A must for a batting cage......The Protective Backdrop.
Definition of a Protective Backdrop:
A protective backdrop is designed to protect the area in your batting cage that is directly behind the hitter. This part of the net gets more abuse than any other part because the pitcher or pitching machine is throwing ball after ball into that 4' square area.
Most protective backdrops are made of vinyl, canvas, or a heavy guage netting. The backdrop hangs behind the hitter on the end of your batting cage. See an example of a canvas backdrop at http://store.baseball2u.com/hedu4x6cabay.html.
The protective backdrop is an essential accessory to your batting cage package that will extend the life of your net. Without a backdrop, the ball being thrown into the net will quickly "eat" into your net. The rotation on balls thrown by pitching machines is what causes the nets to eventually wear and tear. The friction created by that rotation on a pitched ball can be avoided by hanging a protective backdrop.
You can spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on a backdrop when you look to purchase one for your cage. Any of them will help preserve the life of your net and would be a wise investment.
Have a nice day, Nick.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Inground/Permanent Type Cages vs Portable Type Cages
Today, we will discuss the key factors of these 2 types of batting cage setups so you can determine which of the 2 would work best in your situation when you decide to purchase your own batting cage.
First, let's define "Permanent" Cages: These are the batting cage frames that you have to cement into the ground, and are thus there permanently. A "Portable" frame is one that snaps together with the use of little or no tools and sits on top of the ground rather than in the ground.
Key points of the Permanent type setup:
Positives:
-- Great for ballparks because the cages are typically put in one spot and left there
-- Will generally outlast a portable frame
-- The metal pipe used is typically heavier than that of the Portable cage, which means it would probably last longer
Negatives:
-- This setup is not portable and is limited to that 1 spot
-- Typically, the fittings are all that is included in a package- You then have to go to a local metal supplier and get poles cut to create the frame which can get expensive
-- Takes more time and effort to assemble than the Portable
Key points of the Portable type setup:
Positives:
-- This cage is portable and can be disassembled and assembled in another place
-- Assembly requires no tools and takes only 2-3 hrs
-- Most packages come with everything you need to assemble the frame and hang the net to the frame which is great for busy families
-- No digging or concrete required
-- Perfect for Backyard and Home batting cages
Negatives:
-- The poles are made of lighter metal
-- The package needs to be anchored down so high wind or storms do not damage it
These are some of the things to consider when you start researching which type batting cage is best for your situation. The Portable Batting Cages tend to be much better for the backyard, while the Permanent setup is better for complexes and ballparks.
I hope this info is helpful when trying to fill your batting cage needs.
Have a great day, Nick.
First, let's define "Permanent" Cages: These are the batting cage frames that you have to cement into the ground, and are thus there permanently. A "Portable" frame is one that snaps together with the use of little or no tools and sits on top of the ground rather than in the ground.
Key points of the Permanent type setup:
Positives:
-- Great for ballparks because the cages are typically put in one spot and left there
-- Will generally outlast a portable frame
-- The metal pipe used is typically heavier than that of the Portable cage, which means it would probably last longer
Negatives:
-- This setup is not portable and is limited to that 1 spot
-- Typically, the fittings are all that is included in a package- You then have to go to a local metal supplier and get poles cut to create the frame which can get expensive
-- Takes more time and effort to assemble than the Portable
Key points of the Portable type setup:
Positives:
-- This cage is portable and can be disassembled and assembled in another place
-- Assembly requires no tools and takes only 2-3 hrs
-- Most packages come with everything you need to assemble the frame and hang the net to the frame which is great for busy families
-- No digging or concrete required
-- Perfect for Backyard and Home batting cages
Negatives:
-- The poles are made of lighter metal
-- The package needs to be anchored down so high wind or storms do not damage it
These are some of the things to consider when you start researching which type batting cage is best for your situation. The Portable Batting Cages tend to be much better for the backyard, while the Permanent setup is better for complexes and ballparks.
I hope this info is helpful when trying to fill your batting cage needs.
Have a great day, Nick.
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