A batting cage is more than just steel and netting; it’s a sanctuary for perfecting your swing, a safety haven for aspiring athletes, and a substantial investment. The heart of any cage, the netting, is the unsung hero that endures countless impacts, harsh weather, and the relentless pursuit of baseball greatness. Choosing the right netting isn’t just about catching fly balls; it’s about safeguarding your players, protecting your investment, and creating a training environment that lasts. Whether you’re a dedicated parent or a seasoned facility manager, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect batting cage netting for your needs.
Understanding Batting Cage Netting
Before we dive into specific products, let’s get familiar with the basics.
Netting Materials:
- Nylon: A classic choice known for its strength and durability. Nylon netting is available in various knotting styles, with knotted nets generally being more durable than knotless. (Highly Recommended).
- Polyethylene (PE): Lightweight and often more affordable than nylon, PE netting is a popular option for backyard cages. However, it may not be as durable or long-lasting as nylon. So we don’t recommend this
material option. - High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): A stronger and more resilient version of PE, HDPE netting offers improved durability and UV resistance. (Highly Recommended)
Key Factors to Consider:
- Strength and Durability: The netting should be able to withstand high-impact hits without tearing or sagging.
- Visibility: Good visibility is essential for tracking the ball and making adjustments to your swing.
- UV Resistance: If your cage is outdoors, the netting should be able to withstand the sun’s rays without degrading.
- Knotting Style: Knotted netting is generally stronger but can be heavier and more expensive. Knotless netting is lighter but may not be as durable.
- Mesh Size: The size of the holes in the netting can affect ball visibility and safety.
If you want to learn more about Netting then check out our Netting 101 guide that’ll teach you everything there is to know about batting cage netting.
Here are 10 kinds of batting cage netting you can buy without thinking twice.
1. 42 Knotted Nylon Netting by Nets of America
Nets of America offers this top-tier netting that’s used by MLB teams, making it a premium choice for serious setups.
The 42 knotted nylon net is thick—about 3/4 the thickness of a pencil—and offers a breaking strength of 435 lbs, ensuring durability under constant use.
With UV protection and weather treatment, this netting can last 5-7 years with moderate use, making it ideal for outdoor cages exposed to the elements.
Although it may seem overkill for a backyard setup, the long-term reliability justifies the investment.
Why It’s Great: This netting stands out due to its durability and the trust it’s earned from major league teams.
It offers excellent protection against sun and rain, ensuring it won’t degrade quickly, saving you from frequent replacements.
Cheaper Alternative: A thinner net like the 21 might save you some money, but it won’t offer the same durability or lifespan, making it a less economical choice in the long run.
2. #21 Gorilla Nylon Batting Cage Net (Custom)
Gorilla is another well-known name in baseball equipment, and their 21 knotted nylon net is a reliable, cost-effective option for backyard cages.
They build this netting on a custom basis. So you basically need to enter the dimensions you need and voila!
While not as heavy-duty as the 42, it provides a solid performance for youth players and moderate use.
This netting is lighter, making it easier to install and handle, and still offers decent weather resistance and UV protection.
Why It’s Great: The balance between cost and durability makes this a fantastic choice for families and youth teams.
It provides ample protection without the heavy price tag of professional-grade nets.
Cheaper Alternative: Polyethylene nets are cheaper but tend to fray and degrade faster when exposed to UV rays, which is something you want to avoid.
3. Cimarron 42 & 45 Twisted HDPE Batting Cage Net
Cimarron 42 & 45 Twisted HDPE offers a high-quality HDPE netting option with a twisted poly design that’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor cages.
The 42 & 45 gauge provides a good balance between strength and weight, with added UV resistance that makes it suitable for prolonged outdoor use.
This netting is known for its rot-proof quality, which is crucial for outdoor installations where moisture can be a problem.
Unless, you’re someone starting an outdoor commercial facility, #42 HDPE from Cimarron Sports will do just fine.
Why It’s Great: The HDPE material resists rot and mildew, ensuring your netting stays in top condition even in damp or rainy climates.
Its twisted design also adds extra strength, making it a durable choice.
Cheaper Alternative: Basic nylon nets can be a cheaper option but lack the rot-resistant properties of HDPE, leading to faster deterioration.
4. Aoneky Heavy Duty Netting
Aoneky offers a versatile net that’s suitable for multiple uses, including batting cages.
Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this netting is UV stabilized and has a thick 2.5mm twine that can withstand intense use.
It’s available in various sizes, making it adaptable to different cage dimensions.
Why It’s Great: The thickness and HDPE material make it incredibly durable, while the UV stabilization ensures it won’t break down under constant sun exposure.
Cheaper Alternative: Standard polyethylene nets without UV stabilization are cheaper but will degrade faster when used outdoors.
5. Skywalker Sports Batting Cage Net
Skywalker Sports provides an all-in-one batting cage solution with a durable polyethylene net.
This netting is designed specifically for the backyard and is a great option for those who want an easy-to-install, weather-resistant net.
The mesh size is tight enough to ensure safety while allowing for long-lasting performance under various weather conditions.
Why It’s Great: It’s an excellent option for families who need a reliable and straightforward setup without sacrificing quality.
The polyethylene material is durable, and the entire setup is designed for ease of use.
Cheaper Alternative: Some lower-end polyethylene nets might be cheaper but typically lack the same quality control and durability found in Skywalker’s offerings.
6. Heater Sports Xtender Batting Cage Net
This is another excellent choice for backyard setups.
Heater Sports offers a fibrous net that is easy to set up and durable enough for regular use.
The Xtender net is designed to withstand heavy hitting and is perfect for family use or small team practices.
Why It’s Great: It’s affordable, user-friendly, and can be easily assembled, making it perfect for quick setups. The durability for the price is a major plus.
Cheaper Alternative: Budget nets often compromise on the quality of the material, which can result in frequent replacements, making the Xtender a better long-term investment.
7. Jones-Sports HDPE Batting Cage Net
Jones-Sports provides an economical yet sturdy option with their HDPE netting.
This netting is UV stabilized and rot-resistant, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.
It’s also available in multiple sizes, giving you flexibility depending on your setup needs.
Why It’s Great: This netting offers a good balance of quality and affordability, with features that make it suitable for outdoor use without the premium price tag.
Cheaper Alternative: Non-UV stabilized HDPE nets are cheaper but will degrade faster, especially in sunny climates.
8. West Coast Netting – Polyester Netting in all sizes
West Coast Netting is known for providing reliable sports equipment, and their Polyester batting cage netting is no exception.
They are one of the few players who are known to manufacture their own netting and are one of the oldest.
The net is knotted, offering superior strength and resistance to wear and tear.
It’s an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor cages, with a variety of sizes available.
Why It’s Great: The knotted Polyester design offers durability and strength, making it a top choice for those who need a resilient net that can handle heavy use.
Cheaper Alternative: Knotless nets may be cheaper but often lack the strength and durability of knotted designs, leading to faster wear.
9. Gourock Knotted Nylon Netting
Gourock offers a high-quality knotted nylon net that’s well-suited for professional-grade setups.
This netting is heavy-duty and comes with UV stabilization, ensuring it can withstand prolonged outdoor use without degrading.
It’s available in multiple sizes, making it versatile for different cage setups.
Why It’s Great: The knotted design and UV protection make it a reliable choice for those looking for long-term durability, especially in outdoor environments.
Cheaper Alternative: Lower-grade nylon nets without UV stabilization might save some money initially but won’t last as long, particularly in sunny or rainy conditions.
10. Batting Cages Inc HDPE Batting Cage Net
Batting Cages Inc provides another excellent HDPE option, with a net that is both durable and affordable.
It’s designed to resist rot and UV damage, making it a solid choice for outdoor cages.
The net is easy to install and maintain, offering great value for its price.
Why It’s Great: The combination of durability and affordability makes this netting a great option for those who want a reliable setup without breaking the bank.
Cheaper Alternative: Nets without UV resistance might be cheaper upfront but will likely need to be replaced more frequently, increasing costs over time.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity of your batting cage netting.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Use the appropriate hardware and tools for the job.
- Ensure the netting is taut and securely attached to the frame.
- Regularly inspect the netting for signs of wear and tear.
- Clean the netting periodically to remove dirt and debris.
Conclusion
Choosing the right batting cage netting is essential for creating a safe and durable practice environment. Each of these options offers reliability and longevity, ensuring your investment is protected. Whether you’re a baseball parent setting up a backyard cage or looking to upgrade your team’s equipment, these netting options provide a range of prices and features to fit your needs. Remember, while cheaper alternatives might seem tempting, they often come with trade-offs in durability and performance, making these top-tier options the best choice for long-term use.
