Regardless of the size of your backyard, a sports net is always handy, and useful in keeping the training and fun going without having to break to shag balls. Not to mention that for some sports, a net is required in order to keep windows, walls, and fences in pristine condition!
Not only are sports nets great for simply stopping and cradling, the best options have additional pockets and/or targets to enhance training and to ultimately gamify the experience.
All in all, there are a number of great options out there for athletes of all sports, including baseball, golf, soccer, football, and more. And while it’s tough to tell each of them apart during your research, I’m diving headfirst into the reviews and questions to aggregate the overall picture of the pros and cons of each.
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In terms of methodology, I’ll be summarizing all of the reviews for the specific product on Amazon. For those product that had over 100 reviews, I didn’t go past page 5 of the reviews (sorted by most recent), figuring it would be enough reviews to paint a picture.
Let’s take a look!
GoSports 7 ft x 7 ft Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net with Bow Type Frame, Carry Bag and Strike Zone, Great for All Skill Levels
4.8 out of 5 stars; 50 reviews summarized below
Summary of Pros
Of the handful of sports nets I looked at, this GoSports product seems to be the highest-reviewed with 4.8 stars and over 1,000 reviews.
Notably, customers praised the durability and quality of the net, with some mentioning that it held up well even after extensive use and multiple hits.
Many customers expressed satisfaction with the ease of setup and assembly, stating that it took only a few minutes to put the net up.
The net was also lauded for its portability and included carrying/storing bag. Several customers mentioned the effectiveness of the net for baseball practice, both for batting and pitching.
The customer service of the company was also commended, with instances of quick replacements or rectification of issues.
Summary of Cons
While the majority of reviews were positive, there were a few negative experiences shared by customers.
Some customers reported receiving the product with missing parts, such as stakes or poles.
A few customers mentioned issues with the durability of the net, reporting that it ripped or had rods break after a short period of use.
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Additionally, there were a few comments about the customer service of the company, mentioning difficulty with returns or replacements, and dissatisfaction with the overall quality and durability of the product.
As you can see, many of the pros mentioned were also highlighted by a few reviews as being some of the things that customers were displeased with. But overall, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
12x9ft & 16x10ft Barricade Backstop Net, Ball Sports Barrier Net, Practice Net for Baseball Softball Lacrosse Soccer Basketball and More
4.4 out of 5 stars; 27 reviews summarized below.
Summary of Pros
The ZELUS 12x9ft Barricade Backstop has received a number of positive reviews from customers, with many users praising its durability and sturdiness (and several reviewers specifically mentioning that it held up well against strong gusts of wind).
The product is also easy to assemble, taking only a short amount of time to set up. Customers seem to enjoy its versatility, using the net for various sports such as volleyball, golf, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, and softball. It effectively serves as a barrier and backstop, preventing balls from going astray and protecting neighboring properties.
Users highlight that the net is lightweight and easy to move around, proving to be a reliable tool for practice sessions, thanks in part to users being able to retrieve balls quickly and easily.
Summary of Cons
As always, there are a few minor drawbacks mentioned by some customers.
One concern is that the netting can be a bit challenging to put on, requiring some effort during the initial setup.
Another common comment was related to the weight of the base, with a few users suggesting that it could be heavier to better withstand strong winds (which contradicts some of what was mentioned above).
Some customers also experienced issues with certain parts breaking, such as the base or the proprietary piece.
All of that said, these instances seem to be isolated incidents, and the overall quality and durability of the product are not heavily compromised.
Despite these minor issues, customers are generally satisfied with the ZELUS Barricade Backstop’s performance, versatility, and ease of use.
ZELUS 7 x 7ft Football Trainer Throwing Net | Training Throwing Target Practice with 5 Throwing Targets | Great for Quarterback | Includes Carry Bag
4.7 out of 5 stars; 41 reviews summarized below
Summary of Pros
Overall, the positive reviews of the product highlight its usefulness and durability. More specifically, reviewers mentioned that the net is easy to set up, making it convenient for practice sessions.
The net is also said to have great sturdiness, with several users mentioning that it can withstand strong throws and remains in good condition even after months of use.
The net’s design, with spaced pockets, allows for different aiming and coordinating techniques.
While advertised as for football, reviewers also mention that it is suitable for both soccer and football practice, catering to a wide range of users (which is why I’m including it on the list!)
Additionally, the portability of the net and the included carrying bag are mentioned as advantages.
Summary of Cons
Looking at some of negative aspects mentioned by a few reviewers, one issue is the stability of the net—a few users reported that it tends to topple over, especially with forceful throws or in windy conditions.
Similarly, one reviewer also mentioned that the net falls over when receiving balls thrown by adults, making it more suitable for children or beginners. (However, solutions are offered, such as placing sandbags on the legs or using stakes to secure it firmly in the ground.)
Another complaint is in regards to the graphite splintering in one instance, which suggests a potential durability issue.
Despite these negative points, it seems each specific issue was only mentioned once or a couple of times. Thus, the product’s overall functionality and effectiveness for training purposes are still appreciated by most reviewers.
ANYTHING SPORTS 20x10ft Sports Net | 200 SQ feet of Protection | Multi Sport Netting Barrier, Sports Net, Baseball Netting Backstop | Perfect for Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Hockey
4.3 out of 5 stars; 41 reviews summarized below
Summary of Pros
The Anything Sports net has received several positive reviews highlighting its ease of setup and versatility, with customers appreciating that it can be used for various sports like soccer, golf, lacrosse, and football.
The net’s main features are described as sturdy and able to withstand strong winds, which is particularly important for those living on the east coast.
Some customers mention that it’s easy to assemble and take apart, making it convenient for storage.
The net’s durability and ability to stop balls, including golf balls, receive praise from users who find it suitable for their sports practice needs.
Summary of Cons
Looking at those who expressed criticism, one customer reported that the frame bent after a single use, specifically when trying to catch volleyballs.
Another reviewer expressed disappointment that the net would frequently fall over, even when staked into the ground, making it unstable for prolonged outdoor use.
Some customers mentioned missing parts upon delivery and expressed frustration that they were unable to easily obtain replacement parts without returning the entire product.
A few users experienced issues with the netting tearing or developing holes after a short period of use, which affected their satisfaction with the product’s durability.
Additionally, one customer reported a plastic joint snapping, which raised safety concerns, especially for younger users.
Rukket 12x9ft Barricade Backstop Net, Indoor and Outdoor Lacrosse, Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Baseball, Softball Barrier Netting for Backyard, Park, and Residential Use
4.3 out of 5 stars; 41 reviews summarized below
Summary of Pros
With this Rukket model, customers like the quality and sturdiness of the net, noting that it can withstand heavy use and outdoor conditions.
Many reviewers found it easy to assemble and disassemble, and they love its lightweight design, making it convenient to move around.
The net is commended for its effectiveness in stopping balls, whether it’s for soccer, volleyball, basketball, or baseball practice. Some customers also mention the good customer service they received when reaching out to the company.
Summary of Cons
On the other hand, negative reviews mention a few areas of concern.
Some customers express disappointment with the durability of certain parts, specifically the connectors and pole casing, which are described as cheaply made and prone to breaking.
There are also complaints about the netting falling apart easily, with stitching that is not up to standard. A few customers note rusting issues, especially with the base.
Some reviewers mention that the product didn’t meet their size expectations, appearing smaller than depicted in the pictures.
Finally, a few customers had negative experiences with the delivery, reporting damaged boxes and late deliveries.
All in all, in every case, each product is going to have pros and cons, where the product either exceeded or fell short of expectations. The unique factor there is expectations, so I always encourage you to do your own research depending. onyour own specific needs.
