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FAQs

Spike-Resistant 42 oz Nylon Face, with 5 mm Foam Pad for shock absorption

The total height including foam is 3/4″

All of our turf mats & halo kits use a turf that have UV Inhibitors embedded into the fibers. The turf & foam is also water-resistant.

We use our Grand Slam Deluxe product, found here.

Our In-laid logos will last the same life-span as the turf itself, and will never fade or wear out. Our painted logos will last a few seasons, but it depends on the traffic, and your preference for aesthetics. Most painted logos need to be touched up annually to maintain a professional appearance.

Dalton, GA – the carpet capital of the world.

Unfortunately not, due to insurance liabilities.

We will ship via UPS Ground whoever possible, but most require Motor Freight transit.

Yes, the freight-lines charge a $60-$80 residential sur-charge fee.

Spike-Resistant 42 oz Nylon Face, with 5 mm Foam Pad for shock absorption

The total height including foam is 3/4″

All of our turf mats & halo kits use a turf that have UV Inhibitors embedded into the fibers. The turf & foam is also water-resistant.

We use our Grand Slam Deluxe product, found here.

Our In-laid logos will last the same life-span as the turf itself, and will never fade or wear out. Our painted logos will last a few seasons, but it depends on the traffic, and your preference for aesthetics. Most painted logos need to be touched up annually to maintain a professional appearance.

Dalton, GA – the carpet capital of the world.

Unfortunately not, due to insurance liabilities.

We will ship via UPS Ground whoever possible, but most require Motor Freight transit.

Yes, the freight-lines charge a $60-$80 residential sur-charge fee.

We love the nCage Pro, nCage Collegiate, and nCage Varsity. In-ground batting cages like these provide durability and longevity.

Light DutyMedium DutyHeavy DutyMultiple Rib SectionsFewer Ground HolesHigh Wind ResistanceMulti Lane Option Pro AppearanceRemovable Poles
nCage Varsity
nCage Collegiate
nCage Pro

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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”.

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.

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 skilful 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

  • Net Examiner: Pics, est life-spans etc.
  • Net Calculator: Instant pricing – even now allows you to Buy It Now!
  • Net Analysis: Detailed break-down on netting facts & myths
  • Cage Builder: Quick questionnaire to select the best netting for your application

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.

We offer a 1-piece welded screen which is the heaviest in the industry. Our slip-fit screens are above-average for durability, and the push-pin screens are average in durability.

Square tubing allows balls to pancake the net, causing them to break at the seams quicker. Our round tubing results in better deflection and longer net life-span.

Our 1-piece screens require no assembly except slipping the pillow-case net over the frame. Our slip-fit frames match up using color-coded stickers, and our push-pin screens use spring-loaded pins to lock the tubes together. The nets are a “slip-over” style and take less than 1 minute to install.

Our 1-piece screens use aluminum which will NEVER rust. Our other screens are galvanized steel which is also highly weather-resistant. We do not recommend leaving the nets outside in harsh weather.

The 1-piece models were designed for maximum durability instead of portability. The “slip-fit” frames are fairly easy to take apart (about 15 minutes), and the push-pin screens are the quickest (about 5 minutes).

#36 Nylon is by far our most popular material, but be sure to add latex if you’re using nylon outdoors.

Poly is a plastic material, so is waterproof without any further treatment. However, the poly tends to break down much quicker than the nylon. We consider poly to be more of a hobby material.

Shop Netting

We sure can. Check out our NetCalculator, where you can enter your dimensions and receive an instant quote on a variety of materials.

You absolutely can. As long as your player can swing freely, and you protect your walls, ceiling structure, lights, and windows, you can turn almost any space into a potential hitting cage.

Small Batting Cage – How Small Is Too Small

Standard-size nets are 12 or 14 feet wide, 12 feet tall, and 55 or 70 feet long. Shop Standard Size Batting Cage nets.

We always recommend a minimum of 12-foot wide batting cages, but if you do have a tighter space, you may be able to move your player to one side of the cage to help prevent them from finishing their swing into the net. Before you order your net, have the player take a few practice swings in the area to be sure they can swing freely without hitting any objects, or feeling too constricted within the space.

We recommend a minimum of a 12-foot-tall net that’s installed at 11 feet to help prevent baseballs and softballs from escaping. However, we’ve seen and played in, some great basement cages that are installed at 8 feet high. If you’re in a tight space, have your player take a few practice swings in that space to make sure that they can swing freely without hitting any walls, windows, or other objects.

We recommend #60 nylon for all our commercial facility customers.

For larger, multisport facilities, we recommend the AirCage, an indoor, electric, retractable cage with the lowest profile in the industry.

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Many facilities love the flexibility of the ShellCage, which is a great multi-lane, multi-sport cage.

Most homeowners end up with a CurtainCage, which features three overhead cable lines to support the net.

Take a look at our nCage Pro, nCage Collegiate, and nCage Varsity frames. Be sure to check with your HOA before you plant your cage. You’ll want a minimum of our #36 Nylon net, but be sure to add latex to help waterproof it against the elements.

We love the nCage Pro, nCage Collegiate, and nCage Varsity. In-ground batting cages like these provide durability and longevity.

Light DutyMedium DutyHeavy DutyMultiple Rib SectionsFewer Ground HolesHigh Wind ResistanceMulti Lane Option Pro AppearanceRemovable Poles
nCage Varsity
nCage Collegiate
nCage Pro

Standard-size nets are 12 or 14 feet wide, 12 feet tall, and 55 and 70 feet long. However, we can build a net of any size. Be sure when determining what net size is best for your space that you stay at least 1 foot away from walls and at least 3 feet away from delicate objects like unprotected lights and windows.

Learn More/Contact Us

 

There are two netting material types that we focus on at Practice Sports. Poly and Nylon.

First, the 36 gauge Nylon is the most popular material type. It’s a great net for high school players, or if you’d like to get your little leaguer through high school on one net. Nylon by itself isn’t water resistant, so if you’re using your net outdoors, be sure to add a latex treatment.

Poly is more of a backyard/hobby type of material. It is a plastic material, so it doesn’t require an additional treatment to make it water resistant.

Learn More/Contact Us

Once you decide to set up a home batting cage, the next steps may seem overwhelming. So, we’re here to help. We’ve written many articles on how to build a batting cage at home, in basements, garages, backyards, or at a sports facility. First, decide where you want to install your batting cage, and then follow the steps from the articles below:

Customer Spotlight: Retractable Batting Cage DIY

Garage Batting Cage – DIY For Small Spaces

Basement Batting Cage – Install In Just 12 Feet

Small Batting Cage – How Small Is Too Small

How To Install An Indoor Batting Cage

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Batting Cage Frame Kit – Buyer’s Guide

NCage Varsity 4 Section 55 Ft Long Outdoor Batting Cage Frame Instructions

These articles are surely helpful, but if you have more questions, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you plan, purchase all of the correct parts, and walk you through building your own cage!

  1. Repetitive abrasion from balls, or excess friction due to improper installation. Solution: NetShield Baffle Kit; professional installation & hardware.
  2. Exposure to UV rays. Solution: Black FlexNets; NetSeal.
  3. Exposure to harsh weather (rain, snow, ice, wind). Solution: NetSeal; taking net indoors during harsh weather.
  4. High-winds, causing “whipping” action. Solution: Proper installation/hardware; net savers; base anchor kit.
  5. Incorrect netting used for wrong application. Solution: Ordering #60 FlexNets for high-impact usage.
  6. Animal damage / Vandalism. Solution: Install locking fence around netting.

You can greatly increase the life of your outdoor net by taking it down during the off season.

NetSeal is not required for outdoor use, but it is recommended for Nylon netting used in high-moisture climates and will extend the life-span. Our standard Nylon FlexNets come standard with a 10% resin bonding treatment which makes the mesh “semi” water-resistant, but for those looking for a complete water-proof seal to maximize a net’s longevity, NetSeal is wise investment.

There are a number of benefits to having a dog agility tunnel. A dog agility tunnel can help build the confidence of your four-legged friend. It can also be a great form of exercise for them, and you can use it for training purposes too. The tunnel can help to increase their coordination, agility, and balance, as well as improve their reaction time.

It can also help to strengthen their muscles, and improve their overall fitness levels. A dog agility tunnel is a great way to bond with your dog, and make them feel included in activities and games that the whole family can enjoy.

Yes. The Doggie Crawl comes in two color options: red and green. With these color options available, you can customize your dog agility tunnels to the theme of your dog park. These tunnels are a great way for dogs to get some exercise and practice their agility skills for years to come.

When introducing your dog to a dog ramp, it’s important to start gradually and use positive reinforcement. Begin by allowing your dog to explore the ramp at their own pace, sniffing and investigating it. Encourage your dog with treats and praise, and gradually introduce them to walking up and down the ramp. Patience and consistency are key to helping your dog feel comfortable and confident on the ramp.

Dog ramps are used in agility courses to provide dogs with an opportunity to navigate inclines and declines, simulating real-life scenarios they may encounter in various agility challenges. They help dogs develop strength, balance, and coordination while enhancing their overall agility and speed.

There are several types of dog ramps used in agility courses, including A-frames, dogwalks, and teeter totters. A-frames have two ramps joined at the top to form an “A” shape. Dogwalks are long ramps with a flat surface for dogs to walk or run across. Teeter totters are ramps that pivot in the middle, providing a balancing challenge for the dogs.

For larger, multisport facilities, we recommend the AirCage, an indoor, electric, retractable cage with the lowest profile in the industry.

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Many facilities love the flexibility of the ShellCage, which is a great multi-lane, multi-sport cage.

Most homeowners end up with a CurtainCage, which features three overhead cable lines to support the net.

Once you decide to set up a home batting cage, the next steps may seem overwhelming. So, we’re here to help. We’ve written many articles on how to build a batting cage at home, in basements, garages, backyards, or at a sports facility. First, decide where you want to install your batting cage, and then follow the steps from the articles below:

Customer Spotlight: Retractable Batting Cage DIY

Garage Batting Cage – DIY For Small Spaces

Basement Batting Cage – Install In Just 12 Feet

Small Batting Cage – How Small Is Too Small

How To Install An Indoor Batting Cage

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Batting Cage Frame Kit – Buyer’s Guide

NCage Varsity 4 Section 55 Ft Long Outdoor Batting Cage Frame Instructions

These articles are surely helpful, but if you have more questions, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you plan, purchase all of the correct parts, and walk you through building your own cage!

1-7/8″ 13-gauge is the minimum we recommend. This size requires a traditional “rib” design such as our nCage, with the cross-tubes spaced approximately every 16′-18′, which provide support points for the cable lines. If you prefer to avoid cross-tubes and minimize the number of holes required, we recommend between 6″-8″ schedule-40 pipe, such as our Pro In-ground model – Single Lane or Double-Lane systems.

This depends on the quality of turnbuckles, and the stability of your anchor points. If you are using commercial turnbuckles, steel wall plates (with 4 lags each), you can span 100’+ without vertical supports and still have very taut lines. However, if you have the ability to add vertical drop supports, it will certainly help take some of the load off the lines, and not require the lines to “work as hard.” Keep in mind vertical supports will obstruct the sliding ability of your cage, so you would need to dis-engage each vertical support prior to sliding your net like a curtain.

The most common structures are steel tubing/pipes, masonry block walls, or trees (use tree-wrap to prevent damage).

Every ShockPad / Series panel is engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of all climates. Each panel has expansion crush ribs built in to absorb the force of expansion of the panels. Because it is made of one material, we know exactly how much it will expand and contract in the most extreme weather conditions, which is factored into the manufacturing of each panel.

Yes, our ShockPad / Series Warranty allows for load limits that far exceed most turf manufacturer load limits. Additionally, as long as you protect the field with a rigid field protection system, you can host other events, such as concerts and graduations.

The white beads are virgin expanded polypropylene (EPP), while the black beads are recycled material. Each Shockpad / Series panel has no more than 30% recycled content in it. The performance of both beads is identical.

Yes, ShockPad / Series XL (SP) shock padding is a completely permeable product. Every expanded polypropylene (EPP) bead is coated with a micro-binder that allows the beads to adhere to each other. The natural void space between beads allows water to move through the pad freely. We have independent test results from third-party testing laboratories that shows that our SP Series shock pads drain vertically at over 700” per hour…way faster than the turf that’s on top of it.

  1. Use ShockPad / Series XL shock padding when there is a vertically draining stone base, both for turf replacement projects and new construction.
  2. When cost is an issue, but building the safest field possible is still a priority!

This item is very bulky, as it can’t be condensed in size so much ship in large boxes.

All of our field equipment ships direct from the respective manufacturer, which depends on the item ordered & your location.

Most are shipped Motor Freight due to the large size & weight. Shipping these items is cheaper to a commercial address, compared to a residence.

It depends on the item, size & quantity, but many items are in stock and ship within 1-2 days. Certain items may take 2-3 weeks for production. Please inquire for details on a specific item if your timeline is urgent.

There are some limits, but most items in our Field Equipment category are available in a wide variety of colors to accent your team colors properly.

No, balls will have shorter or longer life-spans due to the quality of covering & stitches used.

It depends on the machine, but typically it’s recommended to look for a ball designed for machine use, which will have reinforced & lowered seams. Standard leather seamed balls will break at the seams much quicker compared to higher quality machine balls.

Yes, please contact us with your exact ball request & quantity, and we will respond within 1 day with a quote.

All ship direct from the manufacturer, which maintains the full product warranty & keeps shipping costs lower.

Typically not, but some manufacturer’s offer free shipping if your order exceeds a certain amount. If we receive free shipping, so will you.

The draw-back of arm-action machines is that they can only throw fastballs, no “junk” pitches.

Wheel machines help batters practice their timing. To ensure more time between ball release and pitch, choose a machine with a long and highly visible “entry chute.” Then, the operator releases the ball and the machine throws it.

We suggest buying from one of the five manufacturers listed above. Yes, there are alternatives. However, these five companies have a proven track record and stand behind their products. Although the emergence of other companies to compete would improve the industry, until then, we can’t recommend other manufacturers. Because of how much use machines receive, it’s key to pick a machine with years of prototyping under its belt, a high-quality motor, and great mechanics.

To find the right machine for practice, look for one that can throw different ball types, like synthetic PVC, dimpled, and leather. Leather balls are ideal for experienced batters, while dimpled balls are safer for young, inexperienced players and work well in practice environments.

Always use balls suggested by the manufacturer or ask for their referral on the best ball to use with their machines. The manufacturer calibrates the machine to pitch a specific density ball at maximum speed and performance, so it’s crucial to follow their advice. Here are the recommendations for the machines we carry:

MachineBall Type
Lite Flite Pitching MachineLite-Flite baseballs
Lite-Flite softballs
JUGS Bulldog poly baseballs
JUGS Bulldog softballs
Soft Toss Machine11" or 12" softballs Baseballs
JUGS LeatherLast Softballs
JUGS Pearl
JUGS Sting-Free balls
JUGS Lite-Flite balls
JUGS Softie balls
JUGS Bulldog polyballs
MVP Combo Pitching MachineBaseballs
Softballs
Sting-Free balls—dimpled and seam
JUGS Lite-Flite and softie balls
JUGS Pearl and LeatherLast
JUGS BULLDOG poly balls
Combo Pitching Machine11″ or 12″ softballs Baseballs
Sting-Free baseballs—dimpled and seam
Sting-Free softballs—dimpled and seam
Tennis balls
Lite-Flite baseballs and softballs
SOFTIE softballs and baseballs
JUGS Pearl
LeatherLast Softballs JUGS Bulldog baseballs and softballs
Small Ball Pitching MachineJUGS polyurethane-foam 5-in./0.5-oz. Small-Balls
BP1 Combo Pitching Machine11″ or 12″ softballs Baseballs
Sting-Free baseballs—dimpled and seam
Sting-Free softballs—dimpled and seam
Tennis balls
Lite-Flite baseballs and softballs
Softie softballs and baseballs
Jugs Pearl
LeatherLast Softballs
Jugs Bulldog baseballs and softballs
BP1 Baseball Pitching MachineBaseballs
JUGS Sting-Free baseballs—dimpled and seam
JUGS Lite-Flite and SOFTIE baseballs
JUGS Pearl
JUGS Bulldog baseballs
BP1 Softball Pitching Machine11″ or 12″ softballs, LeatherLast softballs Sting-Free softballs
Lite-Flite softballs
Softie softballs
Bulldog polyballs
BP2 Baseball Pitching MachineBaseballs
JUGS Pearl
JUGS Sting-Free baseballs—dimpled and seam
JUGS Lite-Flite
SOFTIE baseballs
JUGS Bulldog baseballs
BP3 Baseball Pitching Machine with Changeup FeatureBaseballs
JUGS Pearl
JUGS Sting-Free baseballs—dimpled and seam
JUGS Lite-Flite
SOFTIE baseballs
JUGS Bulldog baseballs
Iron Mike Pitching MachinesDimpled balls are more consistent and will last longer.
All machines throw regular leather balls as long as they are equipped with a Positive Feed Unit or Ball Feed Enhancer.
Bata Pitching Machines
(Baseball or Softball option)
Ballistic leather
Dimpled baseballs
Softballs
Hack Attack Pitching MachinesBaden Kevlar Ballistic Seamed Baseballs/Softballs
Baden Dimpled Baseballs/Softballs

Another key point – NEVER use regulation balls as they wear down not only the machines but also the balls. When a machine states it throws real balls, they mean it feels, sounds, and reacts like a real game ball.

Read more about pitching machine balls.

No. When you have selected your type of balls for a machine, always use 100% the same balls in that machine. Never mix & match dimpled & leather, or various manufacturers. The speed & pitch location can be significantly different & cause a safety hazard.

All machines ship direct from the manufacturer. This maintains your full warranty, and keeps shipping costs low.

Most manufacturers keep a full supply in stock at all times, but there are periods when they are back-ordered. Just check with us or one of the manufacturers – if they have it in stock, then so do we.

This depends on the machine, but most machines with exception of Iron Mikes can ship via Common Carrier (UPS or Fedex), so average about 20% of the product cost. Iron Mike machines ship Motor Freight and shipping to a business is cheaper than a residence. Just check with us for a quote.

Yes, and in most cases we even will beat the price. Just email us a link showing the same item and we will respond within 1 day with a price confirmation.

Game mounds have tapered edges to conform to a field, which is safer for gameplay. While practice mounds have straight edges and are designed only for straight-ahead pitching practice.

You don’t want a player to stride off the end of the mound which causes an uneven landing. So, taller players need longer mounds. Wider mounds are designed for taller players to practice the wind-up from all areas of the rubber.

Our mounds are portable, but some of them are pretty heavy. If portability is an important factor, select a two-piece mound, as that will be easier to handle. However, with the help of a few people and a truck, all of the mounds we carry can be moved.

Most are made from a high-density foam, but others are made from fiberglass.

Not under normal usage. It’s a HD stryo-foam designed for impact. However, a fiberglass mound will outlast a foam mound simply by virtue of it being a harder material.

It depends on your preference. Foam mounds are lighter & easier to transport, but fiberglass are more durable and will stay in place better. Some people also believe they feel more solid under your feet – which is a pro to some & a con to others.

All mounds use spike-resistant turf, which is UV-resistant but will eventually wear out in the impact areas. How long it lasts depends on the amount of abrasion the mound endures.

Turf patching is fairly easy in a small area. While complete resurfacing is relatively simple for experienced personnel and requires a limited amount of adhesive.

Most all portable mounds are 1-piece, several feet in length, and a couple hundred lbs or more. This is considered “extreme size & weight” by the truck-lines, resulting in higher transit costs. Shipping to a commercial location will be cheaper than residential.

All mounds ship direct from their respective manufacturers throughout the country. Timelines are dictated by the warehouse, so please contact us for an estimated arrival date if your timeline is urgent.

All mounds come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which starts once delivered. If you have an issue, please contact us about your specific mound’s warranty. Also, turf wear is expected; and, therefore, not covered.

All ship direct from the respective manufacturers. This keeps shipping costs lower, maintains the full warranty, and expedites service.

The manufacturer’s return policy & warranty will apply. Please inquire about a specific item, or feel free to contact the manufacturer directly.

Yes, and we also often beat any competitor’s price. Just email a link to another website and we will respond within 1 day with a price confirmation.

Our headquarters is located at:
14706 Giles Rd.
Omaha, NE 68138

Please schedule an appointment in advance, so we can be sure to be available and ready to display the proper samples / products.

Some items are available for pickup from our Omaha location. Most of our items ship from a variety of warehouses around the country and may also be available for pickup.

95% of our installations originate with a remote assessment using photos & specs. This keeps us cost & time efficient, ensuring we are available for your installation when you need us. In the era of camera-phones & email, we don’t feel it’s practical or fair to charge you several hundred dollars to do something you can probably do in less than 1 minute. Read more about our Installation Services.

We ship as many of our batting cage systems as possible from our fabrication shop & warehouse in Ohio. All other items ship direct from the respective manufacturers. This keeps shipping costs lower, maintains the full warranty, and expedites service.

This depends on the item, but typically most are in stock & ship within 1-2 days. Please inquire with us for specifics if your timeline is urgent.

The manufacturer’s return policy & warranty will apply. Please review our detailed terms & conditions for more info.

Yes, and we also often beat any competitor’s price. Just email a link to another website and we will respond within 1 day with a price confirmation.

For larger, multisport facilities, we recommend the AirCage, an indoor, electric, retractable cage with the lowest profile in the industry.

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Many facilities love the flexibility of the ShellCage, which is a great multi-lane, multi-sport cage.

Most homeowners end up with a CurtainCage, which features three overhead cable lines to support the net.

Once you decide to set up a home batting cage, the next steps may seem overwhelming. So, we’re here to help. We’ve written many articles on how to build a batting cage at home, in basements, garages, backyards, or at a sports facility. First, decide where you want to install your batting cage, and then follow the steps from the articles below:

Customer Spotlight: Retractable Batting Cage DIY

Garage Batting Cage – DIY For Small Spaces

Basement Batting Cage – Install In Just 12 Feet

Small Batting Cage – How Small Is Too Small

How To Install An Indoor Batting Cage

Best Indoor Retractable Batting Cage | AirCage

Batting Cage Frame Kit – Buyer’s Guide

NCage Varsity 4 Section 55 Ft Long Outdoor Batting Cage Frame Instructions

These articles are surely helpful, but if you have more questions, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you plan, purchase all of the correct parts, and walk you through building your own cage!

  • Batting Cage Net — we don’t include a net in the price because there are many options with prices that vary greatly – so we prefer to let our customers choose the best net for their situation. If you need a recommendation, just ask.
  • You may review our Stock Size Net options – OR get an instant quote here, for a custom size or heavier gauge. We highly recommend using #42 or #60 Nylon for programs with heavy usage. Remember, you wouldn’t put KIA quality rims on a Cadillac.
  • Installation — our Professional Installation crew based in Ohio can install this AirCageTM system in ANY building. Don’t make the mistake of attempting to save a few hundred bucks for cheap help which may be cheaper per hour, but will most likely take twice as long overall — in the end it’s just not worth the liability. View pictures of our installation crew’s previous work – and review a list of some of our references. Just ask for direct contacts.

  • First, if you have a skilled fabrication shop & engineer on your staff, we are happy to simply send you our basic kit, as outlined here – base pricing applies for the basic kit. Please keep in mind that based on your facility specs, custom fabrication may be required to make the system compatible with your ceiling. We highly recommend providing us with your specs & pictures, and allowing our experienced crew to perform the fabrication for you, which is done at a very reasonable price.
  • The most important step to receiving a Finalized price quote is to complete our online Questionnaire Form, and also return several pictures of your facility — the sooner we have this info, the sooner we can finalize your hardware list & quote — you may also fax the completed form to 1.800.577.3046
  • You may review our general pricing for 3 different sizes here.
  • If you need to print a copy of an estimate for our standard 70’L x 14’W system, you may find it here: Generic Pricing Proposal.
  • This system can also be customized to fit ANY size building – so feel free to Contact Us for a price estimate for another size.
  • If you would like “firm” pricing, we will need to review your facility specs & pictures, to ensure the system is designed to be compatible with your ceiling instantly out of the box. Don’t be baited by lower priced systems, which will be a “one size fits all” design, and may require a large amount of fabrication after you receive it to make it fit with your ceiling — leave this to the experts and let us do it right the first time.
  • Please also provide several pictures: 2-3 full-scale of entire facility, and 2-3 focused on area in ceiling targeted for installation. Also include pics of any obstructions in ceiling, i.e. ducts, divider curtain, piping etc.
  • Contact Us with any questions about this process, or to get assistance with completing your Specs.
  • If you don’t have all the info or pics the 1st time, please just complete as much info as you can, and we will attempt to finalize your pricing, and will let you know if we need additional info.

You may review a list of some of the items we have used in the past to create work-arounds to make the system compatible with various facilities, here. However, please realize that this list is not exhaustive, and pricing may vary – this is simply to provide a “ball-park” of the potential up-charges so you aren’t caught completely off-guard.

We should mention that we have yet to find ONE facility we weren’t able to install this system in – and we have performed hundreds of jobs over the past several years, and encountered virtually EVERY obstacle

*A “Standard” facility which is instantly compatible with our “base” system, and requires no additional hardware, includes the following main features:

  • Flat ceiling
  • Bar-Joist “truss” Ceiling structure with Angle-Irons
  • Angles include at least a 1/2″ open gap between them
  • Cage can be positioned parallel to trusses
  • Trusses are 14′ (on-center) apart, or 7′ apart or less
  • Trusses are symmetrical throughout facility
  • There are no other beams or trusses which hang lower than the mounting surface, which will obstruct with the cage path or cables which need a clear path to the winch
  • Ceiling height of 25′ or lower (distance from floor to “mounting surface” / trusses)
  • Winch can be mounted to truss or solid block wall
  • There is at least as much room between the end of the cage and the winch, as there is height from the floor to the ceiling. i.e. If there is only 10′ between the end of the cage & the winch, but the cage needs to retract up 20′, it would only be able to retract a total of 10′, so it would not be completely retracted to the ceiling – this is where the Return Pulley System comes in.
  • No obstructions hang below the trusses or “mounting surface” (includes lights, ducts, piping, wires, air-socks, banners etc.) — these all obstruct the path of the cables which feed into the pulleys — these can be worked around by our shop fabricating tube extensions which maneuver around the obstacle.

*Please realize that this list is not exhaustive. If your facility does not meet all of the criteria above, don’t panic – we may still be able to avoid using additional hardware, or the up-charges may not be too high. Review the list of potential extra hardware needed here, or simply contact us to discuss your situation. We can make this system work in ANY facility for a reasonable price – we offer the best value in the industry, guaranteed.

  • If the cage is treated well – meaning no one is permitted to hang on the net or frame and the motor is not abused with rapid start and stop activity, this system easily lasts 25+ years.
  • The first item you will need to replace is the net, which typically lasts 1-15 years depending on the quality.
  • We recommend regular inspections of this system (which should be done with any overhead equipment). If it is not secure, tighten bolts and nuts as needed. Also, replace any damaged parts to increase lifespan. Although the number of checks needed depends on the amount of use, annual inspections are always advised.

Yes, it is VERY safe and secure. Our crew takes no shortcuts, and we have the strictest of codes to ensure the system is installed with the proper hardware which is specifically Rated/Certified for this type of application. The winch is also attached in 9 different points, and uses vibration-proof Nylon bolts which will not come loose during usage.

The overall weight of our 70’L x 14’W standard sized system (including net) is 550 lbs, which equates to only 7.8 lbs per linear foot. The overall weight is also dispersed by approximately 16-18 pulley attachment points, which requires each attachment point to support about 30-50 lbs at the absolute maximum.

We have had ZERO accidents or injuries during the past 7+ years of installing this system (hundreds). However, just in case, of course we do maintain Workers Compensation & Liability Insurance with The Hartford (company name Practice Sports, Inc.), so in case of a freak accident, you are covered. However, our Liability coverage expires after the first year, unless a certified inspection is performed by an independent company, or us. See directly below for more info on safety inspections.

Regular Safety Inspections:close faq top

We STRONGLY recommend performing regular safety inspections of all over-head equipment, including ours. Our equipment should NEVER come loose, but you just never know who may have accessed the system and compromised it’s integrity – and with the risk of injury you can’t afford NOT to know for sure.

The frequency necessary depends on usage, but at a minimum we recommend annual inspections by a certified company. Relocating the system or modifying/altering/”fixing” the system in any way also voids any liability and warranty, unless otherwise explicitly approved by Practice Sports, Inc. in writing. Please contact us to discuss your plans prior to making modifications.

If you would like our crew to perform an inspection of your batting cage or any other equipment in your facility such as bleachers, basketball hoops, divider curtains etc., simply Contact Us for a quote, and we would be happy to help.

We do also offer maintenance services for a variety of other gym applications – so just ask!

*Practice Sports, Inc. and all of our subsidiaries / partners are not liable for any injury or damage sustained as a result of usage of our equipment.

Spike-Resistant 42 oz Nylon Face, with 5 mm Foam Pad for shock absorption

The total height including foam is 3/4″

All of our turf mats & halo kits use a turf that have UV Inhibitors embedded into the fibers. The turf & foam is also water-resistant.

We use our Grand Slam Deluxe product, found here.

Our In-laid logos will last the same life-span as the turf itself, and will never fade or wear out. Our painted logos will last a few seasons, but it depends on the traffic, and your preference for aesthetics. Most painted logos need to be touched up annually to maintain a professional appearance.

Dalton, GA – the carpet capital of the world.

Unfortunately not, due to insurance liabilities.

We will ship via UPS Ground whoever possible, but most require Motor Freight transit.

Yes, the freight-lines charge a $60-$80 residential sur-charge fee.