Carpet Padding VS Foam

[JK29]

I m making a pad for a piece of gym equipment that will need to handle heavy loads. It will have a vinyl upholstery covering. I want the padding to be 3 thick and very very firm. Should I go with a high ILD foam (70-90) or layer carpet padding? Which is firmer?

THANKS!

[kodydog]

There are many types of carpet padding but this is my 2 cents worth,

The first thing I would ask myself is what is the ILD on the carpet pad. I doubt it is 70-90.

Consider also carpet padding is what? 1/2 inch thick? Its going to take 6 layers to get up to 3". Sounds like a lot of labor to me.

The next thing I would ask myself is how resilient is carpet padding and how long will it last compared to poly foam. I'm guessing the poly foam will take more abuse. 3" seems a little thick but if that is what the customer wants that is what they will get.

If the customer is on a budget and you are trying to save them money beware... if the carpet padding does not hold up the customer will be after you to fix the problem.

Its a good question. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

[MinUph]

Not to over simplify but poly foam is for seating and furniture use. While carpet padding of to pad a carpet. You will not get the durability of poly foam using carpet padding. It will take a set and fail. Maybe a 1/2" of springs then real foam on top but not 3" of it.

[JK29]

10-4, thanks for the replies and guidance.

[baileyuph]

JK,

Specifically, what will the pad be used for:  walking over floors or doing gymnastics
in a gym?

Two different applications, therefore probably different requirements.

In gymnastics, participants will be falling, rolling, etc. 

Doyle

[MinUph]

Just opened up a golf cart seat.
https://mightytext.net/zJL3jt

Gone to powder.

[JK29]

JK,

Specifically, what will the pad be used for:  walking over floors or doing gymnastics
in a gym?

Two different applications, therefore probably different requirements.

In gymnastics, participants will be falling, rolling, etc. 

Doyle

It's going to be used on a Reverse Hyper Extension machine.

Like this one: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-reverse-hyper-2

[kodydog]

I now see the need for 3" foam. "Reverse Hyper Extension" sounds like something an extreme sports player would need.