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Portable hitting nets are a must-have for any modern baseball coach. The days when hitting techniques could be practiced only on the field or in a batting cage are long gone. Savvy coaches will know which are the best hitting nets, and why.
This is why we decided to try to help those not as involved as veteran baseball coaches, with this, our reviews and recommendations for the best baseball hitting nets for 2023 and beyond.
Those new to coaching baseball who have an interest in remaining involved in the sport can look pretty savvy out on the ballfields with 1 or more of the hitting nets outlined below.
For the list, we considered a number of factors including reputation, brand, price, materials, durability, flexibility, utility, and different features.
Summary
- The PowerNet Baseball Softball Practice Net tops our list and sets the standard for baseball hitting nets.
- We were also impressed with the GoSports Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net and how much its users rave about it.
- Interested in an up-and-coming hitting-net maker? Then take a peek at the Hit Run Steal Practice Baseball and Softball Heavy Duty Large Hitting Net.
- The ZENY Baseball Softball Practice Net is another hitting net light in weight but big on strength.
- We think the McHom Baseball & Softball Practice Net is built solidly, with some excellent features for the price.
- If you definitely want the best quality of net, look into the Gonex Baseball Softball Practice Net and its 7-stranded mesh.
- The VIVOHOME Baseball Practice Net has a knotless net, and top-notch material in its carrying bag, among its plusses.
- Looking to help new pitchers? Then look closely at the Storgem Baseball and Softball Practice Net and its adjustable strike zones.
- Parents who want the tee also (and more) in a single package, look at the Patiassy Baseball Softball Practice Net, our first Bonus selection.
- Finally, we end by offering an alternative, for those who want a bigger net. The Hit Run Steal Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net is wider than most baseball/softball nets.
Who Needs Baseball Hitting Nets?
Hitting a round ball traveling at you fast with a rounded stick is the single hardest individual action to execute in all of team sports. No one totally masters hitting; only a select few get very good at it.
Those exemplary players did so by practicing ~ a lot. More to the point, they did it by repetition. They got their swing to as close to perfection as they could, and then repeated the action thousands of times.
Some say it takes 10,000 repeated actions to perfect that action. And remember, practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
In the old days, hitters practiced only on ballfields, or at least fields with fencing ~ to hit softly tossed balls into a chain-link fence repeatedly. This practice is frowned upon today, due mostly to the damage it causes ballfield fencing, but also because it can be dangerous.
It also was discontinued with the growth in use of alternatives, that is, portable hitting nets.
Today, pretty much every baseball coach beyond the tee-ball level needs at least 1 hitting net. There are several reasons:
- Time is limited. Baseball hitting improves with repetitions, and baseball coaches do not have an unlimited amount of time in which to get all players enough swings. A hitting net lets players strike balls into the net while others participate in pitcher-thrown batting practice, or other actions.
- Time saved. Using hitting nets saves time from chasing balls hit all over the field.
- Warmups. Hitting nets are a wonderful way for hitters to get in a few solid soft-toss swings prior to games using hitting nets.
- Practice options. The practice of setting several hitting “stations” during a baseball practice session dedicated to batting is commonplace today. In these, coaches set up multiple spots where players rotate to hit soft-toss balls into a net, hit off a tee into a net, hit Wiffle balls, etc., to let every player “get in swings.”
- Individual sessions. Many baseball coaches today are not limited to managing or helping teams. Many offer instruction on the side to certain players, or at least to their own child individually. They don’t always have access to public playing fields, or money to pay for indoor (batting cage) time.
What to Look for in Baseball Hitting Nets
Durability
This is one type of sports equipment where a higher price most likely equates with a better product, as hitting nets by design take a serious beating. It is players hitting a hard ball with maximum effort over and over again into the net, straining both it and the poles, legs and/or frame that holds them. Look for nets with extra details to boost durability; modern super-strong yet light frame materials; and anything other than plastic or rubber for the connectors that hold the net to the frame.
Transportability
Does it come with a carrying bag? Is the shoulder strap adjustable, or removable? Is it made of thin nylon, or a thicker material? Is it waterproof? These nets and bags get tossed around quite a bit on concrete or hard dirt, and absorb blood, sweat, and rain.
Weight
In line with what we just mentioned, coaches will curse heavy hitting nets over time. They have to lift them into and out of trucks or vans (or large trunks), and wagons, and often carry them hundreds of yards across grass. The lighter, the better, unless the net is made of a very thin or cheap material.
Storage
This goes along with whether a bag comes with it, but also think about how a net folds up. About 15 years ago, hitting nets that folded up into large circles for transport were all the rage. However, they proved not only difficult to fold back up (sometimes), but awkward to store. Most good modern hitting nets fold neatly into the shape of a thick board ~ or at least a small log. If they fold up into a large disc, or another awkward shape, it’s bound to cause frustration.
Capacity
Some hitting nets are just that, a net held up vertically somehow. However, the best ones have a contraption to capture and hold the balls that are hit into it, for easy retrieval. These are often called socks but can look more like a kangaroo’s pouch. Remember, hitting nets are all about repetitions, which take time. Time lost to running around collecting baseballs is time taken away from practicing hitting.
Misc.
Some coaches have their own preferences, such as team colors. Others might coach different sports, like soccer or lacrosse, and think about multi-use options. Contraptions with larger nets, like 8-foot by 8-foot or larger, could be big enough to kick soccer balls into. There are nets designed to protect fielders during batting practices, but those are not for hitting repetitions. Finally, some hitting nets allow for use to throw into; others, not so much.
Our Choices: Top Hitting Nets for 2023
NOTE: Many net models come with a tee, and/or balls. Here we try to review offerings of the hitting net only. It is important to make note of extras that might be packaged with the net, because it increases the price. And the tee, balls, or other items that come with the net might not be the best quality.
That’s not to say some packages aren’t worthwhile; in fact, at the bottom of our list we include a package that we found affordable for all the accessories provided.
With that, let’s take a look at the good hitting nets available today!
1. Best Hitting Net Overall ~ PowerNet Baseball Softball Practice Net
Analysis
This was a challenging list to compile, since there are so many good (if not great) hitting nets available today. However, the PowerNet Baseball Softball Practice Net, whether the regular model as reviewed here, or the larger DLX net, really stood out for a number of reasons.
First, this is a brand built just for this product ~ the company has “net” in the name, after all. Secondly, for the quality and features, this model is just priced really well. For those who have never purchased a hitting net before, you can’t go wrong with this one.
In terms of details, it’s built solidly with a steel frame, with the trademark fiberglass bow poles that give it the distinct rounded appearance plus ability to easily put it up and take it down. It comes with a carrying bag that’s made of a nice, thick canvas for durability. Overall it’s among the lightest in weight, and we especially like the attention given to the net with the double-stitching.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot (8×8 for DLX version, for a higher price)
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Material(s): Steel frame, fiberglass bow poles, polyester net
- Carrying bag: Yes, heavy canvas
- Special Feature: Knotless net
What We Like
- Durability with the sturdy steel frame supplemented by giving fiberglass bow poles
- Well-established brand and model nicely priced
- 1-year limited warranty
2. Hitting Net for the Masses ~ GoSports Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net
Analysis
The sheer number of positive user reviews for the GoSports Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net cannot be overlooked. It’s one thing for a sporting goods item to attract a lot of user reviews; it’s quite another when a vast majority are very positive.
And it’s easy to see why: a solid composite bow frame, metal stakes included for stabilization, and even a strike zone attachment to also use the net for pitching practice. Not the lightest of nets but still very manageable, and it comes with a carrying bag. Pay attention to the size of the pouch behind the hitting zone as it can hold a lot of balls!
Note: Comes in Standard and Pro models; this review is of the Standard. For a price of about a third more, the Pro model bolsters net strength, and provides a special hexagon hitting zone.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 14 lbs.
- Material(s): Composite; metal stakes
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: 90-second setup
What We Like
- Very easy foldable setup
- Very large pouch to hold used balls
- 6-month warranty
3. Hitting Net for Carrying ~ Hit Run Steal Practice Baseball and Softball Heavy Duty Large Hitting Net
Analysis
While the company is relatively new to providing equipment for baseball and softball, the Hit Run Steal Practice Baseball and Softball Heavy Duty Large Hitting Net performs like a long-established standard on the ballfields.
Coming in at the lightest weight we could find, and an affordable price, this is an excellent hitting net for new coaches to try and experiment with. All the checks are there: carrying bag, extra attention to the net strength, steel frame with weight to fend off winds.
Of note is use of metal connectors, avoiding the breakage experienced with nets held by plastic connectors. If durability is your top factor, look closely at what holds the net to the frame. The company was formed in 2016 to address a lack of affordable sports training equipment for kids, and this net falls right in line with that goal.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 10.5 lbs.
- Material(s): Steel frame, composite fiberglass poles
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Strong heavy-duty metal frame
What We Like
- 7-ply netting attached to thick composite poles
- Metal connectors
- Lifetime warranty
4. Hitting Net for Pole Flexibility ~ ZENY Baseball Softball Practice Net
Analysis
Another lightweight hitting net to pay attention to is the ZENY Baseball Softball Practice Net. This model is notable for how the manufacturer engaged very flexible yet strong fiberglass poles to maintain durability while at the same time limiting weight.
Resilient is perhaps the best word to describe this hitting net. Other than the durability there is a carrying case, the almost obligatory strike zone target, and cool U-shaped ground stakes for stability. (Wind is an enemy of hitting nets).
While this brand and model have not been in the hitting net game very long, already they have established a solid following among the baseball crowd. We’ll assume the net is just as effective for softball usage, too.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 11.7 lbs.
- Material(s): Polyester, metal, fiberglass
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: U-shaped ground stakes
What We Like
- Very light weight
- Strong yet flexible fiberglass poles
5. Hitting Net for Younger Players ~ McHom Baseball & Softball Practice Net
Analysis
We have seen comments online that this model is not necessarily designed for players at high school level and up, but in our mind, the McHom Baseball & Softball Practice Net is built solidly with some excellent features for the price. It might surprise coaches of bigger players.
The net’s large mouth opens into a big ball-catching sock, which is especially favorable to younger players more prone to mis-hit balls. It’s light in weight, but has a steel base for stability, and polyurethane coating on the frame and bows.
It’s important to note that this model comes with a neat “100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” which basically is a 60-day “try it out for yourself” period. The company offers an exchange or refund if the model fails to meet expectations. The company also offers free replacement bows, if those are what failed the first couple of months.
(Also know to look for different options for this product, as some come with just a net, others with balls, removable strike zone, tee, etc., which would bump the price up from the basic net model).
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 12.7 lbs.
- Material(s): Polyester with steel base
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Polyurethane paint (PU coating) for durability
What We Like
- Affordability
- Very light weight
6. Hitting Net for Net Quality ~ Gonex Baseball Softball Practice Net
Analysis
The Gonex Baseball Softball Practice Net did what few others tried: place a primary emphasis on net quality. The net, after all, is the area with perhaps the biggest chance for failure after much use (except maybe for the little pieces that connect the net and frame).
The very first thing mentioned in marketing text is that net. The maker notes that most training nets are made of mesh with just 3 or 5 strands, twisted and twined together. Well, the Gonext net is 7 strands (for a strong polyester mesh), with double stitched seams for durability.
Something else to note is this model comes with rubber feet to make it better adapted for indoor use than most models. (The thicker net also makes this model a bit heavier than most others). Final note: as with several other models by other brands, Gonex offers its Practice Net as a stand-alone, or with a tee for additional cost.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 14.6 lbs.
- Material(s): Iron pipe base, fiberglass tubing, rubber feet, polyester net
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: 7 strands polyester mesh net
What We Like
- Thicker mesh netting than most models of hitting nets
- Rubber feet at bottom for indoor use
7. Hitting Net for Carrying Bag ~ VIVOHOME Baseball Practice Net
Analysis
The VIVOHOME Baseball Practice Net is another very solid hitting net in a growingly large field of competition. In fact, nowadays, it gets harder and harder to differentiate between so many models that look pretty much the same. Buyers must dig deeper into the details.
This company’s offering has attracted quite a number of user reviews, and kept its average ranking number high with it all, which is rather unusual. Also unusual is a carrying bag of a material known to repel water well ~ which could be very important for players from wet regions.
Overall, if you look closely, the company directed energy toward durability. It uses heavy-duty iron at the base, and special 7-ply knotless polyester netting to avoid wear from all those balls smashing into it. The iron frame may be a solid selling point for coaches who beat the heck out of their hitting nets!
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 12.8 lbs.
- Material(s): Iron frame, polyester net
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Special 420 denier nylon carrying bag best for repelling water
What We Like
- Sturdy frame of iron
- Carrying bag very protective from exterior elements
8. Hitting Net for Beginning Pitchers ~ Storgem Baseball and Softball Practice Net
Analysis
The Storgem Baseball and Softball Practice Net is a relative newcomer to this market, and at least for the moment it appears its hitting net is geared more for the younger crowd. There is plenty to like with this model; it just seems to focus on the adjustable strike zones for pitching.
Since we made note of that, let’s discuss that adjustable strike zones. Old-time dads might remember the pitch-back nets of long ago, that came with a red-striped strike zone in the center to aim for. Well, not every batter is exactly the same height; and modern pitching coaches are all about location.
Being able to adjust the strike zone helps pitchers hone in on precision. That can be very helpful for beginning pitchers. And the manufacturer markets this as a “practice” net, not necessarily a “hitting” net. We include the Storgem here nonetheless, to boost variety.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 14.6 lbs.
- Material(s): Iron, steel bottom frame, polyester
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Black baking paint to prevent rust
What We Like
- Adjustable strike zone
- 7-ply nylon net (stronger than the typical 3- or 5-ply)
Bonus Section: Hitting Net Package; and Bigger Option
We separate the next couple of selections since it wouldn’t be fair to compare with the others that are hitting net-only. However, we felt a duty to provide even more options for parents or coaches who might want everything in one purchase, or who want to think outside the box, so to speak.
9. Best Hitting-Net Package ~ Patiassy Baseball Softball Practice Net
Analysis
For our list we would be remiss to not mention the Patiassy Baseball Softball Practice Net, for a big reason: a nice price for a net and with a lot of good accessories. If you’re against buying tees and balls separately, this is the hitting net package for you.
What caught our eye is how you can adjust targets on the net. It’s the only net we found that comes with a removable (fake) batter for next to the strike zone. It’s a cool visual for new pitchers to get used to. Probably more importantly is this attachable strike zone divided into 9 squares for precise location work needed for older hurlers.
That it comes with a tee, a couple of strike zones, the abovementioned batter, 3 weighted training balls, 3 baseballs, and a heavy-duty carrying bag, makes this a solid model for every level.
Specifications
- Net size: 7-foot by 7-foot
- Weight: 20.6 lbs. (for whole package not just for net)
- Material(s): Steel and polyurethane
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Comes with tee, and balls including weighted training balls
What We Like
- Removable fake batter for visual help
- Strike zone divided into 9 squares for precision pitching practice
10. Best Hitting Net Alternative ~ Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net (by Hit Run Steal)
Analysis
Funny, we didn’t know you could steal or run in golf, but sports equipment manufacturer Hit Run Steal makes a pretty good golf tee-off net that some coaches or parents might experiment with for burgeoning hitters: simply called the Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net As batters grow and progress, they may want to expand how they practice.
Typical hitting nets are 7 feet by 7 feet, not large enough for batters to hit from a distance. They are designed for close-up whacking of balls into the net, immediately upon impact with the bat. There is little room for waiting on pitches to hit the other way, for example; or turning on inside pitches to pull.
This might be possible with a larger net, like this one for golf which is 10 feet wide. Aside from the directional hitting potential, parents with sluggers who just seem to miss their hitting net too often might consider this.
Specifications
- Net size: 10-feet by 7-feet
- Weight: 17.7 lbs.
- Material(s): Nylon
- Carrying bag: Yes
- Special Feature: Bigger net area!
What We Like
- Opportunity for growing batters to work with directional hitting
- Adds more protection for use at home
