🧵 How to Choose the Right Netting Thickness for Your Batting Cage
Building a batting cage is a fantastic way to create a safe space for consistent reps — whether for baseball, softball, or even golf. One of the most critical components of any batting cage setup is the netting. It keeps balls contained, ensures safety for players and property, and contributes heavily to the overall durability of your cage.
But choosing the right netting involves more than just picking a material. One of the most overlooked yet important aspects is netting thickness, also referred to as twine size. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about netting thickness — so you can build a cage that’s safe, durable, and built to last.
💡 Why Netting Thickness Matters
Netting thickness directly affects strength, flexibility, UV resistance, and cost. Thicker twine provides better impact resistance and lasts longer — but may also be heavier and more expensive.
Your goal is to strike a balance between durability and practicality based on your use case and location. Learn more in our guide on outdoor batting cage preparation.
🔍 Key Factors When Choosing Netting Thickness
1. Intended Use
Is your cage for youth practice or high school varsity training? Light-duty nets are fine for casual use, but high-speed batting or frequent use demands thicker, tougher netting.
2. Netting Material
Common materials like nylon, polyester, and polyethylene all have different durability ratings. Nylon is strong and flexible, while polyethylene is more UV-resistant. Check out our post on choosing turf vs concrete to see how your netting interacts with your surface type.
3. Indoor vs Outdoor
Outdoor cages are exposed to UV rays, rain, and wind — which accelerates wear. If you’re setting up outdoors, lean toward thicker twine sizes and UV-stabilized netting.
4. Budget
Thicker twine costs more. If you’re on a budget, aim for a middle-ground option like #36 twine, which offers strong durability without being overkill for casual use.
5. Safety Requirements
Thicker netting reduces the risk of breakage or ball escape. Always prioritize safety when selecting materials — especially if you plan to rent your cage on CageList.
📏 Common Netting Thickness Options
- #21 Twine: Lightest-duty. Best for indoor, low-speed hitting, or young kids. Not ideal for prolonged outdoor use.
- #36 Twine: A popular backyard option. Affordable, weather-tough, and durable enough for most recreational use.
- #42 Twine: Great for higher-level training and outdoor cages. Withstands faster pitching and stronger impacts.
- #60 Twine: Pro-grade. Built for elite use, heavy weather exposure, and commercial setups.
🧠 Tips for Choosing the Right Thickness
- Know Your Use Case: Don’t overbuild if it’s just for tee work. But don’t underbuild if you’re using live pitching.
- Match to Your Climate: Humid, sunny, or windy climates require thicker twine and better UV protection.
- Inspect Often: No matter the twine size, monthly inspections prevent minor wear from becoming major repairs.
- Think Long-Term: Spending 20% more now on netting can save 100% later on replacements.
📣 Bonus Tip: Monetize Your Cage
If you’re building a high-quality cage with durable netting, consider turning it into a rental asset. By listing it on CageList, you can earn passive income by renting your cage out to local players who need a safe, reliable space to train.
Here are a few Florida-based batting cage owners who’ve done just that:
- 📍 Full-Length Cage w/ Pitching Machine — Melbourne, FL
- 📍 Private Cage + Training & Machine — Orlando, FL
- 📍 12x12x70 w/ Juggs Pitching Machine — Margate, FL
- 📍 Little Sluggers PSL Batting Cage — Port St. Lucie, FL
These backyard cages offer excellent setups with pitching machines, turf, and secure netting — and they’re making money while helping local players train better.
🏁 Conclusion
Choosing the right netting thickness isn’t about buying the biggest or cheapest — it’s about matching your needs with the right level of performance, protection, and value.
Whether you’re training at home or setting up a pro-grade rental space, this guide gives you the insight to make smart decisions. For more help, join our Backyard Batting Cages Facebook Group or explore more tips on the CageList blog.