The batting cage net is the backbone of any batting practice facility. It needs to be able to handle heavy-duty hits while also protecting nearby players and spectators from flying balls.
Nylon batting cage nets can be chemically treated to help them resist damage from the elements. This process will extend the life of the netting and keep it looking good.
Nylon
Batting cages help players hone their skills without risking injury or damage to property. However, batting cage nets must be made from durable materials that can withstand repeated hits and the effects of the elements. Look for netting that has been chemically treated, which will protect the netting from damage.
Nylon is a superior material for batting cages because it has excellent shock-absorption and high abrasion resistance. It is also very affordable, especially when compared to Poly, which is a less resilient material.
For maximum durability, choose a batting cage with a reinforced full rope border and triple top ropes that run the length of the net. These features add support and minimize sag. The best way to prevent the batting cage from shifting is to tie 2-3’ of bungee or twine to each corner roof connector and then tie one end to each net corner. This will keep the netting from shifting when there is wind or with heavy usage by strong high school and college level hitters.
Chemically Treated
Nylon has tremendous shock absorption properties and its elasticity allows it to stretch before it breaks. This is important for baseball batting cage net, as the spinning ball can wear netting down very quickly. This is why nylon batting cages have a much longer life-span than poly ones.
Nylon can be chemically treated to make it abrasion resistant for added longevity. A latex dip can also be applied to reduce shrinking and color change caused by sun exposure.
This is the same type of netting used by major league baseball teams and most commercial training facilities. It is a very durable, heavy duty net that will hold every batted ball and last 4-6 years as a batting cage and 10+ years as a backstop. #36 batting cage netting is available in various mesh sizes for all levels of play and is UV and weather treated for durability to last year round indoors or out. It is the most popular netting used by little leagues, colleges and high school / professional teams.
Knotted Twine
The strength of batting cage netting is determined by how much weight can be put on the net before it breaks. It is also important that the netting can give at the point of impact with the ball – the more the netting gives, the less momentum is transferred to the player after collision.
Poly nets are good for backyard and younger players, but they can’t withstand heavy use, especially in an indoor setting. Nylon is ideal for high school and above baseball cages because of its abrasion resistance and shock-absorbing qualities. However, it can absorb water if used outdoors in rainy climates without an opportunity to dry in the sun between uses.
Knotted netting is more durable than stranded twine and comes in different thicknesses. For instance, a #42 twine is thicker and stronger than a #21 twine. A knotted netting also has a “hot spot” area, which is reinforced with double the twine thickness in the most stress points of the netting.
Construction
A batting cage net is the single component that most often experiences wear and tear during use. Choosing the correct construction of your net will help ensure that it is able to hold up to repeated impacts and last for years.
Generally, pre-fab cage nets are sold as 12′ high but the ATXTeam has found that most buildings with lower drop ceilings actually need a higher net. A higher cage will provide better visibility for both players and coaches.
Our batting cage nets are made from #48 twisted knotted nylon netting and UV treated for extra longevity. This is the same netting used in professional baseball and college facilities. We also offer fully enclosed netting options. These batting cage nets are square hung and come ready to install in one piece with rope borders woven in and out of each mesh. This is the most popular option.
