The saddest email I get as a manufacturer isn’t a warranty claim; it’s a return request that states, “My daughter ran out of runway.”
It happens all the time. A parent buys a 3m air track because it matches their budget, but then they find out that their kid needs to complete a round-off back handspring, which needs a lot more room.
On the other hand, I see gym owners purchase a lot of short mats when they really required one long runway.
It’s not about guessing what size to get; it’s about physics and how long your stride is.
Today, I’m going to explain the distinctions between our most popular sizes: 3m, 4m (13ft), and 5m. This way, you can get the proper tool for the task the first time.
The 3m Air Track: The “Drill Station”
Let’s be honest: a 3m air track (approx. 10 feet) is short. You need to set realistic expectations if you’re buying this for an adolescent who wants to tumble.
- Best For: Skills for standing. Think about standing back tucks, handstands, bridges, and exercises that improve your flexibility. It’s especially great for gymnastics in preschool, because the steps are small.
- The Reality: You can’t connect two movements well on a 3m mat. It just does one thing.
- Where it fits: In small bedrooms, living rooms, or as a side station in a busy gym.
The 4m Air Track (Airtrack 13 Feet): The “Home Favorite”
According to our search data, the 13-foot airtrack (around 4m) is the best size for 70% of residential users.
Why? Because 4 meters is just the right amount of space for an athlete to add a “setup” step.
- Best For: For athletes under 1.5m tall, round-off back handsprings or connecting a cartwheel to a back tuck.
- The “Runway” Feel: The 4m length lets you build up some speed, unlike the 3m variant. It’s the least you need to know to study tumbling sequences instead of just static skills.
The Airtrack 5 Meter: The “Skill Builder”
If you have the space and the money, you should always upgrade to the airtrack 5 meter, in my professional opinion.
That extra meter might not sound like much on paper, but in gymnastics, it makes all the difference between landing securely on the mat and landing your heels on the grass.
- Best For: Back tucks with a round-off back handspring. The length of 5m gives you some extra safety. It lets the athlete build strength without “braking” without thinking about it since they are afraid of going off the edge.
- Safety Note: According to general tumbling physics, a powerful tumbling pass generates significant forward momentum. A 5m mat absorbs that landing better than a shorter track.
For Gym Owners: Connecting vs. Customizing
You might want to Velcro two 4m air tracks together to produce an 8m runway if you’re setting up a professional facility.
Even though our Velcro connections are seamless, I usually suggest getting a custom continuous track (6m, 8m, or 10m) for high-level competition training.
One inflation point saves your staff time setting up every morning, and a smooth surface makes it easier for the athletes to get over any mental blocks.
Conclusion: Measure Twice, Order Once
Go to your backyard or living room before you click “Add to Cart.” Take a physical measurement of the space. Then, tell your athlete to stand there and pretend to do their routine.
- If they just do a standing flip? 3m is fine.
- If they need a round-off entry? Go for the airtrack 13 feet (4m).
- If they are connecting 3 skills? Don’t settle for anything less than an airtrack 5 meter.
Not sure yet? Let us know your athlete’s height and ability level, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
