WetJect / VGR Topchanger - The smarter sand injection solution

WETJect (also known as the VGR TopChanger) is a modern sand injection system designed to handle both wet sand and dry sand. This gives facilities flexibility in material choice, reduces costs, and eliminates the logistical challenges of kiln-drying, storing, and covering sand. 

WETJect technology injects material directly into the turf profile with precision and minimal surface disruption, making it highly efficient for golf courses and athletic fields.

DryJect is another well-known aeration and sand injection method. Like WETJect, DryJect can also utilize both wet sand and dry sand. However, many operators traditionally rely on kiln-dried sand for DryJect applications because it can improve consistency during injection. This reliance on dry sand can increase costs and add storage or handling challenges.

In short, both WetJect and DryJect are capable of using wet or dry sand. The main difference is that WetJect is often promoted as a more cost-effective and flexible alternative since it’s specifically engineered to reduce downtime and logistical hurdles while still delivering comparable agronomic results.

When it comes to machine speed, DryJect generally operates faster than WetJect. While the WetJect manifold is slightly wider than a DryJect manifold, the WetJect operates at a slower ground speed. Under the same spacing settings, a DryJect machine can outpace WetJect by up to 40%, even with its narrower manifold.

That said, overall efficiency is not determined by machine speed alone. WetJect is often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to DryJect because it can utilize wet sand with high efficiency without the added expense or storage requirements of kiln-dried sand. For many facilities, the savings on materials and the reduced logistical challenges can outweigh the difference in ground speed.

 In most situations, WetJect service is less expensive than DryJect service. This is largely because WetJect is a non-franchised equipment model, which means owners don’t carry the same overhead costs as DryJect franchise operators. As a result, the price per square foot of WetJect service is typically lower.

That said, there are some factors to consider with mobilization. DryJect machines are compact enough to be transported in standard box trailers lowering mobilization costs. In contrast, WetJect machines generally require transport that involves a DOT license, which can add to mobilization costs depending on the location and size of the project.

Overall, while mobilization costs may be higher in some cases, WetJect often remains the more cost-effective alternative to DryJect, especially when factoring in reduced sand expenses and lower operational overhead.

Both WetJect and DryJect machines typically operate with two-man crews, but the way those teams work is quite different.

With DryJect, the machine must be refilled continuously with sand at the same pace that the aeration runs. This often requires an extra person from the golf course staff to keep up with loading buckets of kiln-dried sand all day. Over the course of a job, this task can become physically demanding and labor-intensive.

By contrast, WetJect service (as provided by STS) includes both machine operators and loaders. A material handler is used to refill the larger WetJect hopper after every two to three passes across a green. This reduces the physical strain of constant bucket loading and streamlines the process, making WetJect service less labor-intensive overall for golf course staff. The operation is completely mechanized.

On average, a single WetJect machine can cover between 1.5 and 2 acres per day. The actual productivity depends on several factors, including turf conditions, crew experience, and—most importantly—how efficiently the machine is reloaded between runs.

Because the WetJect hopper is larger than many traditional sand injection machines, reloading is less frequent, but overall acreage per day is still influenced by material handling speed and site logistics. For larger projects, multiple WetJect machines can be mobilized to increase total daily coverage.

 WetJect is often the more cost-effective alternative to DryJect because it allows the use of locally sourced wet sand. This eliminates the premium expense of kiln-dried sand and avoids the hassle of storing, covering, and protecting dry material.

In addition, the WetJect manifold is wider than a DryJect machine, reducing the number of passes needed across a surface. WetJect service is also less labor-intensive, since crews can use a material handler to refill the larger hopper after several passes rather than continuously loading buckets by hand.

Another factor is labor cost. DryJect franchises typically do not supply loaders, leaving the responsibility—and expense—of providing extra manpower to the client. With WetJect service, both operators and loaders are included, ensuring a turnkey solution without unexpected labor costs.

 Yes. WetJect is designed to be minimally invasive, leaving behind clean, firm turf surfaces that are typically playable almost immediately after treatment. This makes it a strong advantage over traditional core aerification, which can cause major surface disruption, messy clean-up, and extended downtime.

In fact, WetJect recovery time is often three times faster than traditional core aeration, allowing golf courses and athletic fields to return to normal play schedules with minimal lost revenue or interruptions.

When compared to DryJect or other sand injection methods, WetJect delivers similar agronomic benefits but with the added advantage of using wet sand, reducing costs while maintaining smooth, playable surfaces.

 Yes. Sports Turf Services provides WetJect sand injection and aeration services across the Southeast, including Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. If you are located in one of these states, you can schedule WetJect service for your golf course, athletic field, or sports facility.

For larger projects, multiple WetJect machines can be mobilized to cover more acreage efficiently, ensuring timely results anywhere in our service area.