Starting new build, 12' x 8' EMT enclosure

[Shardak]

I have had a Netreturn Pro, with a couple different impact screens, for the last 2 years. I like it, but wanted to go larger, and wanted a screen that I can get perfectly flat.

Today I picked up the 1" EMT. I ordered the corner fittings from Carls. I paid too much for the fittings, tarps.com has the same items for 50% less than Carls (didnt see that till I placed the order)

I am going to purchase the new Par2Pro SQ screen as well. Not sure on what else I will need. At least blackout fabric, and possibly some kind of backstop netting.

I will post some pics along the way to help out anyone else considering a DIY build.


So far I have purchased:

- 14 sections of 1" EMT (Home Depot, $100)

- Fittings from carls place ($150...you can get the same from tarps.com for $75)
6 x F3
2 x F4 - 90°
4 x FC
2 x FL
2 x FT

- 50pcs 9" ball bungee's ($16 amazon)



Still need:
- screen (par2pro SQ)
- blackout fabric (no idea)
- netting (is it needed?)
- backstop behind screen (does it reduce bounce/noise, increase screen life?)

[Shardak]

I completed the frame today. I used a tube cutter to cut the EMT, was very simple.

I also moved my projector to line it up, that ended up being harder than building the frame. The place I needed to mount it was between joists so I had to run a 2x6 between the joists in the attic. Was a real pain, due to space limitations.

I am getting the screen and some mesh backstop material from Par2Pro, and am looking around for fabric options for blackout panels and screen trim.

I also need to add some different turf, as the piece i was using for my NetReturnPro will now be too small.

[Boerdoc]

Looks good. What mesh backstop material did you go with?

[Lefty71]

https://www.opentip.com/product.php?products_id=4224521&ats=category_history

I found this!

[Shardak]

My Par2Pro SQ screen shipped this week, should get it soon.

I have removed the old NetReturnPro (now for sale, PM if interested), and rotated my hitting area 90 degrees. Hung my NetReturnPro impact screen from the new cage, just so I could hit some foam balls into it.

Still have not figured out blackout material or screen trim. Will likely go Commando Cloth blackout fabric for the top and back of the enclosure. And will use these for the sides (cheaper than the commando cloth, and look heavy enough to stop a shank:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMFNV1G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[cooke23]

Clip some weights to the bottom or attach the bottoms to the EMT with bungees and tarp clips. Shanks can be really low sometimes I'm thinking there not enough resistance if it hits lower on those curtains.

[KPaas]

Yea I pulled mine all the way down and ran a bottom bar. But to each their own.

[Shardak]

Blackout cloth ordered from Chicago Canvas. Got a couple of large pieces of 16oz Commando Cloth to wrap the whole enclosure. I asked for a custom size, but it was about twice the cost, so I just bought 2 pieces and will figure it out. One piece just to cover the top, and another to cover the back and sides.

I will either velcro it, or use something like this to attach to the frame:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075YDV3HB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Shardak]

I have been looking for ideas on padding to protect against ball strikes to the top crossbar.

Custom built sports padding is very expensive it seems. I was not able to find anything that looked 100% effective for a reasonable cost.

Then I found a product from All Sport Systems called ShotDefender. They are selling it for $100, but I am going to build my own for $30-$40.

You basically run a small wire rope so that it sits just in front of the crossbar. Tighten it with a turnbuckle. Then hang a fabric sleeve, with some padding or weight inside to dampen any ball that strikes it. It appears to be a very fool-proof way to eliminate crossbar strikes, and will also act as screen trim to hide the edge of the screen/pipe/bungees.

Pics attached of what I have so far. I dont have the fabric for the sleeve yet, but have a photo of a fabric sample that I may use.

Cable and turnbuckle = $15 at home depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...0632/204394877
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...3744/205883028


Fabric = $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...TF8&th=1&psc=1

Then another $10 - $20 for velcro to make the fabric into a sleeve.

Not sure what I will put inside it to give it weight/padding. PVC pipe, pool noodle, garden hose filled with sand...to be determined.

[CW35]

I have a setup from Allsports which includes the shot defender. Sometimes they are referred to as baffles. Depending on what type of material you use and its weight, you could develop sag in the middle when using the wire rope/turnbuckle. I could never get mine tight enough to remove the sag and it bugged me. So, i just added another emt pipe to hold the shot defender. Overall it works really well w/ stopping balls from coming back at you. I stand pretty close to my screen and this has definitely helped.

[Genghis]

i bought some foam pool noodles and tie-wrapped them to the cross bar. you get some bounce back but they are deadened pretty well. I did the same for the bottom (wife is new to golf and hits some worm burners some times) except i split them lengthwise and put them on like pipe insulation.

[717golfer]

I just purchased on sale from Amazon a twin bed size memory foam pad 1" thick for $12. May be just what you are looking for.

[Shardak]

TGC looks awesome

[Shardak]

Its not great when there is other light. I keep it pretty dark, only a few small overhead spotlights that light up the hitting area.

[KPaas]

Ok thanks for the reply, how do you find hitting with just the spot lights. I want a brighter more deep picture when I play, either I up my projector $$$ or I get some spot lights and use those while I’m using the sim. It’s just it’s awefully dark for the rest of my shop then

[Shardak]

Its OK with the spotlights. I use these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071K8X2RP

It would be better to have a brighter projector, so you could then just use some low level of ambient light. But I went the cheap route.

The issue with the spotlights is getting them positioned so they cast no shadows around the ball. And then even when you get that setup, it just feels a little different swinging in the dark (even though you can see the ball).

Ambient light would be better no doubt.

[DirtyGarry24]

Looks incredible brotha, congrats on the new setup. Well done.

[Shardak]

Tonight I got some more stuff in the mail.

2 rolls of this to finish the screen trim:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBFBZ0

And a 3 pack of these little spotlights:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071K8X2RP

The spotlights are perfect. They take 3 AA batteries, supposed to last 100 hours. I am using rechargeable Eneloops. They have magnets in the base, or they give you sticky pads to attach. Remote control operated, adjustable brightness, manual or motion activated. I needed something to light up the hitting area without spilling a bunch of light onto the screen.

Pics attached of the trim and the lights.

The only thing I have left is to wrap the whole enclosure with a massive piece of Commado Cloth. I am doing this in order to give the side curtains a little extra support for stopping shanks, and also to cover the back of the cage behind the screen. I have a white painted wall behind the screen, and even with how thick this SQ screen is, and the black impact mesh behind it, a fair amount of light bleeds through and hits the wall and then bounces back to the screen. This washes out the image a little bit. This commando cloth should eliminate all that and provide the best contrast image I can get.

[Pgmcl]

Great overview on build - starting down this path after a couple of net return pro nine irons off the crossbar back into me - need something bigger. Question how did you attach the bungee cover trim - Velcro on polls? How deep is your total enclosure? Thanks

[Shardak]

Great overview on build - starting down this path after a couple of net return pro nine irons off the crossbar back into me - need something bigger. Question how did you attach the bungee cover trim - Velcro on polls? How deep is your total enclosure? Thanks

The Par2Pro SQ screen uses loop fabric (the soft side of velcro) around the edges, that is very handy. So I attached some velcro strips (hook side) to the back of the screen trim fabric. I used standard adhesive velcro from amazon (30 foot was enough for me):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0ILNPQ

Its not designed for fabric, but the adhesive is super strong and it seems to be working fine.

I then folded the screen trim around the EMT poles. I have not attached it to the poles yet, and may not do that. Its somewhat stiff fabric (like carpet without the backing), and its staying in place fine so far. I may try to attach it so that it sits a few inches away from the side poles (to help prevent shanks from reaching the pole). But have not figured a good way to do this.



My enclosure is 3' 9" deep.

[geneazevedo]

If my setup comes out half and good as this I'm going to be THRILLED!

TGC looks awesome