Athletic equipment must provide reliable protection in intense athletic environments. Equipment, such as wall padding, must simultaneously provide a solid buffer between a player and a wall while being flexible enough to provide a cushion for the player.
Both wall padding elements combine the perfect balance of impact absorption and impact resistance.
That same balance of absorption and resistance goes into our field wall padding. Below, we take a closer look at impact absorption and impact resistance and how they both play a role in ensuring the safety of athletes.
Impact Absorption
Wall padding is engineered from polyurethane foam. With our foam’s impact absorption properties, the wall pad absorbs enough of the shock from a collision that the athlete should not get hurt when they bounce off the wall.
If the wall pad does not absorb enough of the shock from the collision, those involved will feel the brunt because the wall pad will not do enough to lessen the blow.
Our wall pads are designed to protect people from all types of collisions. So, whether a person plays softball, basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, or football, our padding is designed to absorb the impact. A robust and heavy athlete could be running at full speed with athletic equipment, but the padding is still soft enough to soak in the energy caused by running or falling into it.
Impact Resistance
While absorption is crucial for lessening the shock and force of the collision, resistance is also critical for preventing the athlete from hitting the hard surface behind the pad. If the padding doesn’t resist the shock, then the padding would be useless and wouldn’t prevent injuries.
However, if there is too much impact absorption, the wall padding will collapse or break away.
This would leave the wall exposed and the athlete vulnerable to injury. Therefore, the polyurethane foam must provide enough resistance to create an adequate buffer between the player and the brick, metal, or wood wall.
Our wall pads are built thick enough to resist the impact caused by a player running into the wall. Most wall padding is at least two inches thick, sometimes even thicker. Thus, the same padding that cushions a blow also provides a solid barrier between the person and the hard surface.
Shape Retention
There is a third element of wall padding that needs to be discussed, as well: shape retention.
What would happen if the polyurethane foam did not bounce back into shape after an impact?
Eventually, an athlete would bust through the foam and hit the wall. This is why we use polyurethane foam. The material can be repositioned back into its original shape and provide the same impact absorption and resistance level with every impact.
When you combine absorption, resistance, and retention, you have the perfect combination for athletic safety on the field or in the gym.
Fieldwallpads.com Offers Wall Padding Design
Keeping your athletes safe is a top priority, and investing in high-quality padding can help prevent injuries and keep your facility walls protected. Fieldwallpads.com specializes in wall pad solutions for injury prevention and custom designs to help your college or professional sports team establish your brand.
Our wall pads are designed to last several years, so you do not have to worry about them losing shape. Using polyurethane foam, we have created some of the most durable products on the market.
To find out more about our products or schedule a consultation, call us at 800-257-6405 or message us on our contact page today.