Lets face it, batting cages are expensive. New batting cages can run up into the thousands while used batting cages are cheaper can still be several hundred. It would make a lot more sense for a coach, parent, or baseball/softball enthusiast to purchase a used batting cage. There are many places you can find used batting cages. You can find them on Craigslist, ebay, your local newspaper, garage sales, and high schools and colleges. If a school happens to be doing an equipment upgrade, you might be able to get their old one for cheap, especially if you’re a member of the community. Make sure to call local athletic directors in order to explore this option.

Another option is to build your own batting cage by piecing together the various parts that make up a cage. You can find pipe at your local hardware store and netting from your local sports department store or from a sports equipment dealer. If you have the standard batting cage kit, you will see that building a batting cage is easier than you may think. That said, if you’re not the handy type and you want to make sure that the work has been done by a professional, then purchasing a used batting cage is the way to go.

Regardless of what you decide, make sure you get the right kind of batting cage. If you’re cage is going to be outside in a cold weather area, you want to get something tough and sturdy. This will usually be more expensive. On the other hand, if you’re batting cage will be in a warmer climate or indoors, you can take the cheaper option and buy a batting cage that doesn’t need to be as tough or sturdy.

After you buy your used batting cage, whoever steps inside will begin to improve their swing within a short period of time. The more they use the cage, the better they will get. The sky is the limit.

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1. How to Choose the Best Bat for Commercial Baseball Batting Cages?
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3. The Top 3 Batting Cage Frames

When choosing the type of frame for building backyard batting cages there are several factors that you will need to consider.

1. How much space do you have available?
Try not to let space limit you in your decision to build a cage. A 70 foot length cage would be nice but if you do not have that kind of space don’t sweat it. Even in the tightest of spaces, a cage can be constructed and effectively used with proper equipment and practice drills.

2. Do you want a permanent structure or a cage that can be disassembled?
Permanent structures are one way to go but you may want to break down the cage in the off season or maybe you would like to consider a portable cage in order to carry it to tournaments for your team to use.

3. What is your budget?
Ultimately, it all comes down to how much you have available to spend.

Your options are endless, however, your answers above will best determine the type of frame that you have available to choose from with 3 types of frames being at the top of the list.

Types of batting cage frames

Galvanized steel
There are many types of frames that are commonly used with the most common being galvanized steel tubing which is typically the most expensive option. Galvanized steel will provide the most stability and be able to bear the most weight. Several galvanized steel systems available suggest putting PVC tubing in the ground as sleeves to hold the steel tubing up-right thus providing a breakdown or portable option.

PVC Tubing
A cheaper option is using a PVC type material. Only use this type of frame if your budget is very restricted as it tends to sag with the weight of the net.

Wood
Another viable option is 4 x 4 treated posts. In reality, this is probably the most cost effective approach while providing the stability to handle the weight of a net. This option also is more permanent as you’ll want to put the posts in concrete.

No matter what type of frame you choose for building your batting cage, the net that you ultimately go with will weigh between 200 to 400 lbs and sometimes more depending on the gauge of the net so the frame needs to be able to support the weight.

One last thing, don’t forget the hardware:

• concrete (for use on permanent structures)
• cabling in order to hang or suspend the net
• hooks and clips to attach the net to the frame

Related posts:

1. How to Build a Batting Cage
2. How To Shop For Used Batting Cages
3. Tips for Finding Affordable Backyard Batting Cages