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Custom Barrier & Backstop Netting: What You Should Know

Custom Barrier & Backstop Net Guide

Dimensions

When building a custom barrier or backstop net, you first need to determine your dimensions. Keep in mind that you don’t want to install your netting “trampoline tight.” Having unnecessary tension on the net can greatly reduce the lifespan of the net.

When ordering large barrier nets, it’s often helpful to split your order into separate panels. This will make the installation of the net much smoother because the individual panels will be easier to handle.

Material

When considering the material type for your backstop, you need to decide what sports the netting will be used for. Obviously golf balls are much smaller than basketballs, so require a smaller mesh size for containment. Golf balls require a mesh size of 7/8 of an inch. Tennis needs a mesh size no larger than 1 and 1/2 inches. Baseball and softball requires a mesh size of 1 and 7/8 inches. Larger ball sports like volleyball, basketball and soccer can use a mesh size of 4 inches. If you’re using your barrier net or backstop for multiple sports, be sure to use a mesh size that’s appropriate for the smallest sized ball that’s being used in the area.

Gauge

If your backstop and barrier nets aren’t facing direct impacts, you can use a lighter gauge than for direct impact applications. Gauge refers to the twine diameter of the net, and ranges from #21 to #60; the larger the number, the thicker the net, the longer the lifespan.

Having a thinner gauge helps to improve visibility through the net, which can be particularly important if the barrier netting is being used to help protect spectators and fans from impact, but thinner gauges are more likely to break with direct impact.

For applications where both high visibility and spectator safety are primary concerns, we recommend using Dyneema netting material. Dyneema is ten times stronger than steel, per unit of weight. This means the net can be both thin, #18 gauge it’s even thinner than our little league nets, but the overall strength of the net provides high visibility and safety, making it the perfect choice for backstops behind home plate, and a variety of other uses as well.

Barrier and backstop netting is typically made of Poly, Nylon, or Dyneema. Poly is less durable than both Nylon, and Dyneema, but is also less expensive. We recommend only using Poly in low impact situations where a long netting lifespan isn’t necessary. Nylon is suitable for most applications. It’s durable and has long lifespan when installed correctly. However, Nylon, unlike Poly, isn’t a waterproof material by itself. If you’re going to install your Nylon barrier or backstop netting outdoors, be sure to add NetSeal to make the net truly weather resistant. To help increase the lifespan of your net, you should take it down and safely store it during the offseason.

Custom Sizes for Backstop & Barrier Nets

You can purchase golf netting and baseball and softball backstops and barrier nets using our Custom Net Calculator. For large ball sports netting please contact us at 1-800-877-6787.

And one last tip: many of our customers fasten their backstop or barrier net to their anchor points with zip ties, which work great at securing the net. However, if your sports barrier net is being used outdoors, it’s important to use UV protected zip ties that will hold up against elements.

2 comments
  1. Juleby Hirsch
    Juleby Hirsch
    September 2, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Hello,
    Do you do residential projects near Boston MA? Looking to install golf net rigging system on pulleys fixed to existing trees in yard. Estimate 3 net segments 20×10 feet each. Thanks,

    Reply
    • chad
      chad
      September 10, 2020 at 9:04 am

      Hello,
      Yes we do outfit backyards with netting. You would need to source a local installer, but we are happy to provide the custom netting & hardware.

      Please find our netting calculator linked below for pricing:

      https://practicesports.com/custom_tool/net-calculator/

      Thanks.

      Chad SchneiderOperations Director
      Practice Sports, Inc. | PLAY, inc. | 14706 Giles Rd. Omaha, NE 68138
      800.877.6787 | 402.592.2000 | Fax: 800.577.3046chad@practicesports.com | practicesports.com | webuildplay.com

      Reply
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