What Mats are You featuring for 1998?

FMP International is the exclusive manufacturer of the Virtual TurfTM line of commercial practice systems. In 1997, FMP is offering two commercial systems - the Flex-TrackTM modular and the VT-RangerTM System.

What competitive features do you feel differentiate your mats?

At the heart of every Virtual TurfTM system is a single unidirectional glass reinforced composite "leaf spring" that actually represents the striking surface substrate. The very same spring technology is used in military equipment applications, like vibration dampeners in F-16s, M-1 tank torsion suspension, and other military transport suspension applications. This maintenance free, high performance material, when used as a golf practice surface, not only eliminates harmful shock and stress, while providing absolute perfect impact feedback, but is virtually indestructible and guaranteed for life. The 55oz knitted nylon turf covering, when worn, is "peel and stick" replaceable, at a cost of under $35.00. In addition, the Systems come standard with simple push and pull adjustable height tees. The Flex-TrackTM modular system has an independent tee strip which is also replaceable when worn, for under $30.00, and the stance area can be rotated for extended wear. Unlike other platform systems the Flex-TrackTM Main-Frame is constructed from quarter inch impact modified, UV stabilized, ABS thermoplastic. The "no frills" economical VT-RangerTM System is designed for mounting versatility and extreme use durability. It can be simply retrofitted to any existing mat, system, or custom mounting application, and like the Flex-TrackTM System, isolates the extreme wear points to a single, inexpensive replacement turf.

What should range owners consider in evaluating your product vs. other products in the marketplace?

Two of most important factors considered by range owners in artificial surface evaluation are initial cost vs. long term durability, or in other words - return on investment. Both of the Virtual TurfTM models, by design, isolate wear points that are simple and inexpensive to replace. By doing so, we generate very attractive long term savings. With the introduction of the VT-RangerTM system this year in Orlando, we have eliminated the "sticker shock" experienced by some, with regard to the initial cost of the Flex-TrackTM system. This new model will give us the flexibility to meet any budget or application requirement. The single most obvious factor that separates the Virtual TurfTM products from all others is performance. Virtual TurfTM is the first practice surface ever to receive "unsolicited" endorsements from the Professional Golf Management Program at Ferris State University, and the European PGA Academies. Flex-TrackTM are being used at Pebble Beach, Cog Hill, and Crystal Downs, to name a few. Why? Because practicing on a Virtual TurfTM surface eliminates shock, eliminates equipment damage, reduces fatigue, and imparts perfect impact feedback, all of which results in enhanced practice enjoyment. The bottom line?... more frequent and longer customer practice sessions.