Continuation of Penn State Synthetic Turf Wear Testing Proves Yet Again the Superior Durability of FieldTurf Revolution

Montreal, Canada, June 21, 2011 --(PR.com)-- A second round of rigorous Lisport wear testing on artificial turf systems was completed at Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research in June 2011. Samples of FieldTurf Revolution, Sportexe Powerblade (1st generation), AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H, AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D with Astroflect, Mondo Monofibre 3NX, Shaw Sportexe Powerblade HP+, and UBU Sports Speed M4-M were exposed to a total of 30,000 cycles on a Lisport wear tester. Ten random fiber samples were observed from each turf system after 10,000 cycle intervals and were classified into one of four categories – “Good,” “Hair-Splitting,” “Fractured,” “Complete Splitting.”

The fiber wear tests at Penn State University are conducted using a Lisport wear tester conforming to the standards outlined in both the European Standard for Surfaces for Outdoor Sports Areas - Exposure of Synthetic Turf to Simulated Wear (EN 15306) and the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf – Handbook of Test Methods (May, 2009 edition).

The Lisport wear tester consists of two cylinders outfitted with studs (cleats) that simulate field use. Different sprocket sizes on each cylinder allows for a sliding movement of one of the cylinders. The model used in this testing also included a sample tray that produced movement transverse to the linear movement of the cylinders, allowing for even wear across the entire sample. Each sample was filled with crumb rubber to a depth based on manufacturer specifications.

Echoing the conclusions from the first Lisport testing program run at Penn State that compared FieldTurf Revolution, Sportexe Powerblade (1st generation), and AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H, the results of the second round of expanded Lisport testing continues to prove that FieldTurf Revolution has been designed to be the most durable fiber in the industry and has clearly outperformed the other six systems under standard and heavy wear simulations. The Lisport provides for an indication of how an artificial turf system will age over time as a result of use. The results of Lisport testing provide an indication of the durability of the synthetic turf system.

Fiber classifications were made of each product for each 10,000 cycle interval from 10 random fibers removed from samples. Degree of splitting and fracturing varies between fibers. Please refer to the report for details.

The full report can be downloaded off of Penn State University’s website at: http://cropsoil.psu.edu/ssrc/documents/lisport-report.pdf

After 10,000 Cycles

· FieldTurf Revolution – All 10 fibers classified as "Good"
· Sportexe Powerblade (1st generation) – Three fibers classified as "Good," four fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," three fibers classified as "Fractured"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H – All 10 fibers classified as "Good"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D with Astroflect – Five fibers classified as "Good," two fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," two fibers classified as "Fractured," one fiber classified as "Complete Splitting"
· Mondo Monofibre 3NX – Nine fibers classified as "Good," one fiber classified as "Hair-Splitting"
· Shaw Sportexe Powerblade HP+ - Eight fibers classified as "Good," two fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting"
· UBU Sports Speed M4-M – All 10 fibers classified as "Good"

After 20,000 Cycles

· FieldTurf Revolution – Nine fibers classified as "Good," one fiber classified as "Hair-Splitting"
· Sportexe Powerblade (1st generation) – Three fibers classified as "Good," three fibers classified as ‘"Hair-Splitting", two fibers classified as "Fractured," two fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H – Six fibers classified as "Good," three fibers categorized as "Fractured," one fiber classified as "Complete Splitting"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D with Astroflect – Two fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," four fibers classified as "Fractured," four fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· Mondo Monofibre 3NX – Two fibers classified as "Good," two fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," one fiber classified as "Fractured," five fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· Shaw Sportexe Powerblade HP+ - Six fibers classified as "Good," four fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting"
· UBU Sports Speed M4-M – Six fibers classified as "Good," four fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting"

After 30,000 Cycles

· FieldTurf Revolution – Seven fibers classified as "Good," three fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting"
· Sportexe Powerblade (1st generation) – Two fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," four fibers classified as "Fractured," four fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H – One fiber classified as "Hair-Splitting," seven fibers classified as "Fractured," two fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D with Astroflect – Three fibers classified as "Fractured," seven fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· Mondo Monofibre 3NX – One fiber classified as "Good," one fiber classified as "Hair-Splitting," two fibers classified as "Fractured," six fibers classified as "Complete Splitting"
· Shaw Sportexe Powerblade HP+ - Four fibers classified as "Good," five fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting," one fiber classified as "Fractured"
· UBU Sports Speed M4-M – Five fibers classified as "Good," five fibers classified as "Hair-Splitting"

It is important to note that FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, deems 20,000 cycles on a Lisport to be a "sufficient" simulation for the wear of artificial turf fibers. The belief is that performing comparative wear tests to 30,000 cycles provides clear data on long-term fiber durability.

Samples used in testing were obtained from athletic field managers, installers, and directly from turf manufacturers. To participate in Penn State’s testing program, visit the website for more details: http://cropsoil.psu.edu/ssrc/fibertest. This report will be updated regularly as more samples are tested.

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