The Truth About Batting Cage Nets
Similar to choosing a batting cage frame, selecting the proper net can also be just as challenging.
The Wrong Idea
Don’t choose a net just because it is the cheapest. More than likely, there is a reason that it is the most inexpensive. There are, however, several factors that play into the cost including gauge, length, width and material.
How long do you expect to have the batting cage?
The life span of a batting cage net factors into the cost of the net. If your child is playing in youth leagues and you hope to have your batting cage until he or she graduates high school then you may want to consider investing in a longer term solution. Otherwise you will be replacing the net in a few years due to premature wear caused by the sun, winter wind and ball abrasion. If, however, you decide that you only need your net to last of couple of years then your options open up considerably.
One thing to keep in mind while you are evaluating your needs is the size of the net does not determine a hitters success. It’s the time that the player puts in inside the cage that makes the difference. Check out these hitting tips for ideas on how to get the most
out of batting cages regardless of size or location.
Batting Cage Nets
Nets are typically made from two types of material – either nylon or polyethylene. Nylon is typically used for indoor nets and is more expensive. It is less resistant to weather but handles ball abrasion better than that of polyethylene. Polyethylene is inexpensive compared to nylon and does not deteriorate as quickly due to moisture. Both of these materials will perform quite well if properly constructed by the manufacturer. Cage nets are typically rectangular in shape (although there is tunnel type nets used for batting cage kits) and good nets will use rope borders to form the rectangle which also helps to prevent sag.
Gauge or thickness of the twine is another important characteristic that needs to be evaluated when purchasing your net. Nets typically come in #21, #30, #36 or #42 and sometimes you can find #62 and #90 gauge twine. The important thing to remember is that the higher the number, the heavier the gauge, the more expensive the net will be but the more durable and long lasting it will be as well.
The key thing to remember is when in doubt, choose a shorter cage with a heavier strength net rather than a longer batting cage with lighter weight netting.