Finding the ideal artificial sports turf can be challenging, given the multitude of companies and brands available. This review aims to guide you through the top contenders in the industry, highlighting what makes their sports turf stand out as the best option available.
AstroTurf is a trailblazer in the artificial turf industry, known for its pioneering role in developing synthetic grass. Originally introduced as ChemGrass by Monsanto’s scientists and engineers, it made its debut at the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Due to its high-profile installation, Monsanto rebranded it as AstroTurf.
Today, AstroTurf is owned by SportGroup, which has expanded its reach by acquiring various artificial turf manufacturers over the past 40 years. SportGroup, under its parent company Equistone, supplies turf to over 70 countries, with more than 7,000 sports fields and 16,000 athletic tracks installed globally.
AstroTurf offers a diverse range of turf products, each designed with specific features to enhance performance and durability. These products include advanced infill systems and underlayers that improve stability and reduce issues such as wrinkling and slippage. The main brands in their current lineup include:
AstroTurf 3D1
The AstroTurf 3D1 represents the latest innovation in synthetic turf technology. Utilizing Tronic Fibers, this turf features a blend of chemically bonded polyethylene and nylon, making it 50% more resistant to wear and tear. Its unique design mimics the spine of a grass blade, providing enhanced spring back and a sharkskin-like grip for superior traction.
RootZone 3D Series
The RootZone 3D Series offers a simulated root system that enhances traction. It includes the RootZone 3D3 blend and RootZone 3DSF, both of which incorporate specialized infill systems to stabilize the turf.
Green Series NRG
Known as the NIKE Grind series, the Green Series NRG integrates ground-up rubber into the turf’s root system. This design is specifically developed to work with NIKE Grind infill, providing improved performance and sustainability.
Diamond Series
The Diamond Series is tailored for baseball and softball, recreating the conditions necessary for these sports with precision.
LigaTurf Series
The LigaTurf Series is designed to mimic natural grass and is ideal for soccer fields. It helps reduce joint fatigue and offers a durable, reliable playing surface, earning FIFA certification and favor from top sports associations.
Conversion Series
The Conversion Series provides versatile turf systems for creating multifunctional playing fields. It includes solutions such as the Magic Carpet 2, AstroHopper II, AstroLift, and AstroMod systems.
Classic Series
Focused on field hockey, the Classic Series includes six different systems, including AstroTurf 12, Poligrass Platinum, Tokyo GT, The Green Series DT, PGPN, and RootZone 3DSF HD.
Rhino Series
The Rhino Series is a versatile turf solution suitable for multiple sports, including soccer, football, rugby, and field hockey. It features two variants: Rhino SF and Rhino Blend.
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Tiger Turf stands as one of the largest manufacturers of artificial turf globally, despite being relatively young in the industry. Founded in 1981 in Auckland, New Zealand, the company, in partnership with TenCate Grass, has been providing high-quality turf for a range of sports organizations, including FIFA, World Rugby, ITF, and FIH, for over 40 years.
Beyond sports fields, Tiger Turf extends its expertise to commercial and residential landscaping, as well as schools and parks. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative approach to turf construction, which includes recycling old turf backings to give worn-out materials new life. This focus on visual realism ensures their turf closely resembles natural grass, offering a superior aesthetic compared to other brands.
Soccer Turf
Tiger Turf provides a variety of options for soccer fields, catering to different levels of play. Notable among these are the Endurance Play and Atomic Pro 40, which are ideal for FIFA-level events. Additional variants include:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Greenfields MX Elite | Professional quality with excellent durability |
| Endurance 40, 50, 60 | High-quality options for professional and recreational use |
| Atomic Pro 50, 60 | Versatile surfaces suitable for various levels of play |
Field Hockey Turf
Tiger Turf offers field hockey surfaces in a range of colors, including green, blue, white, and red. Key products include:
| Turf Variant | Certification | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic Pro 40 | FIFA, FIH certified | Taller blade strands suitable for field hockey |
| Trophy, Evo Pro, Wett Pro | Not specified | Tight-knit surfaces ideal for field hockey |
Rugby Turf
Their rugby turf meets FIFA and IRB competition criteria, with notable options including:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Endurance 60 | Ideal for professional league games |
| Atomic Pro 60 | Suitable for high-level play |
This lush, deep turf is particularly well-suited for training pitches, league fields, and mini football fields.
Cricket Turf
For cricket, Tiger Turf offers several variants:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| First Class | Professional-level quality |
| Premier | Suitable for professional play |
| TigerTest | Durable all-weather wickets |
These surfaces are designed to hold up well under continuous play or practice, though they are not certified for professional league games.
Tennis Turf
Tiger Turf provides a range of tennis turf options, including:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Clay Turf | Best for professional surfaces |
| Volley Pro | High-performance for competitive play |
| Advantage, Trophy | Suitable for various play levels |
| Classic, Evo Pro | Traditional options for tennis courts |
Bowling Green Turf
For bowling greens, Tiger Turf offers:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Tigerweave | Tightly woven, all-weather material available in three shades of green |
Multisport Turf
Tiger Turf’s multisport surfaces cater to activities like volleyball, basketball, pickleball, and bocce ball. Key options include:
| Turf Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Trophy, Atomic Pro 40 | Versatile for multiple sports |
| Evo Pro, Tournament | Various applications with markings |
| Classic, Advantage | Durable options for diverse sports |
| TigerPlay, Endurance Play, Elite | High-performance for different sports activities |
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Hatko Sport, though relatively new in the artificial turf industry, has quickly established itself as a significant player. Ranked as the 10th largest manufacturer of synthetic sports grass, the company boasts FIFA certification and additional licenses from FIH, ITF, and IAAF. Remarkably, Hatko Sport has installed over 400 FIFA football pitches across 100 countries and four continents. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse range of turf products.
HybridGrass
HybridGrass represents an innovative approach to synthetic turf. This type of grass mat incorporates real grass seeds that anchor the plastic turf to the soil. The presence of live grass helps to conceal the synthetic elements, providing a more natural appearance. It eliminates the need for maintenance associated with traditional turf, such as dealing with divots or collapsed grass spots.
Non-Infill Football Grass
This turf design departs from the conventional use of sand and rubber infill. Instead, it relies solely on silica sand and features an under-layer of plastic moss roots to support the grass blades. This design helps the blades remain upright without the need for additional rubber filler.
Omega XL
The Omega XL turf features concave-shaped blades with a central spine, a design approved by FIFA. This turf requires both sand and infill and is available with or without a shock pad. It offers four different types of infills to suit various needs.
Omega Turf
Similar to Omega XL, Omega Turf also features concave blades but lacks the central spine. This variant also requires sand and infill and can be used with or without a shock pad.
Invicto
The Invicto turf is distinguished by its dual solid concave blade shape, resembling an oval with pointed ends. This design provides excellent durability and resilience, though it also requires sand and infill.
Maxima
Maxima turf features blades with cross-sections on both sides, enhancing their recovery and durability. This design requires a shock pad, sand, and infill to maintain its performance. It is ideal for high-traffic areas.
Spine Turf
Spine Turf offers a thicker, fuller version of the Maxima design, providing enhanced bounce and performance. The increased thickness ensures greater longevity and durability compared to Maxima.
Nova
The Nova turf features a characteristic C-shape that aids in blade recovery. It is a cost-effective option, suitable for budget-conscious projects. This turf requires sand and infill and is available with or without a shock pad.
Performa
Performa is a newly developed fibrillated turf that mimics the appearance of natural grass. While it may not be ideal for professional-level football pitches, it is well-suited for lower-level leagues and recreational play.
DuoGrass
DuoGrass is an upgraded version of Performa, featuring a thicker and fuller design. This enhancement makes it more suitable for high-intensity soccer games, providing better performance and durability.
Multi-Sport
The Multi-Sport turf is designed for versatility, resembling flat pasta in texture. It is intended for general-purpose sports fields and is suitable for various sports, including soccer, football, and rugby, though it may not be ideal for performance-based activities.
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Shaw Sports Turf’s entry into the turf industry is rooted in a long history of innovation. Founded in 1946, Shaw Industries initially focused on producing dyed rugs. Over time, Shaw expanded its expertise into rug manufacturing and became a leader in the industry. Notably, Shaw was among the first in North America to produce stain-resistant rugs in 1980. The company’s growth continued with the acquisition of Amoco’s polypropylene production factory in 1992, which solidified its position as a major player in rug production.
The company’s journey into the sports turf industry began with the acquisition of Sportexe Construction Services in 2009, a prominent producer of sports turf products. By 2016, Shaw launched ShawGrass, their proprietary sports turf formula. Today, Shaw Sports Turf operates 18 locations worldwide, offering a diverse range of sports turf and carpet products.
Turf Offerings
Shaw Sports Turf provides synthetic grass solutions for various sports, including baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Their turf fibers are designed with different levels of firmness and springiness to cater to specific needs. Here are the main types of turf fibers they offer:
Slit Film
Shaw’s slit film fibers are available in two variants: Strenexe and Strenexe XD. Strenexe is often combined with other strands to enhance spring back, requiring sand and infill to maintain the fiber’s upright position. Strenexe XD features dual colors for a more realistic appearance, adding visual depth to the turf.
Monofilament
The monofilament fibers come in two types: Diamond and Bolt. The Diamond fiber has a shape that mimics natural grass, providing a natural spring-back effect. The Bolt fiber features a zigzag design, which enhances bounce-back speed and durability, making it suitable for high-endurance play.
Thatch Fibers
Thatch fibers are placed at the base of the synthetic turf to support sand within the turf base material. These fibers eliminate the need for infill rubber, as the sand within the thatch fibers helps keep the synthetic blades upright. This design contributes to the stability and longevity of the turf.
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Matrix Turf is a relatively new player in the artificial turf industry, having established itself over the past decade. Based in Dadeville, Alabama, with additional production facilities in Chatsworth, Georgia, Matrix Turf is known for its commitment to high-quality sports turf. The company rigorously tests its products to ensure they meet specific performance standards.
Matrix Turf
Matrix Turf features concave oval-shaped blades designed for rapid recovery, regardless of how they are bent. This turf is versatile, suitable for various sports including football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and field hockey. It comes in two blade sizes to optimize bounce and surface performance.
Matrix Real
Matrix Real combines diamond-shaped blades with two types of C-shaped strands, creating a surface ideal for soccer. The mix of blade shapes provides a grass-like appearance and enhances performance on the soccer field.
Matrix Softball/Baseball
The Matrix Softball/Baseball turf offers a natural grass look and feel with rounded oval blades that lack sharp edges. This turf is designed for baseball and softball, and it includes two blade sizes to maintain a realistic appearance. It is also easy to replace when worn out.
Matrix Aerial
Matrix Aerial is tailored for field hockey, featuring twisted and highly compacted blades with uniform diamond shapes. This construction ensures a tight and compact playing surface, allowing the field hockey ball to travel smoothly and quickly.
Fusion-h XP2
Fusion-h XP2 is a slit film resin-coated turf with rounded oval blades. The split tops of each strand enhance traction, making it suitable for football, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse. Its design is aimed at high traction and durability under heavy use.
Fusion
Similar to Fusion-h XP2, Fusion turf lacks the resin coating but maintains the same blade shape. Recommended for football, soccer, and lacrosse, this turf mimics freshly mowed grass and offers excellent traction for various field players.
Velocity XP2
Velocity XP2 is another resin-coated turf designed for football, baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. The flat blades with split ends provide superior grip and durability, while the resin coating prevents further splitting, maintaining the turf’s performance.
Velocity
Velocity turf does not feature resin coating but still provides exceptional grip and versatility for multiple sports. It is a cost-effective option suitable for professional leagues and recreational fields, offering good performance within a specific budget.
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Field Turf is a prominent global supplier of artificial turf, known for meeting FIFA, World Rugby, and FIH standards. Their production facilities in Germany and France support a diverse range of applications, including football, soccer, rugby, field hockey, and multi-sport activities. Field Turf is recognized for its high-quality materials and innovations in the synthetic grass industry.
Core
Core features a multi-layered dual-polymer material with diamond-shaped fibers. The vertical ridges on each fiber provide superior grip, enhancing performance for athletes. This turf is known for its exceptional softness and durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
360XL
360XL offers a diamond-shaped blade design similar to Core but without the internal core. This monofilament fiber mimics natural grass, reducing friction and allowing for smoother player movement. It combines longevity with softness, making it a popular choice for various sports.
Quattro
Quattro closely resembles 360XL, providing similar skin friction to natural grass. It excels in resilience, ensuring the turf maintains its quality over time. This design is effective for handling diverse ball interactions on the field.
XM7
XM7 is known for its dense, natural grass appearance and budget-friendly price. It provides a solid playing surface suitable for multi-sport activities, offering good access to turf for both local and professional leagues.
Vertex Core
Vertex Core integrates the Core blade design with additional slit-film fibers on each strand. This enhances the durability of the turf, preventing fibers from wearing out. It provides a higher quality option compared to other models.
Vertex 360
Vertex 360 is similar to Vertex Core but lacks the internal core. It is a more cost-effective alternative to Vertex Core while still offering higher quality than the 360XL monofilament.
RGF XM7
RGF XM7 upgrades the XM7 fiber with slim-fit fibers, improving durability with the help of infill and sand. This variant offers optimal encapsulation for extended lifespan and resilience.
Classic HD
Classic HD is a slit-film yarn designed with excellent UV stabilization, reducing breakdown from sun exposure. It requires less infill compared to other slit-film yarns and features high resistance with excellent shape recovery.
Optimal XT
Optimal XT is a stronger version of Classic HD, particularly suited for tennis courts and field hockey fields. It is UV stabilized to withstand outdoor conditions and offers enhanced durability.
Purefield Ultra Series
The Purefield Ultra Series is designed for football, soccer, and multi-sport applications. Each monofilament blade is mixed with slim-film fibers, allowing for customization with Classic HD slim-film fibers.
Hockey Gold Series
Hockey Gold Series turf is specially trimmed to an optimal length for field hockey and lacrosse. While not suitable for bowling greens, it provides exceptional durability and performance for cricket and other high-end sports applications.
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AstroTurf continues to lead with its advanced products like the AstroTurf 3D1 and RootZone 3D Series, which are designed to enhance traction and stability. Tiger Turf provides versatile options for soccer, field hockey, rugby, and more, emphasizing sustainability and realism. Hatko Sport stands out with its innovative designs like HybridGrass and Omega XL, catering to a wide range of sports needs. Shaw Sports Turf offers a variety of fiber types and designs, including monofilament and slit film, to meet different performance requirements. Lastly, Field Turf delivers high-quality solutions with products like Core and Vertex Core, suited for diverse sports applications.
With these options, you can find the ideal turf that meets your specific needs, whether for professional sports fields or recreational areas.