Electronic Vertical Jump Testers like Force Plates, Force Decks and Jump Mats

Electronic Vertical Jump Testers like Force Plates, Force Decks and Jump Mats

Electronic Vertical Jump Equipment like Force Plates, Force Decks and Jump Mats

Mechanical Testers or Electronic Testers?

 What is the difference between the Jump Mats and The Top Hopper?

Jump mats can only measure a sargent vertical jump (no running jumps). Jump mats measure air time, which is the time the athletes feet leave the mat until they return. Then it computes a vertical jump height based on your weight and ground forces. The main attraction to mats is because they are lightweight and portable.  Our trainers hate them because athletes distort there body so their feet delay hitting the mat when they land from jumping.  This leads to an inaccurate, higher vertical jump.  Simply put....athletes know how to cheat using jump mats.  The Top Hopper vertical jump systems are very accurate, which is why combines everywhere are switching to it.  The only way to cheat the measurement is to not reach as high as you can when getting your standing reach height. 

Also, most athletes jump higher when their is a target above them. 

The costs are very similar.

What is the difference between the Force Plates / Force Decks and The Top Hopper?

Force plates can cost $3,000 - $5,000 for the plates.  You also need to pay $2,000 - $5,000 annually for the software and data.  Force Plates can only measure a sargent vertical jump (no running jumps).  However, they provide you much more data than just vertical jump height.  The vertical jump calculation uses data collected during the jump to calculate jump height.  There are two heavy plates used, one for each foot.  Since they are raised off the ground, most trainers pay for the mat that goes around them, so athletes don't injure themselves when they land.  The most common brands are VALD and Hawkins Dynamics.  Our trainers think every trainer and coach should have force plates because they can be used to optimize the athlete's jump height.  They feel force plates and The Top Hopper make a great combination.  Since force plates calculations for vertical jump height is always lower than actuals, a TH500 will give the trainer all the data they need. The Top Hopper vertical jump systems are very accurate, which is why combines use it and not force plates.  

Also, most athletes jump higher when their is a target above them.

Force Plates are very expensive and may not be worth buying.

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FAQs

How much do Hawkins dynamics force plates cost?

Force plates can cost between $4,000 and $8,000. You also have to pay around $2000 every year for the annual subscription.

Are force plates a good vertical jump measuring tool?

Force plates don't measure vertical jump heights. Force plates calculate vertical jump heights based on inputs during the jump, which result in inaccurate jump height "measurements".

Is a jump mat a good vertical jump measuring tool?

Jump mats don't measure vertical jump heights. Jump mats calculate vertical jump heights based on inputs during the jump, which result in inaccurate jump height "measurements".

Which electronic tester is most accurate for jump height?

The force plates are regarded as one of the finest electronic systems for analyzing jump performance data. The jump height calculation is actually the center of mass jump height, which is much different than the vertical jump height measurement obtained from a mechanical vert tester. The jump height from a Top Hopper can be 4-8 inches higher than the calculated jump height on force plates. Both are very accurate, but provide you different data. The results are not comparable and often misunderstood. It is like comparing an apple to an orange.

How do force plates work?

The force plates are used so that they can measure the ground reaction forces during a jump and calculate the height and power output. They are based on the sensors and software analysis. The Top Hopper, on the other hand, is measured by mechanical displacement.

What are the benefits of using jump mats?

A jump mat is used to measure the flight time and then take the jump height calculations electronically. They are mobile and easy to use. However, the calculations are very inaccurate and easily cheated by the athlete. Most serious trainers would never waste their time using them. The Top Hopper vert systems are the only testers that should be used to measure vertical jump heights. Everything else is a waste of money and time.

How portable are electronic testers like jump mats?

Jump mat is convenient to carry and can be used in any place for testing. It does not need many setups and access to a power source. The Top Hopper is also an option for portable vert testing.

Which type of electronic tester is best for athletes?

Electronic force plates by Vald and Hawkins are reported to be the best electronic testers for jump performance data. They can also calculate center of mass jump heights on stationary jumps. Be sure not to compare this data to the jump height measured using a mechanical tester. This is two completely different things. The Top Hopper mechanical tester is always the best option for measuring vertical jump height.