Selecting the most appropriate type of artificial turf system for your particular sport and facility needs in Tauranga requires careful consideration. With so many astroturf varieties now available, assessing criteria like pile height, fiber type, shock absorption, traction, durability, and maintenance requirements based on field usage and sporting category is key to making the optimal choice.
This extensive guide will walk you through the key factors Tauranga sports facility owners and managers need to evaluate when selecting astro turf solutions best suited for their field requirements.
Analyze Primary Sports Usage
Astro-turf in Tauranga’s sporting fields caters to varied sports like football, rugby, tennis, hockey etc. Each sport makes specific demands in terms of ball bounce, traction control, joint-friendliness, and shock absorption. Analyze the primary sports your field must accommodate, both currently and in the near future.
Consider Hours of Field Usage
Estimate the total hours your Tauranga sports field operates through the year, including games, practices, public use, etc. Intense, high-frequency usage necessitates more durable astroturf. Lighter usage allows you to look at more cost-effective turf options.
Evaluate User Profile and Skill Level
Along with usage intensity, the type of athletes using the field – professional sports persons or amateur hobby players, adults or young kids – also impacts turf choice. Competition-level play requires higher-end turf.
Assess Local Weather and Field Conditions
Tauranga’s climate with high UV exposure, heat, and heavy seasonal rains warrants artificial turf engineered for continuity of play in wet conditions, UV and heat tolerance, and quick drainage.
Calculate Traffic Volume and Footwear
Foot traffic volume in terms of athletes actively playing or moving on the field daily also determines turf wear and tear. Traction from sports shoes necessitates stabilized infill staying in place.
Prioritize Safety Requirements
Player safety aspects like head injury protection, joint stress reduction, and minimizing abrasions based on field sport type need factoring when shortlisting turf.
Consider Maintenance Efforts Required
The manpower, equipment, and time you can allocate for ongoing astroturf maintenance also influence selection. Low-maintenance turfs may suit if resources are constrained.
Compare Installation and Lifecycle Costs 👍
Along with initial purchase and installation outlay, analyze longer-term costs for maintenance, grooming, potential repairs, and planned turf lifespan. Higher initial cost options sometimes balance out ownership costs long term.
Top AstroTurf Material Components to Evaluate
PE versus PP Fiber Types :
Polyethylene and Polypropylene are common astro turf fiber materials, each with pros and cons. PE offers good durability and color stability while PP has higher heat tolerance.
Infill Options:
Coated rubber, sand, cork, and hybrid infills each impact stability, shock absorption, and play characteristics differently. Coated rubber maintains the infill position best.
Backing Systems:
Dual polyurethane and polypropylene backing provide excellent dimensional stability. Single polypropylene backings with secondary latex coating are also reliable options.
Pile Height:
Optimal pile height varies by sport and athlete age group. 15 to 20mm suits rugby and football while 25 to 60mm is ideal for sports like hockey and golf.
Face Weight / Density:
Higher density turfs above 40 ounces per square foot replicate grass feel better. But certain sports favor lower weight for ball roll and bounce.
Conclusion
Choosing the right astro turf involves research and expert guidance to select materials and properties providing safety, playability, durability, and functionality based on the sports, climate conditions, usage levels, and maintenance capacity specific to your Tauranga facility. This results in a high-performance playing field your athletes will appreciate.
