Evolution - top marks for performance and durability

Evolution is a top class multi use sports surfaces produced by Tiger Turf. It is a sand-dressed dense texturised, polyethylene monofilament with narrow blades. Evolution can be used for a variety of sports surfaces including hockey, recreation, football, tennis and netball. Polyethylene yarns were introduced in the mid-nineties as a viable replacement for traditional polypropylene fibre types. Polyethylene has a different polymer structure and as such has a softer, smoother texture which creates a less abrasive surface. Another distinct advantage of polyethylene is that it has a waxy, almost damp, feel hat is skin friendly. Polypropylene, on the other hand, can be very dry and brittle , which is not only more abrasive for the player, but can also cause fibres within the surface to break down, leading to deterioration, bacteria and moss growth.

Evolution utilises what are known as monofilament fibres. These are a radical improvement on the older style fibrillated fibres in which the infill tended to compact, requiring additional maintenance.  Monofilaments are more durable than fibrilated fibres and due to the manufacturing process they can be extruded in various shapes and thicknesses In addition, monofilaments achieve optimum performance immediately after installation. whereas fibrillated surfaces improve in aesthetics and performance after use.  Fibrilated surfaces also have a tendency to to flatten more easily. Monofilaments therefore give greater performance and increased durability, as the fibres are worn on the tip, rather than on the side.

At the installation pictured above, which we carried out at a school in the East Midlands, we used Super 70 high tensile chain link fencing. This is an attractive and secure fence that blends into the surroundings, allowing excellent visibility along the fence line. The increased strength of the wire makes it less prone to vandalism as it is more difficult to cut and harder to unravel or pull down.