If your team is practicing softball hitting, you will absolutely need softball hitting nets.
At first glance, that’s one of the major problems with batting practice. The ball can go anywhere when you hit it.
That means you can hit things, like house windows and cars. Even if you’re on a baseball field, it can get tedious when you have to retrieve the softballs each time.
With softball batting nets, the problem is solved.
However, it all depends on the net you choose.
Top 5 Softball Hitting Nets
If you want to make sure that you’re picking the right choice, you may want to limit your options to the following terrific models.
Grab your fastpitch softball bat, a few balls and your new net!
PowerNet Baseball and Softball Practice Net 7 x 7 with Bow Frame
Let’s start with the most affordable hitting net for softball on this list.
Though it may not be as expensive as some of the others we’ve included, it can hold its own with the features it offers.
It’s very popular and that’s not just because of its low price.
It’s so popular that it’s actually used and endorsed by several MLB players, and these include Alexi Amarista and Eduardo Escobar.
What’s more, the brand prides itself on its durability.
The warranty is for a lifetime, and if a part breaks down sometime in the future then it will be replaced.
Part of the reason for that durability is its unique frame design. The poles are slightly bent so that they’re flexible.
You may worry that the bent poles may prove difficult to set up, but the net is actually easy to prepare. It can take you only 2 minutes and you’re done.
It looks great when it’s up because of its red color, and it even comes with its own red canvas carry bag that’s actually large enough for everything.
Video – How To Set Up Your PowerNet
Rukket Sports 7 x 7 Baseball & Softball Practice Net with Bow Frame
When you read reviews for softball nets, you’ll often find that even the best ones may get negative reviews. It’s an axiom in the consumer business that you can’t please everyone. But it seems like Rukket is an exception to this rule, as practically nobody gives this a low score.
This can be used for a wide variety of drills. It can be used for hitting practice, for pitching, and for long throw accuracy for fielders. It’s both for softball and baseball.
The durability is also one of its most notable features.
It’s not just that the frame is heavy and robust. Even the netting is twice as thick as what you usually find in softball hitting nets.
That’s why the manufacturer is willing to offer a lifetime warranty, and that includes replacement for parts.
It’s also very easy to set up, and it takes just 2 minutes or so. It’s also quite portable, and it comes with its own carrying bag.
You get all this, and yet its price is quite low as well. This means if you’re running a team you can buy several of these and fit the cost in your equipment budget.
Many parents have bought this for their kids.
It’s not just its low price that they appreciate. They often note that with this, somehow it helps new players fall in love with the game.
Using Bownet For Fastpitch Softball
Bownet 7′ x 7′ Big Mouth – The Original
This is the original and still the most popular of all softball nets. It’s the gold standard to which all the other models are compared.
It does cost twice as much as the earlier models on this list, but its price is actually fair. It’s just that the other models need to slash their prices to boost their sales.
The Bownet comes with the ground stakes, frame and poles you need to set it up.
The setup doesn’t require the need for any tools, and you can be done in less than 2 minutes. You can then disassemble it and place everything in the bag that comes with the purchase.
This comes with its unique Energy Absorption System that absorbs the impact of the ball throughout the net. This design provides ample balance and stability along with flexibility upon contact.
Jugs New Redesigned Instant Screen
This one costs the same as the Bownet, but it is very different than the original.
First of all, it’s a bit bigger, as it measures 8 x 7 feet. But it only weighs less than 14 pounds.
What’s more, there’s no need to actually assemble and disassemble the thing.
Instead, you just fold it out to use it, and then you fold it down into just a 30-inch circle when you’re done.
It’s basically a pop screen that you can use at any time. Folding it is easy, as it uses colored tabs for guides.
The black nylon netting is reinforced, and designed specifically for baseball and softball. It comes with a removable pitching target so that pitchers can aim properly.
It even has a 2D barcode that you can user to access video instructions for softball practice drills.
This is so versatile that you can pitch this up indoors. Put in a basement, and you can practice your hitting during the winter.
SKLZ Quickster Baseball and Softball Practice Net
- Sets up and breaks down in under 90 seconds
- Utilizes Tension-Tite Frame Technology for instant set-up and breakdown
- Sturdy and stable for youth and elite players
- Ultra-durable design for high-intensity training
- Lightweight, easy to pack, carry, and store
This is a mid-priced model that measures 7 by 7 feet. This is perhaps your best “value for money” choice, compared to the smaller 5 by 5 feet model.
You can also get the 8 x 8-foot model and it comes with a “vault” for the balls, although the cost becomes the same as the cost of a Bownet.
It’s quite easy to use, it’s very stable, and the setup is quick. There’s really no fuss to this thing—you set it up and use it, and you get better.
Factors to Consider
Now that we’ve looked at the top 5 best fastpitch softball nets in the world here are some important tips to consider if you’re still not sure which one to purchase.
Any responsible consumer will of course consider the cost. The cost can range from about $75 to about $150.
Anything that costs outside this price range just won’t do. If they’re too cheap, then they’re probably made of flimsy materials with a bad design. If they’re too expensive, then you’re just paying too much.
Here are the other important considerations to factor in as well
Popularity. When you go online to do research, you need to check that the model you’re considering has hundreds of reviews and that most of them offer top marks.
When it comes to softball hitting nets, the consensus opinions matter a lot. You’ll want a proven product that really works.
Ease of setup. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to set up, because no one wants to spend too much time preparing equipment.
When you only have a certain amount of time for batting practice, you want to spend most of time actually taking swings.
Besides, if it’s too difficult to set up hitting net for softball, it can become frustrating and it can affect your swing.
In fact, it’s entirely possible that a difficult setup may even make you more reluctant to practice, and that’s not good for your batting performance. You need to practice!
What’s the size? Most of them come with a 7 by 7-foot frame. Some are smaller, but that may not be sufficient for your needs.
Others may be bigger, but this may make them more expensive, more difficult to set up, and less portable.
It should be portable. This means that it should be light and compact when you disassemble or fold it, and if possible it should come with its own bag.
This helps you bring it to your softball field and back to your own backyard.
Does it have the accessories you need? Aside from the carrying bag, it should also contain all the accessories you may need to secure it in its place properly.
Sometimes you may even have a pitching target included.
It should last a long while. Durability is obviously one of your main concerns, since its job is to contain hard-hit balls.
You’ll want to read the various reviews to see how long they can last, and a long warranty period can help assuage your concerns.
Additional Buying Tips
When you read the various reviews on the models you’re considering to buy, you have to make sure that you take note of reports that touch on these aspects.
Final Word on These Softball Batting Nets
All these hitting nets for softball are great.
If you’re on a budget, try the Rukket. You know you’re on to something good when there’s no one online who has anything bad to say about it despite the thousands of reviews.
Just make sure that you do get one. Softball hitting nets allow you to practice constantly, and practice is the only way for you to get better.
You can use these things for hitting, throwing, and pitching, which makes them truly valuable for every team.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API