Netting FAQ's

• Selecting the best net
• Tools to help you shop
• Features/ Differences
• Standard vs. Custom Nets
• Durability
• Installing / Assembly
• Manufacturing
• Shipping / Availability

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What type of net is right for me? top

Great question! The net industry can be very confusing, which is why we designed the "Net Examiner" to help you identify the best net for your situation, and ensure you don't under or over-buy. Of course just like with most things, you get what you pay for. The higher priced nets are more expensive for a reason - they will last longer -- but don't over-buy. Get the net that is right for both your application & budget. The higher priced nets are more intended for College & Professional level use, while the imports will work just fine for Little-Leagues, High-Schools, Back-Yards, and even some Training Facilities operating on a tight budget.

Tools to help you select a net top

Our staff has gone to great lengths to develop several online tools to make it easy for you to assess which netting is best for your situation. Please find these below:

What are the most important features to consider when buying a net? top

We'll provide our top 2 most important features to look out for:

1) UV-Resistance, hands-down. ALL of our nets include UV-Inhibitors, and are dyed or extruded black. The sun & UV Rays are a net's biggest enemy, because UV Rays will penetrate a fiber breaking it down hour by hour, like salt on metal. UV Inhibitors prevent that from occurring. Here are some facts to consider:

• All of our nets are Ultra-Violet resistant & Dyed/Extruded Black for maximum sun resistance.
• Black is the best color for reflecting sunlight (darker colors are the most effective - white is the worst).
• Some types of indoor lighting can also create UV rays - so it's still important to use a UV-treated netting even when using inside.
• When a white net is exposed to UV-light, it will eventually turn an ugly gray color and deteriorate much quicker.

2) It goes without saying, but the next most important feature is the overall quality of netting -- raw materials & craftsmanship. You would think this should be #1, but if you don't have UV-Inhibitors, it doesn't matter how good the raw materials are, it will still deteriorate rapidly, defeating the purpose of buying a high quality net. The thing to realize is that there can be a HUGE disparity between netting quality levels. There is a large amount of recycled netting floating around the industry, which many unscrupulous companies will sell as "premium / 1st" quality goods. This can be very problematic, because to the untrained eye almost all netting appears equal on the surface. It could very well even WEIGH the same. You won't realize you have a bottom-shelf net until it becomes exposed to usage, or the elements. Just be sure you are dealing with a reputable company, whom you can verify with references. Don't attempt to save a few dollars, at the risk of safety -- it's critical that your netting is dependable -- the phrase "always use a safety net" isn't an unfounded term! Just remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

*And of course there are many other features which can be viewed as important to some people - it mainly just comes down to your particular needs - we just felt that these were easily the top 3 things to consider when researching netting -- the other features are secondary, and mostly cosmetic.

Can your netting be used for other sports?

Yes, our netting is commonly used for a variety of sports, i.e. soccer, football, and volleyball -- however the standard 1-7/8" mesh used with our Batting Cage Nets will not work for golf practice. We do have a smaller mesh available specifically for golf. Please ask a sales associate for assistance in finding an appropriate net, or review our Toolbelt for more details.

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What's the difference between poly and nylon, and which one should I use? top

The difference between poly and nylon is the durability - Nylon is simply a higher quality fiber. Nylon has a higher break strength than poly, which essentially means it can hold more weight. The only drawback of Nylon is that is will absorb some moisture without a latex or varnish coating, where Poly will not. However nylon will work perfectly fine in wetter climates if it has a chance to dry out, and won't be left outside in freezing temperatures. Read about the history of Nylon & Poly, some quick tips below, or our Net Examiner or Cage Builder to help you select.

Nylon vs Poly - Quick Tips:

Poly is a good entry-level option for family use, or a temporary solution. It won't withstand a heavy-use environment for very long. If used for high-school baseball or above, Nylon is the answer.

Nylon is more durable and will have a longer life-span than Poly, and is hands-down the best option for indoor use. It's also a durable outdoor net because of it's UV Inhibitors & Black color. If it will be exposed to freezing temperatures, add a Latex or Varnish Dip treatment to water-proof.

What's the difference between #21, #36 and your other "#'s" listed with your netting?

The "#" sign represents the "gauge / test" or overall thickness of the netting weave. Our #21 gauge material has a 2.0 mm diameter thickness while the #36 gauge material has a 2.5 mm thickness. Because of the difference in thickness, the break strength also is increased when the gauge of the material is increased.

Are your nets "knotted" or knotless -- what's the difference?

All our baseball tunnels, and most of our barrier nets use "knotted" netting. Knotted netting means that the twine, where it intersects to create the "grid" is tied in a knot. Knotted netting is superior for direct impact sports usage, because it has a higher overall strength & durability. We do offer some "backstop" netting & golf netting which is "knotless" - the main advantage being a better "line of sight" for behind home-plate purposes, and knotless golf netting can also result in lower abrasion/friction, due to a smoother surface for a smooth ball at a close range to slide across.

What features come "standard" with your batting cage tunnels?

The standard features included with all of our "deluxe stock sized" Batting Cage Nets are:

• Tied/Knotted 3/8" Border Rope
• Middle Rib-Line on top (12' or wider)
• Steel Snaps in corners
• Lead-Core Bottom Rope (some models)
• Door-Way
• Baffle/Impact-Net

Custom Batting Cage Nets are constructed "a la carte", so you can choose exactly which items you would like to have included.

The 'standard features' included with all of our 'Barrier Nets' are:

• Tied/Knotted 3/8" Border Rope around outside (Woven Border Rope on DuPont nets)
• Steel Snaps in corners

What are the basic "specs" for your nets?

• Most of our baseball nets are all "hung-square" - read a comparison of Square vs Diamond.
• Standard sizes are 1-7/8" diameter mesh for baseball, or 7/8" diameter for golf netting.
• Knotted construction - far superior to knotless for direct impact sports usage.
• Ultra-Violet resistant & Dyed Black for maximum sun resistance.
• Black is the best color for reflecting sunlight (darker colors are the most effective - white is the worst).
• Indoor lighting can also create UV rays - so it's still important to use a UV-treated netting even when using inside.
• When a white net is exposed to UV-light, it will eventually turn an ugly gray color and deteriorate much quicker.

Do the 'deluxe features' come attached on your batting cage tunnels?

All 'deluxe features' (when advertised with certain nets) come attached to the batting cage tunnel (knotted border rope, middle-rib line, steel snap-hooks, lead-core bottom rope, door-way, & baffle/impact net). When a net is advertised as including our "deluxe feature package", these features can not be included separately, and are not interchangeable for other items.

Are your "border ropes" knotted around the outside of your nets, or just threaded through without being tied?

This is a an important feature, and could cause problems if not fabricated properly. ALL of our "standard Nylon & Poly" nets (excluding DuPont netting), whether they are baseball barrier nets, tunnels, or golf nets etc. include KNOTTED border ropes around the outside perimeter. This means the thick 3/8" border rope, which is used as an attachment point, is knotted with twine, instead of simply "woven" in and out of the mesh. If the rope is not TIED, it will eventually slide like a curtain, and you will have a big mess of netting to contend with. When comparing nets, be sure to specifically ask about this feature, and also ask how often the knots are tied -- some are technically "knotted", but only tied very 6'-10', which can still cause bad draping problems -- ours are tied every 6"-12" at the MOST, and often every mesh (roughly 2"), when deemed appropriate.

Are your nets "hung-square" or "diamond"?

Most all of our Baseball Batting Cage Nets/Tunnels & Barrier Nets are "hung-square" -- this means the shape of the mesh, when looking directly at the net, is shaped like a square. Many people prefer square-hung nets because they look "cleaner" and more professional, and offer a better line of sight into the tunnel. Most of our Golf Netting is "hung-diamond" - this is mainly because golf impact netting is usually used at a close distance, and we've found that diamond-hung nets tent to flex with the impact of the ball a little better than square, limiting the "bounce-back" effect, which is critical is small areas, especially when a golf balls are involved, which have high "spring effects" as it is.

Is there a performance difference between "hung-square" or "diamond"?

There is much debate about this feature -- the bottom line is the overall "hang" of a diamond net is simply not as true as a square net. A diamond net tends to contract more, and won't hang to it's full size without being anchored down. If this isn't a concern, the overall performance isn't greatly affected and you can still get quality diamond nets, AS LONG AS THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE:

• The diamond-net is fabricated by a very skillful net shop
• The diamond-net includes a border-rope knotted around the perimeter

You will find diamond nets to be cheaper in general -- this is because there is less "waste" when the netting is cut, because most all netting comes off the machines in a diamond pattern. The method in which the nets are cut & "hung", meaning how the mesh is attached to the border rope, dictates the mesh pattern. So if you are attempting to compare Apples to Apples, and you find a batting cage tunnel priced lower than ours, make sure to inquire if they are "hung-diamond" or "square". Read even more about "Square vs. Diamond" mesh and view pictures of each, here.

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What are your "stock / standard sizes" for batting cage tunnels? top

You may review a comprehensive list of our standard sized batting cage tunnels, here. These are typically always in stock and ship within 1 day, and are pre-fabricated in bulk, which is why they are more affordable than "odd" sizes which have to be customized on an individual basis.

How do I know if your "standard sized" tunnels are in stock?

If you are on a tight timeline, we recommend always contacting us first, and we will do an inventory check directly with our warehouse to know for sure. Otherwise, if you place your order online and a "standard sized" net is not in stock, you will be notified as soon as we confirm with our warehouse (usually the same day), and you will then have the option to cancel your order, or wait for the net to be customized. If a standard sized net is back-ordered, we will customize it for the same price as a "stock net".

Do you offer "custom" netting sizes?

Absolutely! That is one of our shop's specialties, and we have a great track record for getting custom orders exactly right the 1st time, and pay strong attention to the smallest details. You can trust your complicated custom project with us. Get an instant quote & order online using our Net Calculator!

Why are your custom nets more expensive, if the size I want is about the same size as your stock sized net?

This is simply because our "standard sized" nets are pre-fabricated in bulk - allowing the machines to be set at a specific measurement, maximizing efficiencies -- non-standard sizes have to be customized on an individual basis.

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Is there any assembly required after I get my net? top

No, there is absolutely zero assembly required with a standard barrier net or batting cage tunnel. All barrier nets come with steel hardware woven into the corners, and border rope knotted around the perimeter. Likewise, our tunnels come fully seamed together to form the "box structure" tunnel shape, with all features pre-installed - except on custom tunnels the baffle net will often be included separately to allow you to place exactly where needed.

Are your nets easy to hang?

Yes, our nets are very easy to hang, due to the durable hand-tied border-rope which comes standard with all of our nets. Whether you decide to use a cable suspension system or a steel frame, all netting options are easy to install. Our barrier nets & batting cage tunnels come standard with steel snap-hooks woven into the corners, and a thick 3/8" border rope hand-tied/knotted around the entire perimeter, and all seams on our tunnels.

How do I go about hanging my net - do your nets include instructions?

It depends on what type of method you use to hang the nets (cable suspension kit or steel frame structure). Our nets don't include instructions because it completely depends on the suspension method used. If you also purchase a cable / frame system a set of instructions will be included with that system. Also, as mentioned above the nets come constructed with steel snap-hooks & a border rope woven into the net. With the cable suspension kit, the net will simply connect directly to the wire cables that hang above the net. With the steel frames, the steel snap-hooks will connect to the collar-clamps or eye-bolts.

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Will your netting stand up to the elements? top

The main factors that determine which net will work best for your needs are exposure to the sun and whether the net will be placed in a dry or wet climate. Both the poly and nylon materials can be left outside year round, however the poly material is recommended for wetter climates where the material does not have a chance to dry. Because both net options come in a standard black color, both nets are ideal to resist UV damage. The black color actually reflects the UV rays.

How long do your nets last?

The life-span of a particular net depends on what type of material is used (either nylon or poly), and what thread grade the net is constructed with (#21, #36, #42, #60 etc.). Our Net Examiner lists various estimated life-spans for different materials & levels of use. Keep in mind that these are only estimates, based on "average use", and can be increased or decreased based on usage & care.

Do your nets have a warranty?

Yes, all of our Nylon netting includes a two-year warranty, and our Poly includes a one-year warranty. This ensures our netting products will be free of manufacturer's defects in materials and workmanship from the date of shipment. In the event of a defect under this warranty, we will, at the manufacturer's discretion, send replacement material, request the item be returned for repair, issue a partial credit, or fully replace the item when deemed appropriate. Please contact us for more info.

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Where do your nets come from? top

We obtain netting both domestically in the U.S. & globally, from China & other sources -- but regardless, we only use netting that is the highest-quality for the dollar in the industry, guaranteed.

• Our "custom" nets (custom tunnels, barrier nets etc.) are mostly all fabricated in the U.S. (95%)
• Most of our "stock" sized batting cage tunnels are pre-fabricated by our manufacturer in China. (95%)

You may wish to read more about our various sources for netting within our Netting Analysis.

Aren't imported nets lower quality than U.S. based nets?

Not necessarily, but in some cases yes. The key is that your netting is from a reputable source, and our China-based source is at the top of the sports netting industry. So unless you have strong convictions towards U.S. based products, don't be dissuaded from the imports, simply because they aren't DuPont netting. Our imported nets are still very high quality, and most likely more than sufficient for your situation.

The fact is, most items you use on a daily basis, and probably the computer you're using was manufactured over-seas. Imported products aren't inherently bad - products purchased domestically can also be low quality - the key is that the shop uses quality materials, and has quality craftsmen. The net shop we use in China satisfies both of these requirements.

If the quality isn't that much lower, why are imports so much cheaper?

This is simply because there are more net builders in China than the U.S. Because the fishing industry is more vibrant in China, this creates a higher demand for netting, which creates a higher number of net builders. Competition drives pricing down.

Why do you partner with 3 different net shops?

To put it simply - because each of them offers something different. And not to be cliche, but this gives our customers the "best of all worlds", enabling us to offer high-quality products to every market -- from Amateur to Pro-level netting -- all of which is the 'highest quality for the dollar' you will find in the industry, guaranteed.

What benefit do I get purchasing from you, instead of directly from the net manufacturer?

The overall benefit is that we we have an objective view on the net industry. Although we have partnerships with the net shops, our companies are still independent -- this creates 2 additional benefits for our customers:

1) We did all the research so you don't have to. Our independent position allowed us to select from every net shop in the industry, to find the absolute best. We took an objective approach, from a customer's standpoint -- except we did it for over 6 years, with a high level of scrutiny, and did comprehensive testing. This allows us to give customers an honest assessment of which netting is best for their situation, regardless of the origin. We don't care which of our shops fabricate your nets -- our main concern is that you get the best net for both your application & budget - and most of all - you're satisfied.

2) You receive lower pricing. Because we purchase high volumes of nets from our manufacturers, we receive bulk pricing discounts. This actually allows us to keep our retail prices even lower than the manufacturers themselves, who have more over-head and need to make higher profit-margins to stay in business. Since we are a smaller company, our over-head is lower - hence, our retail pricing is lower.

These reasons make our company a "super net shop" of sorts, and one of the most versatile in the industry - because we have combined the forces of the industry's top 3 shops. No other single shop or broker can offer this type of service, because they all have an agenda to fill - which is naturally biased towards their shop, irrespective of your true needs. Our only agenda is that your needs are met, you are completely satisfied, and will give us a good reference.

Can I contact your net shops directly?

Part of the arrangement we have with our shops, is that we manage all customer interaction. Their specialty is fabricating nets, so they request that we represent them with all of our customers - this creates a more efficient work-shop, and ensures you will receive your net much sooner. All of the manufacturer warranties still apply, and we can assist with every aspect of the order process -- before, and after.

How quickly do you ship your nets?

Our "stock sized" nets are typically available for immediate shipment, and we usually ship the same business day if the order is received by NOON, Central Time. Our custom sized nets vary in design-time, but typically take anywhere from 2-12 business days depending on the complexity.

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How much is shipping? top

A very reliable rule-of-thumb, is to use 15%-20% of the total net price to calculate your total shipping cost. This may seem high, but please keep in mind that many of these nets weigh upwards of 150 lbs. Please inquire for an exact shipping cost, as we can't guarantee shipping prices until we check directly with the carriers.

Are your online shipping prices correct?

Most of the time, but this is usually only an estimate, because there are many variables which can affect the rate -- too many for our website to accurately calculate. Feel free to check-out online, and we will notify you if shipping costs are higher than estimated by our store. We set the cart to estimate on the "low side", so if there is only a marginal difference, we will simply pick up the extra charges for you.

Who do you ship with?

Most of our nets ship via UPS Ground. If the packages are too heavy to ship Ground (over 150 lbs), then we will ship via UPS' Freight / Overnite Express, when possible. But it mainly depends on your location, and which freight company services your area for the most affordable rates.

How are your nets packaged?

Most of our "stock sized" tunnels are shrink-wrapped in a very durable heavy-duty plastic "sack". Our custom tunnels & barrier nets are typically packaged in a durable box - the exact size of course depends on the net size, but we package all of our nets are tightly as possibly to keep shipping prices down.

Can I pick my net up directly?

Unfortunately due to insurance liability issues, we aren't able to allow customers to pick packages up from the net shop.

Where do you ship your nets from?

MOST of our nets ship from Texas, Ohio, or Florida. If you would like to know the exact origin point, please contact us with the exact net you are interested in.

Will my frame & other equipment ship with my net?

Most of our nets ship individually from the net warehouse, which is in a different location from our Batting Cage shop. However, we are beginning to stock more of our standard-sized nets at our frame shop, so there is a chance your frame & net will ship together. We will notify you along the way with the tracking info, as it becomes available to us. Please contact us for exact details if interested.