3G or 4G That is the Question
No doubt you’ve heard the terms 3G and 4G, bandied around.
They refer to ‘third generation’ and ‘fourth generation’ types of artificial turf. The general idea is that the more G, the more technological advancement it incorporates, and the closer it should resemble playing on real grass.
Why do people claim to have more than 3G?
There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, and most cynically, it’s a sales-strategy. Who wants to be playing on 3G when they’re being told that there’s 4G available? And since none of us know any better, we’ll usually believe it.
3G Pitches
Third Generation (3G) synthetic surfaces are some of the most popular around.
3G stands for a Third Generation synthetic surface which consists of three elements; synthetic turf, sand infill and rubber infill. 3G pitches can also be installed with a shock absorbent pad underneath in order to meet performance and testing criteria such as the FIFA Quality Concept, World Rugby Regulation 22.
These surfaces are typically between 35mm-65mm in pile height. Primary sports played on these types of surfaces are Football, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Lacrosse and American Football. This combination of materials is sometimes installed with a shock absorbent pad to meet certain performance and testing criteria such as BS-EN, FIFA, World Rugby and RFL.
4G Pitches
Fourth Generation (4G) surfaces consist of one element: synthetic turf.
These surfaces are still in the early stage of development and are designed to eliminate the requirement for any infill products, whilst still meeting all the performance and testing requirements required by the sporting governing bodies.
TO SUMMARISE – the Difference Between 3G and 4G
The main difference between 3G and 4G surfaces is that 3G pitches contain infill, whilst 4G systems do not.
4G are also more expensive as there is more artificial turf content which costs more than infill.
3G pitches are recognised by all accredited governing bodies.
Therefore, you will only find 3G pitches as being publicly endorsed by sports teams or influencers.
