When communities talk about turf it’s common for people to mistakenly treat the entire system as one singular product. In reality, synthetic turf fields are made up of distinct components. The most critical distinction is this: Synthetic turf is not the same thing as infill.
This misunderstanding leads to confusion, misinformation, and in some cases, policy decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. UnrealX is here to help fix the communication barrier that exists as we see it today for the good of all athletes playing on turf fields across the country.
Synthetic turf isn’t just grass with better marketing. It’s a layered system that brings layers of complexity, misinformation, and public scrutiny to match.
Trusted Turf Translator™ (TTT) is the turf and infrastructure arm of UnrealX, a product-neutral, strategy-first platform that guides leaders through the chaos of the synthetic turf world with clarity, facts, and edge.
Between environmental concerns, shifting policies, and a flood of marketing noise, leaders are often forced to make turf decisions without a full picture of what’s at stake.
We don’t sell turf. We translate it.
And that makes all the difference.
A turf field’s performance, temperature, safety, and environmental impact depend more on than what people like to describe as "turf."
There is turf. There is infill. Those are two separate products.
Let's start right here.
Many of the concerns (PFAS, heat retention, chemical runoff etc.) being raised in media or in public debate forums stem from a supposed concern with turf. This is happening without considering the other components that go into a turf field.
You can have different turf products with totally different infill profiles over a different pad system which means vastly different outcomes for each field profile.
Synthetic Turf
=
The Carpet
What is this?:
The turf itself is the green, grass-like layer made of synthetic fibers (often polyethylene or polypropylene) woven or tufted into a backing.
Primary Function:
To replicate the appearance and playability of natural grass. To extend hours of play and to enhance player saftey.
Key Components:
Synthetic blades (the “grass”)
Backing system (holds blades in place)
Optional pad layer beneath for shock absorption
Infill
=
pellets Inside Turf
What is Infill?
Loose material added between the turf fibers after installation. Often a combination of materials, it enhances the play on a long-pile field.
Primary Function:
To provide stability, cushioning, and proper ball bounce and player traction.
Common Infill Materials:
Crumb rubber (from recycled tires)
Sand or silica sand
Organic infills (like cork, coconut husk, etc)
Coated or engineered infills (designed for cooling, reduced splash, or lower environmental impact)
Decode the Jargon
No more getting buried in spec sheets or greenwashed marketing. UnrealX breaks down terms like “monofilament,” “thatch layer,” “EPDM,” or “PFAS-free” and tells you whether they actually matter for your project.
Separate Fact from Fear
We help boards, communities, and stakeholders separate science from social media, and facts from fear-based headlines. Emotional concerns are valid. Informed ones are powerful.
Distinguish Turf from Infill
One of the biggest misunderstandings in the turf world: Turf and infill are not the same. We help you understand how each impacts cost, safety, performance, and perception, and how to evaluate your options with confidence.
Translate Goals Into Specs
Designing for elite athletes? A public park? A school with a tight budget? We align your values with the right build strategy, not just the cheapest or trendiest one. Safety first. Always.
Bridge Builders, Buyers, and Brands
We work across public and private sectors, translating between contractors, architects, and decision makers to avoid costly confusion, miscommunication, or regret down the line.
Neutral. Expert. Honest.
No hidden agendas. No manufacturer bias. Just straight-up clarity, backed by experience.
The understanding of turf is a mess.
Athletes deserve the truth and the safest surfaces. Every step matters when you're training for the future.
The turf world is a fog of misinformation (no brand recognition, "Boston ban," the PFAS panic, conflating components etc.) and communities make million-dollar decisions based on fear and bad info. Athletes train on these surfaces daily. Every step an athlete takes MATTERS. The surface under their feet shouldn't be a mystery.
TTT is UnrealX’s NO FILTER turf service.
We provide CLARITY, TRUTH, and EMPOWERMENT while advocating for ATHLETES.
IT'S NOT JUST TURF. Carpet, infill, pad are different. TTT dissects the system components.
PFAS PANIC vs. REALITY - TTT brings CONTEXT and PROPORTION to the situation.
MISINFORMATION is causing unnecessary disruption to everyday athletics. TTT debunks the myths.
CHEAPEST ISN'T ALWAYS BEST, especially for the players.
TTT champions PERFORMANCE, SAFETY, TRANSPARENCY when advising our clients.
Field conditions impact careers and safety.
TTT is the athletes' advocate in decision making meetings and boardrooms.
TTT Delivers:
Athlete centric Education & Translation
Performance focused Scope & Spec Advisory
Stakeholder Alignment (for the game's good)
Myth-Busting & Truth-Telling
Educated by Experience. Grounded by Reality.
