Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the suitability of playground, recreation and sports facilities surfaces as well as determining natural or synthetic surface compactness and hardness. The apparatus includes a transducer module consisting of an impact head and a transducer capable of converting impact forces or g's to electrical signals and an electronic module which detects the electrical signal from the transducer, amplifies the peak value and converts it to a digital, numerical reading. The apparatus is adapted to accept a variety of impact heads, transducers and electronic peripherals depending on specific applications.