Batting Cage Nets Explained: What You Need To Know When Buying

Whether you’re building your own backyard batting cage or you need to replace the net on your existing cage, you need to find the right net for your needs. One of the first things you’ll notice is the wide range of prices available, confusing shoppers and making decisions difficult. Why is there such a disparity in pricing? After all, a net’s a net, right? 

No. There are some differences that you need to know. And this guide on batting cage net gauges and quality will explain what they are so you can make a better decision for your home batting cage. 

Batting Cage Nets Explained

I’ve been in a lot of different batting cages over my years coaching, and few things are as frustrating as balls popping through the net and disappearing into the woods. At $5-$7 a pop, replacing baseballs or softball ain’t cheap, so you need a good net. But if you’re wondering why some cage nets are more expensive than others, you’ll need a little background. Several factors determine the quality of a net, and the higher the quality, the more expensive the net will be. Here’s what you need to know.

Net Material

Net material plays a major role in the quality of a batting cage net, and even determines what a net may or may not be suitable for. They are poly and nylon, and choosing poly vs nylon can be a challenge. 

Poly

Polyethylene nets, or poly nets, are the least expensive option, making it a great choice for backyard batting cages. They’re generally a little stiffer and a bit more brittle, which does mean they don’t last quite as long as nylon nets. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place. They’re generally fine for a younger baseball players and softball players, as they’re not striking the net with as much force or speed. If your player is hitting just a few times per week, poly nets are typically fine.

Nylon

Nylon is a much tougher material. Its impact absorption and abrasion resistance are much higher than polyethylene, making these nets more expensive. They’re better suited for professional batting cages, collegiate athletes, and indoor facilities. They last the longest, also, so the investment may be worth it. 

Net Thickness

Batting cage nets come in different thicknesses, also known as net gauges. Gauge actually refers to the thickness of the rope or twine that makes up the net, not the spacing between them. Thicker twine has higher gauges, and the higher the the gauge, the longer the material will typically last. 

Common net gauges are #21, #36, and #42, and here is how long they last:

• #21 Poly: 1-4 years
• #36 Poly: 3-6 years
• #42: Poly: 4-6 years
• #21 Nylon: 1-4 years
• #36 Nylon: 3-6 years
• #42 Nylon: 5-8 years

Weather Exposure

Both nylon and polyethylene are capable of rough weather exposure. They can be exposed to rain and snow, as long as the net doesn’t become too stressed with weight as it can start to stretch. 

Believe it or not, polyethylene is typically less affected by moisture than nylon. However, polyethylene does become more brittle in the cold. However, this can be avoided by removing the net in the colder months when the batting tunnel won’t be in use anyway. 

Durability Based on Age and Use Frequency

Another factor to consider with backyard batting cages is who the net is designed for in terms of player age and strength and how often they’ll use the cage. Collegiate players who use the cage every day have much different needs and requirements than recreational players who only hit a couple of times each week. 

Generally speaking, #21 poly is fine for recreational players who only hit a few times each week. However, if the cage will be used by several players (siblings, the entire team, etc.), #21 poly will fail quickly. Middle school and high school players can typically do well with #36 poly, as it’s strong and durable, but if there’s concern about durability due to frequency of hitting, It’s better to choose #36 nylon. 

Collegiate athletes and professional players should opt for a thicker gauge nylon net. #42 is typically suitable, but many companies custom-build nets in even thicker gauges, such as #60 and #96. These nets will absorb impact and resist tears for years to come, making them a great choice for professional facilities. 

So Which Net is Right for You?

Ultimately, choosing the right net comes down to budget, the players using it, the exposure to the elements, and the frequency of use. For example, if your athlete is 16 and doesn’t plan to play after high school, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a #42 nylon net. But, if you have multiple children playing diamond sports, you might find #36 poly or nylon to be the best balance of price and quality. Every situation is different, but now that you have that background, you should be able to make a better decision about your batting cage net purchase.