Changes in spinning technologies and associated demand for fiber properties have provided impetus for the transition from traditional Smith-Doxey classing to H.V.I. testing of cotton fiber in West Texas. As the primary marketing channel, the gin (Telcot) plays an influential role in the feedback of demand requirements from the textile industry.

Producer preferences for H.V.I. testing over traditional Smith-Doxey classing are related to increased objectiveness, accuracy and consistency of testing, provision of a better description of cotton fiber, and decreased uncertain.