Materials & Construction

For most types of protective netting users, nylon will be the right choice because of its overall value (low cost + good performance). For high-end users that require a more immersive spectator experience, Dyneema® may be the better choice. When it comes to construction, knotted or knotless are both viable options and it often boils down to what the intended application will be. As with any netting project however, it is always best to consult a netting expert to help assess all aspects of the project to determine your best option.

• NETTING MATERIALS: Nylon vs. Dyneema
  Nylon is the tried-and-true standard in the sports netting industry and has been for many years. It is easy to produce which makes it less expensive and it can generally be sourced from almost any supplier with quick turnaround. It is also durable and provides a very good overall value over the life of a net. Its downside is it is bulkier and heavier — particularly when wet. For nylon netting to be strong enough to adequately protect spectators, twine diameters need to be larger which makes visibility through the net a bit more difficult. Nylon netting also absorbs water which adds weight and potentially more sag and slack, as well as stress on the netting support structure.

  Dyneema® is a brand name for a type of netting fiber referred to as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Other brand names that utilize UHMWPE fibers include Spectra® and UltraCross®. Due to its chemical composition, this type of fiber boasts a very high strength-to-weight ratio — even better than steel. For sports applications, this means smaller twine diameters for better visibility through the net without sacrificing break strength. Thinner twine also means lower wind loading and stress on support structures which is often a high percentage of the cost for most netting installations. UHMWPE fibers also exhibit very little stretch, do not absorb water, and resist UV rays quite well. Expect to spend 3-5 times more, however, over nylon netting materials.

• NETTING CONSTRUCTION: Twisted Knotted vs. Braided Knotless
  Twisted knotted netting is twisted twine that is then knotted together for the desired mesh size and tends to have relatively low stretch. It is a very good choice in situations where the shape and stability is important. An obvious example of this is in baseball and softball backstops where spectators may be sitting only a few feet behind the net. Twisted knotted netting material helps avoid excessive slack due to its low stretch over a period of time and is a good candidate for providing protection to fans and property.

  Braided knotless netting is braided twine that is then woven together to form the desired mesh size and can exhibit a significantly higher amount of what’s known as “construction stretch”. This stretching is a result of the woven fibers of the netting simply tightening down on themselves over time and reducing the space between individual fibers. Knotless netting is best used where the stretch that can develop over time does not pose a danger to people or property, such as with divider curtains, batting cages, and behind-the-goal net systems