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Baseball Backstop Netting Review & Buyer’s Guide

A Complete Review of Baseball Backstop Netting

Our custom baseball backstop net shops have built barrier nets for baseball and softball complexes for over 25 years. We have outfitted little leagues, high-schools, pros, and even backyard fields to protect property and fans.

If you need a permanent baseball field backstop, read below.

For portable or temporary solutions we also offer rolling or portable baseball backstops on wheels.

Top 5 Baseball Backstop Questions

1) What sports will the backstop net need to contain?

The size of the balls your backstop net needs to contain, dictates the size of the mesh to order. There is no need to buy mesh that can contain a golf ball if the smallest ball being contained is a soccer ball.

The smaller the mesh size, the more material required to build the net, therefore the higher the cost of the net.

Over-buying means a higher price for the backstop net itself, and a heavier-duty hardware suspension system.

Typical Backstop Netting

2) What is the gauge of the netting?

The gauge directly affects the life-span of the net. #18 is the lightest material we offer, and should only be used for “large ball” indirect / light impact applications such as barrier nets for volleyball courts.

#36 is the most commonly ordered for baseball backstop applications, and is used by approximately 80% of all high-schools.

#42 is a nice upgrade, because of its slightly longer life-span.

#60 gauge is excessive and not recommended for backstop nets, due to the heavier weight and reduced visibility for spectators.

The ultimate material for pro baseball backstop netting is called Dyneema. It has the equivalent twine diameter to #18 gauge, but is stronger than Kevlar fiber, so will outlast even #60 gauge Nylon. Dyneema is used by most MLB teams for their baseball field backstops.

3) Is the net water-resistant?

Since most of these backstop applications are large and not practical to remove during the winter months, we highly recommended a waterproof “latex or varnish treatment”.

A water-proof treatment greatly improves the overall life-span of your barrier and backstop net.

Poly is naturally water-proof, but will not last as long as a high quality 100% Nylon product with a latex/varnish treatment, because Nylon has better hock absorption.

Backstop Pole with Proper Assembly

4) Are extra rope “rib lines” available?

We recommend adding “rib lines” for attachment support points for your backstop. Rib lines are thick ropes (typically 3/8″ thick), woven through the middle of your net.

It’s a HUGE mistake to attach directly to the mesh of a barrier net. This results in stress points that eventually create holes.

Rib lines, spaced approximately every 10 – 20 ft, should run the length of your netting system,

5) How should I install my backstop netting?

The best method of installation is to run galvanized steel cable (wire rope) between poles, at the top/bottom & mid-point. Hog-rings are the best hardware to securely affix the netting to your cable suspension lines. Tighten the cable lines with turnbuckles.

The diameter and gauge of poles is dictated by the height. For example, a pole 25 ft above the ground will need to be a minimum of 8.5″ OD.

The poles are typically installed a minimum of 3 – 5 ft deep x 2 – 4 ft wide – but is dictated by your local frost line & soil conditions.

For example, looser soil will require deeper concrete footers to ensure stability.

Backstop Pole with Proper Assembly

Key Features of Backstop Nets

  • Square mesh barrier nets are best for clean installation and true-to-size dimensions
  • Knotted barrier nets are more durable than knotless netting
  • Rope borders should be sewn for maximum support and optimal attachment points
  • Order dimensions 3-5% longer than your required size to ensure full coverage without tight stretch
  • Use Pythagorean’s Theorem to identify the proper length for full coverage of a pitched roof
  • Backstop nets with Latex / Varnish treatment take several hours to acclimate to temperature and relax to the full dimensions

In conclusion, for a true ‘apples-to-apples’ comparison, be sure to ask all of these key 5 questions.

We are proud to offer competitive pricing for the same items. If you receive a lower quote for custom backstop netting just send it over and we will beat it!

3 comments
  1. Dylan Broschart
    Dylan Broschart
    February 24, 2023 at 7:56 am

    The net is placed above the baseball field fence over the center field portion. It will be connected to three poles that extend over the fence. The net needs to be 120 ft long and 11 ft 10 inches in height.

    Reply
  2. Dylan Broschart
    Dylan Broschart
    February 24, 2023 at 7:57 am

    The net is placed above the baseball field fence over the center field portion. It will be connected to three poles that extend over the fence. The net needs to be 120 ft long and 11 ft 10 inches in height. Thanks!

    Reply
    • cory
      cory
      February 24, 2023 at 10:13 am

      HI Dylan,
      I will email over a quote for that netting panel.

      Thanks!
      Cory

      Reply
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