Our shock pads are highly engineered in shape, thickness, and density to provide a consistent, firm surface for running (which elite athletes demand), but a forgiving surface during falls and tackles. This unique quality is why Brock PowerBase PRO is the premier manufactured shock pad technology installed at the pro and collegiate levels.
The right balance of stiffness and softness
An elite athlete’s brain and body are of paramount importance for their health and career. Every detail of Brock PowerBase PRO is engineered for elite level athletes.
Key Features
Top view features:
A stairstep edge supports the artificial turf and prevents gaps from shadowing on the field.
Conical piston shape reacts dynamically to variable running loads for a more natural feel of play.
6 mm crush ribs regulate thermal expansion; Accommodates 130-degree F change in temperature.
Millions of drain holes on every field line up with channels on the bottom of each pad.
Bottom view features:
Continuous water flow between panels.
Clean smooth drain channels move water effectively off the field.
Controlled tolerance for easy installation.
Bidirectional drainage channels transmit water to the nearest collector.
An impact with PowerBase PRO produces a dynamic response closely resembling natural sports turf. The load-deflection curve shown here illustrates the similarity between the response and recovery of the PowerBase PRO (blue) as compared to natural turf (green). Underlayments with polyethylene foam (gray) and rubber (orange) produce a deflection curve very different from natural turf, which results in an unnatural response to athletic impact force.
Achieving the proper performance levels for Impacts, Heat and Traction in a quality artificial turf defines the modern sports surface design.
Through the application of multiple standardized tests, we’re now capable of creating an artificial surface that closely mirrors natural turf like never before. The areas highlighted in green represent the performance parameters of premium natural turf. The radiating lines illustrate the performance outcomes of the artificial turf field systems described at the center. Typical turf pile can vary between 1.5”-2.0” and ideal performance ranges will still be achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions
PowerBase PRO is molded from 100% expanded polypropylene and installed as interlocking panels beneath the turf. It is the densest and firmest pad in the Brock lineup, engineered specifically for the ground forces generated by athletes weighing 250 pounds and more. The panels are dimensionally stable across freeze-thaw cycles and all climate conditions. The Brock PowerBase PRO comes in pads that are 24.15 sq ft per panel (2.24 sq m), 73.5 ” (1867 mm) length, 49″ (1245 mm) width, and 1″ (25 mm) thick.
Most shock pads are designed around a general athlete. PowerBase PRO was engineered around the heaviest and fastest ones. It is the pad Brock recommends when the surface will see collegiate or professional competition, and it is installed at NFL practice facilities for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans.
Performance is verified through Gmax testing for impact force reduction, HIC testing for head injury criteria, and foot impact testing — measured when new and across the life of the surface, not only at installation. PowerBase PRO is Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified, which independently verifies material health including PFAS and restricted substance compliance.
PowerBase/PRO is manufactured from 100% pure expanded polypropylene — non-toxic, resistant to bacteria and fungi, and fully recyclable at end of life. It contains no intentionally added PFAS and produces no microplastics. Because the pad remains in place through multiple turf replacements rather than being landfilled with them, its lifecycle footprint is substantially lower than systems replaced on every turf cycle.
PowerBase PRO carries a 25-year warranty covering structural durability, paired with a Gmax guarantee below 120 for the life of the field. That second part is the unusual one — most warranties in this industry cover the material but make no commitment about whether the surface still performs safely a decade later.
Specifying PowerBase PRO for a project?
Talk to a Brock specialist about matching the pad to your project.
