Safety is not up for debate in the gymnastics business. A mat that breaks under pressure or leaks air in the middle of a flip is the worst thing that can happen, whether you’re setting up a cheerleading academy or stocking a retail brand.
There are a lot of cheap, glued air tracks on the market that seem beautiful in pictures but don’t work well in the gym as we head toward 2026. We don’t simply say that our products are durable at Huale Factory; we show it with industrial-grade stress testing.
We put our regular 20cm thick Air Track through a 3-Ton Forklift Compression Test this week.
The Challenge: Concentrated Industrial Weight
Most air tracks are tested with a person that weighs about 70 to 100 kg. That’s okay for toys in the backyard, but not for business tools.
We drove a heavy-duty forklift right onto the inflated track to simulate years of hard landings and abuse.
- The weight is about 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs).
- The Pressure Point: A forklift tire is solid and narrow, which means that it puts a lot of pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure on a small area. This is different from a car tire, which spreads weight.
- The subject is a Huale commercial air track that has been inflated to the right pressure for use.
The Result: Our test footage shows that the track compressed to hold the load but did not pop, tear, or change shape. As soon as the forklift backed up, the Double-Wall Fabric (DWF) went back to being flat right away.
Why It Survived: 2026 Manufacturing Standards
How can a forklift not break a PVC mat? The answer is in how our manufacturing process has changed over time. Huale has gone beyond the industry standard in 2026 to set a new standard for structural integrity.
1. V-Drop Stitch Technology
“Knitted” drop stitch is used in old-school mats, when the threads within are messy. We use the V-Drop Stitch method. This makes an internal matrix that is ideal in every way.
Millions of threads work together to spread the weight of the forklift across the whole surface area instead than allowing one region receive the hit. This stops the terrible “bottoming out” effect.
2. Zero-Glue Heat Bonding
The weak link is glue. Over time, it becomes brittle, especially in cold warehouses or hot gyms. Huale uses Advanced Heat Fusion Technology.
We employ devices that work at high frequencies to join the seams at temperatures above 500°F. The end product is a single, solid piece that can’t be peeled off or opened.
3. Safe for Athletes (REACH Compliant)
Durability means nothing if the material is toxic.
Our PVC materials are fully compliant with REACH regulations, ensuring they are free from harmful phthalates and lead.
This is critical for gym owners concerned with athlete health and indoor air quality.
Commercial Implications for Your Business
For B2B buyers, this test translates directly to your bottom line.
- For gym owners, a mat that can handle a forklift can easily manage your heavy tumbling classes day after day, year after year.
- For distributors, selling Huale Air Tracks implies fewer claims on warranties. When you can show your consumers a video of a forklift driving over your product, you’ve already made the deal.
Don’t Risk Your Reputation on “Toy” Mats
There are a lot of cheap options on the market, but can they handle 3 tons of pressure?
Don’t wait for a safety issue to improve your supply chain.
Pick the factory that makes equipment for the toughest jobs.
Get the Air Track that passes the Forklift Test.
