinder.

Selwood Windermere Specification

Age Range 3-10

Solid Rockwall

Rope Ladder

UV Resitant Tarp

Sand Box

Picnic Table

Revesable Tarp

Vinyl Easy Clean Black Board

Flat Step Ladder

Spiral Slide

2-Child Glider

Swing Beam

Two Belt Swings

As you can see the Windermere has a great specification and boasts the longest slide you can have on a 4ft deck plus it has the Rockwall and the Rope Ladder. The Chalkboard is a fun extra.

The Windermere is our pick at the price point – compare to the Plum Pathfinder (below) and we believe you will see the difference.

Tags: Climbing Frames, Pathfinder Playset, Playcentres, Playset, Plum Pathfinder, Selwood Adventure Playsets Pathfinder, Selwood Pathfinder, Windermere Play Centre

Google can save you money when buying a Wooden Playset, Trampoline or Climbing Frame – Try it

February 23rd, 2009

Selwood Meridian Playcentre at Climbing Frames UK

If you are researching buying outdoor playground equipment or climbing frames for you family “Google” can help save you money. We realise that it is a minefield out there with so many companies advertising Wooden Playground Equipment and they all say that they are the best and the cheapest!!! Some are general Playground Retailers many state that they are specialists. Buying a Climbing Frame or Playground equipment is a long term purchase and it is essential that you get what you are looking for at the best price. Prices with the UK can vary hugely and there are some fantastic savings to be made. For example, at the moment we have found that there can be price differences on certain wooden playcentres of over £500 depending on which retailer you choose to purchase from. The best way to start your search is to thoroughly search the internet to see what is available in the price budget you have set.

The most popular and most used Google search term for this sector is – “Climbing Frames”

Add “Climbing Frames” into your Google Search ( www.google.co.uk )and a pages of specialist retailers will appear. The ones in bold at the Top of the Screen and on the Right Hand Side of the Screen are paid listings, so often ignore those and look at the Top of the Natural Listings, these are companies who have gained their Google Position through merits and will therefore be Google’s most highly trusted sellers. Some of these retailers will be 100% online and others will be online and also have physical display sites. Visit a display site with the family and actually see the products in the flesh and try before you buy and compare products side by side.

Once you have a shortlist of Climbing Frames & Wooden Play Centres from different companies that you like and would be interested in purchasing, go back to Google again. Lets say for example that you are interested in the “Selwood Meridian”, type Selwood Meridian into your Google Search bar and Google will show a list of all of the companies marketing & selling that product. You can now scan through each of these websites comparing prices, and at this stage pick up the phone and ask about delivery charges, and their stock availability and ask the retailer whether they actually supply from their own stock or use a distributer to drop-ship playsets for them. Once you have found the vendor selling the Selwood Meridian at the cheapest price that have it in stock – make you purchase.

Once you have made your successful purchase and have saved Hundreds of Pounds on your New Wooden Play Centre – Share this great Money Saving information with all of your friends and save them money on Garden Play Equipment too.

prepared by Andy – Climbing Frames UK

0870 241 2880

Tags: climbing frames uk, Fun4kids, Plum Products, selwood matis, Selwood Meridian, Selwood Pathfinder, selwood playsets, Selwood Products, Selwood Sierra, Selwood Skyfort, Selwood Sunchaser, selwood timo, Selwood Trailblazer, Selwood Woodridge, selwood yana, tesco at selwood

Trailblazer Wooden Swingset – Sandbox Alteration

October 13th, 2008

The Selwood Trailblazer Playset has been an amazing hit here in the Uk this year. Thousands have been sold and there are many more thousands of happy children who have had the pleasure of being able to play on one!

The fun wave slide, rockwall ladder, swings and aero bar provide hours of entertainment, even for the most active children. The beatufully finished wood and colour co-ordinated UV resitant tarp roof, slide and accessories make the plasyet look great too. And there’s a range of high quality accessories to compliment the set, including ship’s wheel, binoculars, telescope, periscope, steering wheel, and a selection of baby, infant or toddler seats.

At an unbeatably low price of £339.00 Climbing Frames UK has been proud to satisfy these orders and provide many customers with a set they can be proud of. With a little TLC including a yearly stain and the obvious bolt tighness checks, these playsets will last for years.

Climbing Frames Uk have been asked numerous times this year about the possibilty of changing the picnic table of the Selwood Trailblazer playset into a sandbox. Yes, is the answer, it is possible and no extra wood is needed.

Kindly one of our customers has sent in a couple of pictures of the sandbox they created and the cover they have made to protect the sand from the elements, pets and wild animals. Below is a description of how they did it:

“Instead of building the picnic table we opted to use the wood from the pic-nic table to make a sandbox underneath. From Phase 11 in the instructions, we attached 4 wood beams “v” to each side of the platform on bottom to make thicker sides to hold more sand (see picture on right). I used the 2 “w” wood beams on the sides to use as seating (see picture on right). With the remaining 5 pieces of “s” wood beams I made a top to the sandbox to keep my two dogs out when not in use (see picture below). The kids get tons of use from the sandbox!!”

If you have the Trailblazer Playset and have thought about getting a sandbox or if you’re considering purchasing the playset but thought you children might not use the picnic table then i hope that this information is useful to you.

If you have another of our Selwood Wooden Garden Playsets and have made alterations or would like to give us feedback on your purchase we would be happy to hear from you. Please send any meggages or pictures to info@climbingframesuk.com

Tags: Climbing Frame, Selwood Products, Trailblazer Playset, Wooden Garden Swing Set

14ft Trampoline Feature Comparison

October 8th, 2008

In recent years trampolines have become the must-have garden play and fitness equipment. But their popularity has led to a flood of poor quality, potentially dangerous, cheap trampolines entering the market.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) statistics indicate that an increasing number of people are being hospitalised due to trampoline related injuries. While many injuries can be considered minor, there are numerous incidents of serious injuries that have led to paralysis and even death. The most vulnerable are smaller children, under the age of six.

When buying a garden trampoline it is important that safety should be the top priority. All trampolines available from the Climbing Frames UK trampoline shop have been carefully selected for their premium quality and outstanding safety features.

A good example is our Alley Oop Double Bounce 14ft Trampoline. This outstanding piece of sports equipment is packed with features which set it apart from cheap, dangerous imitations.

The recommended safety net is far more robust and the net wraps outside of the support poles. A safety enclosure net is recommended to prevent injury from falling from the trampoline.
The innovative doublebounce technology provides shock absorption and lessens the risk of injury as a result of an awkward fall.
The variable bounce technology provides a softer landing and gentler rebound making it easier to control bouncing height.
Rest zones are provided within the safety net to allow children to rest and wait safely. Most injuries on a trampoline occur when there are more than one user.
The padding used for the springs and frame use a reinforced vinyl fabric containing a full inch of gym quality padding. Cheaper alternatives use a woven nylon pad with only half an inch of soft, low grade foam.

These are just a few of the key safety features that will help to ensure long, safe and enjoyable use of this outstanding trampoline.

Tags: 14ft trampoline, safety, trampoline, trampolines

Making Exercise a Family Activity

October 5th, 2008

In recent years, English children have become increasingly inactive. Riding bikes and playing football have become a thing of the past as children are being sucked into a world of watching television, playing computer games and spending countless hours online. On average, English children spend around 24 hours a week watching television. This factor combined with short playtimes and a few hours of PE at school, has resulted in England’s growing childhood obesity problem, which is linked to such complications like high blood pressure and diabetes.

The government recommends that children of all ages and teenagers engage in at least an hour of physical activity everyday to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Childhood is an essential time for parents and guardians to encourage physical activity in a positive light, creating a suitable balance between physical activity and television watching. Such studies show that a mere 2% of children who are inactive as children become active adults.

Climbing_Frames_UK

The following are some ways to help bring physical activity into your children’s everyday routine:

Make exercise a family activity!

Planning outings such as trips to the zoo, beach, bike rides through the park or the playground can encourage physical activity in a positive way. Taking walks instead of the car is a great way to spend time together and including all family members will prevent a child from feeling singled out!

Be a positive role model!

Stairs instead of the lift, walk instead of using the car, choosing a parking space further away from the shops: your choices will impact on your children, as those who see their parents making decisions promoting physical activity are more likely to employ an active lifestyle.

Choose the right activity!

Children can get bored with different activities depending on how old they are. Your choice of activity for your children needs to be considered in terms of how old they are. Choosing activities, which require more skill, wouldn’t be suitable for a 4-year old, thus not being reasonable for their physical abilities.

Time and Space for exercise!

Setting aside times for exercise and areas in the house or garden for the children to be physically active will help you get into a routine to allow your children to adopt the ideal active lifestyle.

Active jobs and toys!

Giving your children jobs around the house and garden like washing the car, hovering, walking the dog, making their beds and planting flowers can help get your child physically active! Or, choose physically demanding computer games or dance videos!

Fun is the key!

Making physical activity fun will encourage your children to want to do it again and again! It will increase their motivation and they won’t realise how active they’re being because they’re having too much fun! Joining a sports team or club that your child enjoys is also a great way to encourage physical activity! Not only this, but teams and clubs encourage children to socialise and develop their communication skills! But remember, too much emphasis on winning and being the best isn’t the way to enjoy exercise!

Restrict TV and computer hours!

Ideally, children should engage in no more than 2 hours of television and computer activity each day. Enable children to compromise more minutes of physical activity for extra TV or computer hours! Gaining a balance between activity and technology is key!

Keep it safe!

Knowing when enough is enough is essential, make sure children don’t do too much physical activity resulting in injuries! Play in safe settings and wear protective equipment with certain activities!

School holidays are here……. how can I encourage the children to be more active?

August 1st, 2008

Climbing Frames UK Promotes Family Fun

School Holidays are here………….
How can I encourage my children more active?

Now the holidays are here its time to take control for yourself and create an environment at home the gets the children active. The following are some ways to help bring physical activity into your children’s everyday routine:

Make exercise a family activity!
Planning outings such as trips to the zoo, beach, bike rides through the park or the playground can encourage physical activity in a positive way. Taking walks instead of the car is a great way to spend time together and including all family members will prevent a child from feeling singled out!

Make Play A Family Activity
If budget allows invest in a Outdoor Play Equipment. The most popular choices are family trampolines for the garden, a Climbing Frame, Playset or Swing Set with Monkey Bars can keep the children or whole family occupied for hours. Climbing Frames Uk can supply all of these item on a 3-5 day delivery. Alternatively take a daily trip to the park.

Be a positive role model!
Stairs instead of the lift, walk instead of using the car, choosing a parking space further away from the shops: your choices will impact on your children, as those who see their parents making decisions promoting physical activity are more likely to employ an active lifestyle.

Choose the right activity!
Children can get bored with different activities depending on how old they are. Your choice of activity for your children needs to be considered in terms of how old they are. Choosing activities, which require more skill, wouldn’t be suitable for a 4-year old, thus not being reasonable for their physical abilities.

Active jobs and toys!
Giving your children jobs around the house and garden like tidying the play area, washing the car, hovering, walking the dog, making their beds and planting flowers can help get your child physically active! Or, choose physically demanding computer games or dance videos!

Restrict TV and PC hours!
Ideally, children should engage in no more than 2 hours of television and computer activity each day. Enable children to compromise more minutes of physical activity for extra TV or computer hours! Gaining a balance between activity and technology is key!

Let us know how by leading by example and creating home based activities for your children. Activity levels increase

Prepared by K Samuel of Climbing Frames UK
0870 241 2880
info@climbingframesuk.com

This weeks Climbing Frames UK Special Offers are

Backyard Adventures Olympian Treehouse, Rocket Slide and 3 Position Swimg Beam only GBP1999 save GBP900.

Adventure Playsets Pathfinder Playset only GBP449 save GBP350

Adventure Playsets Trailblazer Playset only GBP339 save GBP260

EX-Display Models from Adventure Playsets and Backyard Adventures – Now Online

Garden Trampolining – Some Hidden Benefits

May 26th, 2008

Trampoline Shop Open at Climbing Frames UK

Garden Trampolining – Hidden Benefits

Towards the end of the 20th Centuary, fitness lovers were more and more exposed to a new array of fitness and equipment and weight loss plans. Many of these were simply fads, and some have stood the test of time and are benefiting their users. There has been much scientific investigation to learn about the advantages as well as the risks, and the trampoline was no exception. In the end, there was total acceptance of the health benefits of the garden trampoline.
Using a fitness trampoline is as simple as jumping on it, literally. A trampoline is normally made by securing a strong fabric such as nylon for example to the top of a hollow platform. Normally for securing the trampoline cloth, coiled compression springs are generally used. To ensure stability of the platform during your fall, trampoline platforms are usually made of stainless steel.
There are many health benefits to be gained form trampolining. Jumping on trampolines strengthens muscles and increases blood circulation throughout the body. It is widely known that increased blood circulation constitutes a cardiovascular workout. Your calf and thigh muscles get a vigorous workout from the jump, and this exercise helps avoid the accumulation of hip fat. Trampolining helps you expunge toxic waste through sweating which invigorates your mood.
Whilst it is common for newspaper articles to highlight concerns about trampoline safety and cite examples of injury, it must be remembered how many thousand trampolines are in UK gardens. Trampolines like any childrens play equipment need regular checking, maintenance and replacement of faulty or damaged trampoline parts.. Its true that incidents have been published, but investigation revealed that in many cases either the material used to build the trampoline was substandard, or the Trampoline Manufacturers safety guidelines were not adhered to. The risks from trampoline use are greatly reduced when the trampoline is of good quality, benefits from a safety enclosure, is properly set up and manufacturers safety rules are followed.
Every responsible Trampoline Manufacturer informs customers about the maximum weight that it can bear within the Instruction Manual and Safety Guidelines. You must use garden trampolines individually and this means one person at a time. The majority of reported accidents occurred in Garden Trampolining when several people jumped on trampolines simultaneously. The only Trampoline that can cope with multiple jumpers is the Alley Oop Double Bounce Power Bounce, where the spring technology provides a safer jumping area all around.
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Mention the word Exercise or PE and most children will swerve!!. Trampolines are especially popular with kids, Jumping on garden Trampolines is fun and can provide the exercise to prevent obesity in children. Children get the much needed exercise without even thinking about exercise.
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Before you purchase your garden trampoline please read our Trampoline Buyers Guide
This article was Prepared by Climbing Frames Uk on behalf of their Garden Trampoline Brand, The Trampoline Shop.
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