F.A.Q.

Why is it called The TOP HOPPER?

Named after the highest jumping mammal in the world.....the red kangaroo, with a vertical "hop" as high as 9'8".  

 

What do combines use mechanical testers vs electronic devices?

Studies have shown that athletes jump higher when they have a target to hit.  Only mechanical vert testers provide a target above the athlete.  Vertical jump measuring devices must be very accurate, repeatable and reproducible.  Combines use mechanical testers because they have proven to perform the best in those three areas.  The professional combines, like the NBA, NFL and CFL have a lot of historical data.  So, any changes to the process and/or equipment need to be validated and warranted.  Progressive organizations like the NBA and CFL are more willing to make changes if the new equipment has proven to be superior to what they are currently using at their combine. This is why they both made the change to The Top Hopper.   

 

What do major combines use to test vertical jump heights?

Most combines have switched to The Top Hopper TH500 Floor Stand System.  In 2024, the NBA Combine, CFL Combine, the National Scouting Combine and many others have switched from the Vertec to the TH500 Floor Stand System.  The NBA actually conducts two vertical jump tests.  The standing "sargent" vertical jump test and the running max vertical jump test.  They actually use force plates and a Top Hopper at the same time during the standing vertical jump test.  The force plates provide data on the mechanics and forces during the jump and the TH500 provides the actual vertical jump height data. 

 

What is the difference between the Vertec and The Top Hopper?

The Vertec and the TH500 are both mechanical testers.  They both move up and down and have plastic indicators the athletes hit.  There are several differences between the products. 

1.  Industrial Grade:

• The Top Hopper have powder coated steel mounting systems, which is the best surface protection you can apply to steel
• The Vertec is painted steel, so corrosion is a major issue
• The Top Hopper mounting systems do not telescope, which means they will last forever.  
• The Vertec mounting systems move the measuring device up and down.  The adjustment mechanisms wear out quickly, which leads to a unusable vert tester.
• The Top Hopper Measuring Device is comprised of heavily engineering parts.  The body is a 3 piece aluminum extrusion that is rigid and light weight.  The indicators are specially designed plastic to prevent breakage.  The TH500 indicators are 3/8" tall and the TH1000 indicators are 5/8" tall.  The added material greatly improves the durability of the indicators.  All hardware is stainless steel.
• The Vertec uses very thin plastic indicators that easily break when struck.

2.  Accuracy - The fundamental design flaw with all other mechanical vert testers is they have to be operated and locked into place at chest height.  This required a locking system and a telescopic vertical tube to raise and lower the measuring device.  Having a telescopic vertical tube as your mounting system leads to inaccurate measurements.  As the measuring device is raised, the vertical tube bends causing the plastic indicators to not be level with the ground any longer.  This results in inaccurate measurements.     

Picture:  Top Hopper Floor Stand in orange and a leaning Vertec.

• The Top Hopper does not have a telescopic vertical tube.  Our floor stand is a bolt together four piece tube that does not bend
• The Vertec and others have a telescopic tube that bends as the measuring device is raised.  The tube is also bare steel, which will corrode and make it very difficult to raise and lower over time.  The locking mechanism will break quickly due to the constant moving and tightening the tubes into position.

3.  Mounting System: 

• Our measuring devices can be mounted anywhere.  We sell 4 mounting systems.  A floor stand, wall mount, extender mount, and a basketball rim mount.  Since the math is all built into our measuring devices, many customers have designed their own custom mounting systems.  They have attached the measuring device to squat racks, posts, ceiling joists to mention a few.
• The Vertec has only a floor stand and wall mounted system.

4.  Ease of Use (moving it up and down): 

• Take the operating pole ("your key") and screw it into the bottom of the measuring device.  Pull down and push up the measuring device using the pole.  The measuring device will automatically lock into place at 3 locations.  There are 3 sets of numbers on each plastic indicator that corresponds to the distance from the ground at all 3 locations.  This operation greatly reduces operator error and speeds up the testing process.
• The Vertec is raised and lowered by moving the vertical tube up and down manually.  The operator loosens a wingnut/bolt and raises up the pole until an etched line lines up with the top of the stationary tube.  The operator then tightens the wingnut/bolt to lock it into place. This etched line on the pole is the distance from the ground in feet.  The operator then has to count the number of plastic indicators that the athlete moves and add that number to the etched line distance to get both standing reach and jump height.  This process is very slow and has a lot of operator error between different operators. 

5.  Math (Calculating the jump height):

• The Top Hopper Measuring Devices have numbers on each indicator that represents the distance from the ground.  When calculating the vertical jump height, simply subtract the standing reach number from the jump height number.
• The Vertec has etched lines and numbers on their telescopic pole.  The operator takes that number and then adds that number to the number of plastic indicators moved to get both the standing reach and jump height.  

6.  Colors:

• The Top Hopper measuring device is available any any color.  and we stock 6 color combinations  The mounting systems are available in any color and we stock 4 colors.  
• The Vertec is only available in red.  

7.  Storage Location:

• The TH500 and TH1000 is stored almost 10 feet above the ground.  There is also a protective cage for the wall mount system and a storage case for the measuring device.   
• The Vertec must be stored and mounted around chest height.  This is to allow the operator to operate it.  Unfortunately, when not in use the product is often damaged. 

 

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

• The Top Hopper Vertical Jump Systems deliver the most accurate jump height measurements.  You can measure all types of jumps.  The only way to cheat the measuring process is by not reaching up as high as you can on the standing reach measurement.  The cost stats at $799.99.
• Jump mats can only measure a sargent vertical jump (no running jumps).  Jump mats measure air time, which is the time the athlete's feet leave the mat until they return (hang time).  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.  Unfortunately, they are very easy to cheat.  Athletes simply distort there body so their feet delay hitting the mat when they land from jumping.  This leads to inaccurate measurements.  They costs around $600.  Simply put....they are a waste of money!  

 

 

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

• The Top Hopper Vertical Jump Systems deliver the most accurate jump height measurements.  You can measure all types of jumps.  The only way to cheat the measuring process is by not reaching up as high as you can on the standing reach measurement.  The cost stats at $799.99.
• 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.  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.  Force Plates can only measure a sargent vertical jump (no running jumps).  The vertical jump measurement is calculated using data collected during the jump.  The calculated jump heights are always several inches lower due to the athletes jump mechanics and all of the variability between athletes.  Force Plates are very expensive and most trainers cannot afford them.

 

Why can I not purchase The Top Hopper through a distributor like, Perform Better or BSN Sports?

The Top Hopper only sells direct.  We want to have a direct relationship with our customers.  If you have any problems with your order, assembly, or want to repair your products, we want you to contact us directly.  By selling direct to the customer we also eliminate the middle man and pass the savings to you.

  

Why is measuring an athlete’s vertical jump important?

The vertical jump test is the most widely used and the most important assessment of lower body power and explosiveness.  The height of an athlete’s vertical jump is synonymous to their athleticism.  Athletes, trainers, coaches and recruiters know how important the ability to jump high is.  This is why athletes spend a lot of time trying to maximize the height of their vertical jump.  The Top Hopper is designed specifically for progressively and repetitively challenging an athlete’s ability to maximize his/hers vertical jump and fast twitch muscle capabilities. Athletes purchase a variety of equipment and hire personal trainers to help them increase the height of the vertical jump.  So, each athlete needs a measuring device to accurately measure the height of their vertical jump…….The Top Hopper!!! 

 

Why is the height of an athlete’s vertical jump important?

It is simple.  If an athlete can jump high, then they are athletic.  If the athlete is a “Top Hopper” then they are very athletic and will most likely excel at their sport.  Athletes are always looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage and boost their athletic performance.  Every athlete would like to know the height of their vertical jump.  Their goal from there is to increase the height of their vertical jump through precise training and exercise.  The Top Hopper is the best device to measure and track improvements.

 

What colors are available?

The measuring devices have alternating colored plastic indicators.  The standard colors are orange and grey.  We also stock black, red, and police blue.  All other custom colors are available.

The standard color for all mounting systems is orange.  We also stock black, grey and red.  All other custom colors are available.

  

What is the difference between the TH500 and TH1000?

The TH500 measures in half-inch increments and the TH1000 measures in one-inch increments.  There are benefits to each model.  The TH1000 has half the number of plastic indicators, so it costs $100 less.  It also is easier to use because there is a larger space between each indicator making it easier to see what the athlete hit.  The plastic is also taller, which makes it more robust.  The TH500 is the main choice for Combines and trainers that need to measure in half-inch jump heights.  You can easily convert the TH500 into a TH1000 and vice versa.  Both measuring devices are available in the same colors and attach to all four mounting systems.

 

How long will it last?

All Top Hopper equipment is industrial grade and designed to last a very long time. 

 

What is the best mounting system for me?

There are four mounting systems to choose from.  Trainers with a gym that has limited floor space or low ceiling heights go with the wall mount.  Volleyball programs love the wall mount in combination with the protective cover.  Football programs and trainers that need a mobile mount purchases the floor stand along with carrying cases.  Basketball programs like the basketball rim mount and the floor stand.  The extender mount is perfect for weight rooms.  Some trainers like adding the extender to the floor stand to provide more space between the measuring device and floor stand.  

 

Why is the Extender referred to as a "Fat Man Bracket" or a "Vertimax Bracket"?

The Extender Mount or "Fat Man Bracket" is attached between the measuring device and floor stand to provide more room for an athlete during jumping.  Some large football players prefer a little more room so they don't hit the vertical tube of the floor stand.

The Extender Mount or "Vertimax Bracket" is attached between the measuring device and floor stand.  A Vertimax platform is placed right next to the floor stand base.  Now the athlete has a target to hit during their workout.  By adding a target above the Vertimax platform, the athlete will try harder and get a much better workout.

 

How easy is it to travel with?

There is a travel case for the measuring device.  Once the measuring device and poles are placed inside, the total weight of the case and measuring device is 36 pounds.  There is a travel case for the floor stand if you travel a long distance and prefer to completely disassemble the floor stand.  This combination weighs 70 pounds.  The floor stand travel case does have wheels for easier transportation.  For shorter travel distances, you can just separate the vertical tube in half by removing the 3 bolt sets. This will separate the floor stand into two pieces that easily fits into a car.  The basketball rim mount is the easiest mount to travel with.

 

How do you measure an athlete's jump height that is greater than 147.5 inches?

With other mechanical testers, you have to lift up the floor stand and place it on blocks.  This can very dangerous.  With the Top Hopper, you just add an Extension Tube to the top of the floor stand vertical tube.  The Extension Tube safely raises the measuring device up another 24 inches.  You can add the Extension Plate to the other three mounts to accomplish the same thing.