We’ve posted on this topic before.
Dr. Bill Sands is doing some research on the innovative new springs at Mesa State College:
Bills Sands:
Here are my criteria for evaluation of the spring floor:
1. Stability
2. Tuned response frequency that matches the gymnast’s take off actions
3. Reliability, no matter when you hit it, or where you hit it, the spring floor reacts the same. There is some evidence that the spring floor can act like a trampoline and the athlete can experience a “double bounce.”
4. The floor should not “tip” the foot or shank at impact due to inconsistent foam or floor characteristics.
read more on Facebook (from March 2010)
Bill feels that the spring is on the right track, but that confirmation awaits testing.
There is no evidence (yet) that the Weller spring reduces the incidence of Achilles tears.
If you don’t want to wait for scientific confirmation, each spring is $2.95 right now, on sale.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 