So You Want To Build a Backyard Batting Practice Cage
Where do I start?
Where Are we going to put it?
Batting Cages are large and will take up a bunch of space. The smallest full batting cages come in at 12ft wide x 10ft high x 30ft long and the largest home batting cages at 14ft Wide x 14ft High x 70ft long. You will want to factor in an extra foot to length and width to account for the size of the cage. If you don’t have the yard space there is another and an indoor batting cage is a good option if you have a large garage space and you don’t even need to sacrifice your full garage space to do it. Cable suspension kits allow you to pull out your batting cage when you want to use it and push it against the wall when you are finished.
How are we going to hang it? Lets pick a frame.
These batting cage kits are not only the best option when doing an indoor batting cage but also the cheapest option when you are putting up any batting cage as long as you have a good space to suspend your cable. You can just run the cables from wall to wall and connect to some eye bolts. Then when you are done batting for the day simply push the net out of the way until you are ready to use it again. That is why this is such a good option for an indoor batting cage.
Batting Cage Cable Suspension Kits
EZ UP DOWN Batting Cage Frame Kit
Ground Sockets
EZ UP DOWN Batting Cage Frame Kit
The EZ UP DOWN Batting Cage Frame Kit is a pricier option than the Cable Suspension kits but cheaper than a lot of the heavy-duty commercial kits. Going the lighter frame is always going to have its drawbacks but there are quite a few perks also, not the least of which is the price.
Easy Assembly - As the name implies these frames are very easy to install and take down because you are not using concrete to secure the frame into place as most heavier frames would have you do. This frame uses are series of polyurethane ground sockets to create a strong and secure structure
Easy Dismantle - Sense this frame is not permanently concreted in the ground you can easily take this frame down and store it in the garage. Whether you are just taking it down so you can utilize the space for a party or if you want to bring it in for the winter it’s nice to have the option of utilizing your entire yard. The ground sockets come with bright yellow plugs for you won’t forget where you put them next time you want to put your frame up.
Wind Resistant - The ground sockets sit 12” into the ground so this frame is very wing resistant.
Durability - This frame uses 1-3/8” Steel frame corners making this frame very durable.
Free Standing
Hardware - All hardware required to hang your net is requires
Save Money - Long items are notoriously expensive to ship. This frame comes with everything you need for installation except for the long poles. These are not included because it is much cheaper for you to buy these locally.
Pulley System - This batting cage frame kit comes with a pulley system that allows you to lift the batting cage netting out of the way and mow right under.
If you are setting up for a school, university, or business a Commercial Batting Cage Frame Kit is really the only way to go. This is a heavy Duty Batting Cage Frame set in concrete that is made to last. This frame comes with 14 gage 2.25” Steel Ground Sleeve and Elbows giving it plenty of strength to stand up to wind and abuse
14 gauge 2.25″ steel elbows and ground sleeves
concreted into the ground to provide strength
frame has arches with three strong cables going the length of the frame to support the batting cage
arch supports at each end of the frame to make the frame rigid
Let’s Find A Batting Cage Net.
What Twine size do I need?
I recommend people buy the largest twine they can afford. A #42 Twine net is about twice as thick and twice as strong as a #21 Twine. The larger twined, heavier cages will snag balls better, look better, wear better, last longer, and you will be happier with them. You need a minimum of 60 lbs. of tensile strength.
#18-27ply Batting Cage Netting Twine is a Light Duty Net, 100 lbs. of tensile strength, generally considered the minimum necessary for a home-use batting cage, with light use it could last 2 to 3 years.
#24-42ply Batting Cage Netting Twine is a Very Good Net, 148 lbs. of tensile strength, can be used for Light commercials or Middle School, should last 4 to 6 years
#36-54ply Batting Cage Netting Twine is a Heavy Duty Net, 190 lbs. of tensile strength, considered commercial Quality estimated 6 to 8-year lifespan
#42-60ply Batting Cage Netting Twine is a Very Heavy Duty Net, 220 lbs. of tensile strength, many pro teams will use this for their cages, good for commercial batting cages. Should last 8 to 10 years
Nylon vs. HDPE :
High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. As one of the most versatile plastic materials around, HDPE plastic is used in a wide variety of applications and is known for its outstanding tensile strength and large strength-to-density ratio, HDPE plastic has a high-impact resistance and melting point.
Polyamide fibers (NYLON) is a synthetic polymer fiber that is exceptionally strong and elastic. The fibers have excellent toughness and abrasion resistance. The filament yarns provide a smooth, soft, and lightweight fabric of high resilience.
For Outdoor Use - High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the way to go! A Nylon net will be stronger initially but it is better suited for an indoor environment. Nylon generally comes with a UV-resistant coating that will wear out after a year or two and then the netting will lose 15 to 20% of its strength every year if it is left in the elements. HDPE in contrast has UV inhibitors inside the Polymeric blend that gets extruded into the individual fibers. These fibers are twisted or braided into twine. Since the UV inhibitor is built into the fibers, it can't wear off. HDPE is waterproof, UV-resistant, and will not rot, making it ideal for outdoor batting cages and any other outdoor netting.
For Indoor Use - HDPE is cheaper to produce which means the batting cage nets are cheaper but Nylon is the superior product if you are looking to install an indoor batting cage if you are willing to pay the price for it. Nylon has a higher break strength than HDPE, is more resistant to abrasion, and is a more durable and long-lasting material.
Why do I see such varying tensile strengths for the same size HDPE twine?
Some manufacturers tend to exaggerate the strength of their twine, or maybe they are just distributors & don't really know the actual strength. For a #42 HDPE twine size, it will vary a little from different manufacturers but it will all be in the low 200s. I have tested #42 HDPE twine from manufacturers samples that is supposed to be over 300 lb. tensile strength. Put about 210 lb. to 220 lb. of load on it, and it breaks. So you cannot believe everything you read.
What is the difference between square-hung & diamond-hung mesh?
To put it simply, Square Mesh is better. Diamond Mesh is cheaper.
What is Posi-lock stitching?
It is a process where the machine tightly weaves a cord around the rope and the net to provide the strongest possible bond between the two. Some manufacturers will just weave the rope in and out of the netting panels which can result in the rope pulling away from or out of the panels.
Why buy from us?
We are a family business started by my grandfather over 50 years ago. We intend on being in business for another 50 years. We have over 20 years of experience with netting & have shipped to 10s of thousands of customers worldwide. We only sell quality, well-made products.