Comparison guides
Most playground specification decisions come down to one question with two or three possible answers. These guides set out the conditions under which each answer is correct, including the cases where the more expensive option is the wrong one.
They are written to be usable against any supplier’s quotation, not just ours. If a quotation you have received cannot be matched to one of the decision rules in these guides, the specification is not yet complete.
Grade 304 vs Grade 316
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel for Playground Slides: Which Grade Should You Specify?
When 304 stainless steel is adequate for a playground slide and when 316 is required, based on chloride exposure, distance from the coast, chlorinated water and de-icing salt. Includes what the two grades actually cost and why 316 is not stronger.
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Stainless steel vs HDPE
Stainless Steel vs HDPE Slides: Which Is Right for Your Playground?
Comparing stainless steel and HDPE playground slides on speed, surface temperature, lifespan, cost and age-group suitability — including why hot climates and under-5s often point to HDPE rather than stainless.
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EN 1176 vs ASTM F1487
EN 1176 vs ASTM F1487: Which Playground Standard Applies to Your Project?
How EN 1176 and ASTM F1487 differ in scope, structure and surfacing requirements, which one applies in which market, and what "EN 1176 certified" actually means — including why that phrase is wrong.
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Pneumatic (air resistance) vs Weight stack
Pneumatic vs Weight-Stack Outdoor Fitness Equipment: Which Lasts Outdoors?
Comparing air-resistance and weight-stack outdoor gym equipment on maintenance, weather exposure, resistance feel and shipping weight — and why exposed cables and bearings, not the resistance mechanism, cause most outdoor fitness failures.
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Continuous belay vs Clip-in belay
Continuous Belay vs Clip-In Belay for Rope Courses: Which System?
How continuous belay and traditional clip-in systems differ in accident risk, throughput, cost and staffing — and why the choice is driven by whether the course is supervised, not by the height of the course.
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Wet-pour rubber vs Rubber tiles vs Artificial grass vs Loose fill
Playground Surfacing Compared: Wet-Pour Rubber, Rubber Tiles, Artificial Grass and Loose Fill
How wet-pour rubber, rubber tiles, artificial grass and loose fill compare on critical fall height, lifespan, maintenance, accessibility and cost — and why impact attenuation degrades after installation.
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Send us the specification you are working to
If you have a tender document, a landscape architect’s drawing or just a site plan, send it over. We will tell you which of these decisions it already settles, and which ones are still open.