4G astro pitch is the latest design of artificial grass surface which promises to deliver high quality playing characteristics that closely replicate natural turf. The new surface is also designed to be very weatherproof and water can drain quickly owing to the fact that it has multiple porous layers. This means that training and matches are not delayed due to bad weather.
This is the perfect solution for football and rugby clubs who need to train their players in a similar environment to what they will experience on match day and can reduce costs dramatically. With no need to water, seed or weed a pitch with the associated costs this type of surfacing allows cash strapped sports clubs to save thousands of pounds each year.
Many schools have embraced this technology and now expect their sports teams to play on 4G astro pitches. These facilities are a huge draw for parents and children looking for a better alternative to traditional grass. The playing experience is much more accurate as the ball bounces in the same way that it would on a real grass surface and training on 4G surfaces will prepare players for what they are likely to encounter on a match day – whatever the weather may be.
4G is very different to 3G astro pitches which are widely used in professional sports. The key difference is that 3G pitches have rubber crumb spread throughout the artificial grass to improve the performance of the surface. The rubber pellets or ‘crumbs’, as they are known, create a more realistic grass appearance but this can be problematic. The crumbs are messy and have a tendency to get everywhere even after a game. They need to be added regularly and it is recommended that a good maintenance schedule should include; surface cleaning, power sweeping and decompaction of the infill to improve drainage and ensure consistent performance.
Fourth generation astro pitches have a yarn and tuft design which is said to look the closest to real grass without the need for rubber infill. This is a more environmentally friendly product as it does not require the use of recycled tyres for the manufacture.
The 4G astro pitch has a shock pad layer installed beneath the carpet that helps to protect players from serious injury. This layer is also said to help with player recovery. It can be particularly helpful for players who suffer from injuries such as ankle sprains and knee pain.
A shock pad can be particularly beneficial during the winter months as a frozen turf can cause serious injuries. With a shock pad under the synthetic grass, the risk of injury is significantly reduced and the surface will not freeze as easily.
4G non-infill synthetic astro turf has been proven to be more resilient than other types of astroturf which is why it is being increasingly used in professional sports. The shock pad can reduce the risk of injury, especially to the joints, when compared to a traditional natural grass pitch and this can make it suitable for older and injured players. In addition to the safety benefits, the European Chemicals Agency has allayed health fears regarding crumb rubber from synthetic pitches which was feared to be causing illnesses in players and workers who maintain these surfaces.