Many non-infill turf systems use a combination of straight and curled fibers.

The two fiber types perform different functions:

Straight fibers

Straight fibers generally provide:

• Vertical support
• Surface definition
• Structural stability
• Ball interaction characteristics in sports applications

Curly fibers

Curly fibers can provide:

• Lateral support
• Additional resilience
• Fiber-to-fiber interaction
• Assistance with recovery after compression

A properly engineered combination can create a self-supporting turf structure without relying on loose infill.

For sports applications, manufacturers may use different straight-to-curly fiber ratios depending on grass height, yarn specification, density, and intended use.

Therefore, there is no universal ratio that is ideal for every project.

---

3. Fiber Density Is Important—but Higher Is Not Always Better

A common misconception is that increasing tuft density automatically makes artificial turf more resistant to flattening.

This is not necessarily true.

If density is too low, individual fibers have less mutual support.

If density is excessively high, however, fibers may become crowded and have less room to flex and recover.

Excessive density can also influence:

• Drainage
• Surface feel
• Fiber recovery
• Ventilation
• Manufacturing cost

For this reason, density should be matched with:

• Grass height
• Fiber profile
• Dtex
• Straight/curly fiber ratio
• Backing strength
• Intended traffic level

The goal is balanced density rather than maximum density.