Whether you’re an aspiring MLB star or just looking to improve your game, the right net will help you hit for the fences. Look for a net that’s made from durable materials, including UV-stabilized and rot-proof nylon, that can stand up to countless batting practices and adverse weather conditions.
After a foul ball injured a two-year-old girl in 2017, public outrage forced MLB teams to extend their netting.
Durability
Whether you’re honing your pitching skills or increasing power and precision, a durable net is essential to ensure safety and quality training. While many baseball nets are made of nylon, you can also choose from a variety of weather-resistant materials, including aluminium and steel.
In addition to durability, abrasion resistance is a crucial feature for batting cage nets. Abrasion resistance refers to the amount of force a netting can take before tearing, while break strength measures how much tension a strand can handle before “necking.”
Netting with high abrasion resistance and low break-strength is ideal for heavy use and commercial facilities. You can also find nets that are designed for throwing only, which helps pitchers improve their accuracy and consistency. These nets typically include a hole in the centre to accommodate a pitcher’s mitt or other throwing equipment. Some nets are even equipped with an L-screen to safeguard pitchers from line drives. These screens are often made of a stronger material, such as abrasion-resistant polyester.
Stability
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a baseball net is its stability. A wobbly net is a distraction and safety hazard for players. Choose a net with a strong steel frame and anchor points to prevent sliding on the ground or against the backstop.
Some nets also come with an innovative design that disperses the energy of a hard-hit ball. This feature reduces wear and tear on the net while still allowing it to absorb the initial momentum of the ball upon impact.
For more serious hitters, look for a batting cage that features two layers of durable, #42 weight netting. This double-layered netting is more robust than single-layer batting cage netting, making it ideal for intense pitching and hitting practice.
Ease of Setup
Whether you’re the coach of an aspiring MLB hopeful or your backyard is your personal batting cage, a quality baseball net plays a key role in your sporting arsenal. Commercial-quality batting or pitching nets must not only withstand the impact of high-velocity balls but also endure weather conditions and repeated use. That’s why the best nets feature rust-resistant frames and durable materials like nylon that resist UV rays.
Stability should not be overlooked, as a wobbly net can distract hitters and pose safety risks. Look for a sturdy frame that anchors securely to the ground or, for indoor setups, installs hooks in your ceiling or walls at regular intervals.
L Screen nets offer a portable, flexible solution to protect players and pitchers during batting practice or fielding drills. They’re built to stand up to the rigours of frequent travel, with lightweight materials that enable them to be moved between different training environments quickly and easily.
Portability
Whether used for batting practice or to train throwing accuracy, baseball hitting nets are a versatile tool for improving players’ ability to hit different pitches and simulate game-like conditions. Ideally, baseball practice nets should be durable and designed to withstand high levels of impact.
Protective netting helps to keep spectators safe during baseball games and practices, preventing them from being injured by misdirected line drives and foul balls. Increasingly, MLB ballparks are installing netting around the entire field to further safeguard fans.
The Bullet 7’ x 7’ portable batting net and tee is a great option for those who travel with their equipment or are looking to save storage space. It has a flexible frame with a sock design that catches the ball during batting practice, and it can be set up in a few minutes. It includes a carrying bag with a strap to make it easy to move and store the net. It is also ideal for training in confined spaces, and the 4’ deep sock net reduces pick-up time.