In non-infill artificial grass systems, the shock pad serves as the “core companion” for cushioning performance. A high-quality shock pad not only enhances safety but also improves comfort and playability. Especially in areas like children’s playgrounds, sports fields, and community spaces—where impact absorption is critical—the choice of shock pad can determine both performance and durability. With numerous types available on the market, users often fall into the trap of focusing solely on price instead of matching performance and application needs. This article categorizes the four main types of shock pads used in non-infill artificial grass systems, analyzes their material properties, cushioning performance, and suitability for different environments, and introduces VivaTurf’s integrated pairing solutions to help you make the right choice.
1. Closed-Cell Foam Shock Pads: Balanced Performance for Versatile Use
Closed-cell foam shock pads are considered the “all-around partner” for non-infill turf. Known for their excellent cushioning, waterproof properties, and easy installation, they are ideal for home gardens, community leisure areas, and children’s playgrounds—especially where cost-effectiveness is key.
Core Features: Made from cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or PVC nitrile rubber, closed-cell pads have sealed structures that prevent water absorption while distributing impact through cell wall deformation. This ensures consistent performance under varying environmental conditions.
Material Advantages: XLPE offers superior aging resistance, retaining elasticity between -30°C and 80°C without cracking or hardening. PVC nitrile rubber, meanwhile, is more wear-resistant and suitable for light sports zones.
Key Performance: Impact absorption rates reach 50–60%, significantly reducing the force from falls. High drainage efficiency (e.g., Watersaver Turf’s Pro Play Pad 20d drains 1000 inches/hour) ensures no waterlogging after rain. Weighing only 2–3 kg/m², they are lightweight and easy to install manually.
Application Scenarios:
Home & Leisure Areas: 5–8 mm thick pads enhance comfort without raising ground levels excessively—ideal for walking and casual seating.
Kindergartens & Playgrounds: 8–12 mm XLPE pads paired with 20–30 mm non-infill grass achieve over 65% impact absorption, reducing fall impact by 60% from 50 cm heights. The waterproof surface also prevents bacterial buildup.
Avoid Low-Quality Options: Pads under 5 mm thick often lose cushioning ability within two years due to compression deformation.
2. Bead-Structured Polypropylene Shock Pads: For Professional Sports Fields
Bead-structured polypropylene (PP) pads are the “performance specialists,” engineered for football and basketball fields. Their unique bead design balances shock absorption with ball roll and rebound behavior.
Core Features: Made by thermally compressing PP beads, these pads feature uneven spherical surfaces and internal voids that fine-tune field hardness and elasticity.
Material Advantages: PP is UV- and wear-resistant, ensuring long-term outdoor durability. The bead structure delivers outstanding biomechanical response, with over 85% energy restitution—providing strong foot feedback during sprints and turns.
Key Performance: Even after 100,000 impact cycles, cushioning decay remains ≤10%. Drainage efficiency is exceptional (30% porosity), clearing heavy rain within 30 minutes. Ball rebound variance is within ±5% of natural grass, meeting FIFA Basic standards.
Application Scenarios:
Football & Basketball Fields: 10–15 mm thick pads paired with 30–40 mm non-infill grass minimize joint strain while maintaining realistic ball dynamics.
Notes: Installation requires professional fitting and adhesive sealing to prevent displacement. Costs are higher than foam pads, making them best suited for high-performance venues.
3. XPE Foam Shock Pads: Eco-Friendly and Durable for Light Activity and Landscapes
XPE foam pads are the “eco-conscious choice,” offering excellent resilience, sound insulation, and moisture resistance with zero toxicity or odor—ideal for rooftops, indoor landscapes, and light exercise areas.
Core Features: Produced via cross-linked polyethylene foaming, XPE forms a stable 3D network that resists deformation and degradation. Certified under CE environmental standards, it contains no formaldehyde or heavy metals.
Material Advantages: Provides 25+ dB sound insulation, resists moisture, and quickly rebounds after impact (within 10 seconds).
Key Performance: With perforations (5 mm diameter, 20 mm spacing), drainage rates reach 500 inches/hour. Available in 5–12 mm thickness to meet diverse cushioning needs.
Application Scenarios:
Rooftop Gardens & Indoor Spaces: 5–8 mm XPE pad with 15–20 mm non-infill grass provides lightweight (2.5 kg/m²), odor-free comfort without structural burden.
Community Fitness Zones: 8–10 mm pads with 25–30 mm grass offer moderate cushioning for walking and tai chi practice—an economical alternative to PP bead pads.
4. Rubber Granule Shock Pads: Heavy-Duty Durability for High-Load Fields
Rubber granule shock pads are the “durability champions,” built for high-frequency, heavy-duty use such as commercial basketball and tennis courts.
Core Features: Made from recycled tires or synthetic rubber bonded with polyurethane adhesive, they are dense (1.2–1.5 g/cm³), robust, and highly wear-resistant.
Material Advantages: Service life of 8–10 years—1.5× longer than foam pads. Wear loss ≤0.5 mm after 100,000 friction cycles.
Key Performance: Delivers stable 55–65% impact absorption but weighs 15–20 kg/m², requiring strong sub-base support. Prolonged outdoor exposure can lead to surface delamination without maintenance.
Application Scenarios:
Commercial Courts: 12–15 mm rubber pads with 30–35 mm non-infill grass handle 8+ hours of daily play without performance loss.
Caution: Not recommended for rooftops or playgrounds due to odor and heavy load.
VivaTurf’s Integrated “Grass + Shock Pad” Solutions: Precision Matching for Every Scenario
As a global leader in non-infill turf technology, VivaTurf understands that perfect synergy between grass and shock pad is crucial to performance. The company offers fully integrated “turf + shock pad” systems tailored to specific applications.
1. Scenario-Based Pairing:
Children’s Areas: 25 mm non-infill turf + 10 mm XLPE foam pad with 62% shock absorption and SGS-certified antibacterial properties—ideal for playgrounds and nurseries.
Sports Fields: 35 mm non-infill turf + 12 mm PP bead pad with FIFA-compliant rebound and ≤8% performance decay after 100,000 cycles.
Landscape Projects: 20 mm turf + 8 mm XPE pad for lightweight, eco-friendly, and noise-reducing rooftop or garden use.
2. Quality Assurance:
All VivaTurf shock pads are ISO 9001 certified, with ≤0.5 mm thickness variance and ≥95% density uniformity. The combined warranty covers 8 years for turf and 5 years for shock pads, ensuring long-term stability.
3. Integrated Installation:
Professional teams adjust installation methods by pad type—foam pads use tape seams, while PP bead pads employ full adhesive bonding with compression rolling. Post-installation, impact absorption tests verify compliance before delivery.
By 2025, VivaTurf's integrated “non-infill grass + shock pad” systems have been deployed nationwide—from kindergartens in Beijing to commercial football fields in Shenzhen. User feedback confirms consistent cushioning and excellent comfort. With VivaTurf, users no longer need to worry about compatibility—each field is optimized for both safety and superior experience.