FIFA Impact Tester with Clegg Hammer Equivalents
The FieldTester (3A Model) v4 FIFA Impact Tester is a lightweight and efficient device designed to measure the safety, playability, and uniformity of natural grass and synthetic turf sports fields. It evaluates key surface properties, including force reduction, vertical deformation, and energy restitution, while also providing Clegg Hammer equivalents (CIST/gMax). Conforming to FIFA and CEN/TS testing standards, this versatile tool is perfect for football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, polo, and even indoor sports.
With a built-in universal axial speed sensor and a design similar to the 3A Artificial Athlete testing device, the FieldTester delivers reliable results. It comes equipped with a wireless measurement app compatible with iOS and includes an iPod for operation. Test results are instantly stored in the app and displayed on the screen, ensuring quick and convenient data access. Weighing only 22 lbs (10 kg), the device is portable and easy to operate, making it ideal for field-to-field testing.
The FieldTester is no longer limited to professional labs. It’s an essential tool for sports field installers, maintenance teams, municipalities, clubs, and coaches. It helps monitor surface quality, ensuring safety and optimal performance for athletes. The device measures technical characteristics such as:
- Force Reduction: Indicates the percentage of shock absorption compared to concrete (0%), helping assess surface comfort and safety.
- Vertical Deformation: Measures the surface’s vertical compression (in millimeters) under impact, reflecting its stability and stiffness.
- Energy Restitution: Expressed as a percentage, it shows how much energy is returned to an athlete compared to concrete.
The FieldTester operates on an internal rechargeable battery and delivers user-friendly, accurate data with every use. By combining laboratory-grade precision with portability and ease of use, this tool ensures that sports field surfaces meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
As established by FIFA, UEFA, and the IRB, these parameters are critical to maintaining consistent player-surface interactions. Research from the 1990s and subsequent studies, such as those conducted by the University of Tennessee in 2013, have confirmed the reliability of these metrics for ensuring optimal surface quality.
