Carl's Place Preferred Screen Issues

[Shipwreck34]

I ordered a Carl's Place 9' X 9' Preferred screen off Amazon, and it arrived Thursday. I finally had the time to start the install yesterday, and as soon as I opened the box and took it out it was obvious it was blemished. There were backs of grommets missing, and stains in several places. Some looked like rust, others just dirty hands probably. I've initiated a dialog with Carl's via Amazon to see what they'll do for me. If it's nothing, then it's getting returned and a healthy review will be left. I hope to not have to waste my time with all that, but I've gone to battle many times before.

If I have to return the item, are there any suggestions on what I should do instead? 9' X 9' is pretty much my available screen space, and even though I can do the work of sewing a border on and installing the grommets myself, I'd prefer not to... unless it's a really good deal.

Thanks in advance!

[wbond]

No need for grommets. YOu can just use tarp clips with the bungees you would've used with grommets.

[Shipwreck34]

I suppose that would be true if I was doing that kind of an install, but I'm not. 😉 Secondly, if I paid for a screen with grommets, that's what I expect to receive. I think that's fair, don't you?

[wbond]

Shipwreck34 you were the one asking what to do instead. I gave you a suggestion that works without having to do sewing as you mentioned.

[Shipwreck34]

No need to get huffy, Sir. You made an assumption that I didn't need the grommets based on what you thought my install method was. I politely let you know that wasn't the case.

[Dax]

Gp to Par2pro website. Look up his clearance items and look for his imperfect screen material. Then look at the sizes and the price. If he has something that fits your size you cannot go wrong with the price. If not, custom order one of his screens. I don't think you will get the issues that you have just discovered. I recall someone posting buying one of these and not being able to tell why it was classified as imperfect. Perhaps if you chat with Cory, you can get someone to complete the screen for you at an additional cost.

[Shipwreck34]

I had looked at that previously, MHunt had mentioned it was good stuff in another post. However, it means I'm doing extra work, which as I'd mentioned I'd like to avoid if possible.

[drscho]

Maybe extra work but I suppose you could call them 😎
+16083520002

[Shipwreck34]

I appreciate the phone number. Hopefully I won't have to use it. We're doing the dance over email right now.

[DejaVu]

I would also recommend getting something from par2pro as Dax mentioned. They do custom screens, but if you have $5 for grommets from harbor freight, a hammer, and 1/2 hr you can do the grommets yourself and save a ton of $ if you'd like. I have their sq material and it is most excellent.

I agree with wbond to use tarp clip if possible. What kind of setup do you have that you couldn't use tarp clips? If you can incorporate them they are far superior to grommets given the adjustability of them...say your screen stretches etc

[Shipwreck34]

I looked at P2P, but even the "Imperfect" SQ screen unfinished was twice the cost of the Preferred from Carl's. I know it doesn't have the backing, but I'm attempting to remedy that with quilt batting. We'll see if I'm successful.

As for the install... With my space considerations, and the fact that I have a beam right where the screen has to go that is directly in the way of where the frame should, I'm simply hanging the screen from the beam, and attaching bungies to weights on the bottom. To give the sides and bottom some rigidity, I'm using zip ties to attach fiberglass rods which should give me the right amount of stiffness and flex. The Tarp clip might work as well for the top where I'm hanging the screen, but I wanted additional backing and strength as that is the primary fulcrum point and also holds all the weight. For leveling I'm using a combination of bungies and hook & eye turnbuckles spanned across the different grommets. I may add tarp clips later if I find a need additional support.

Trust me... I'm an Engineer.

[DejaVu]

Shipwreck34 I got my 'imperfect' 10' x 15' screen for around $300 to my door. They don't always have that size imperfect available, but a 9' x 9' would be the same price and they usually have that size in stock. It was just about perfect condition wise. What price was your 9' x 9' Preferred from Carl's? I am doubting it was $150 (1/2 of my imperfect SQ), but would love to be wrong and see the link.

Since you're the engineer, lol, you should do a start to finish picture diary and post it. Also, report back a few months and 20,000 hits into it later. I'm sure we'd all be curious to see it. I think out of the box too, bc I'm the contractor who isn't, and you never know unless you try it. Necessity is the mother of invention and if someone invents a cooler new pet rock; people will buy it.

I'm curious to see what you come up with, but as far as weights at the bottom and your hook/eye turnbuckles go; be careful obv that nothing is ricochetable back at you. Also, don't forget to keep the bottom of the screen somehow flush to the floor so you're not constantly digging out balls from behind it (Leave 5" of screen material floating forward or see my post on it)

Btw the Par2Pro SQ material doesn't require a backstop/netting. Mine is about 10" away from the back wall. Awesome material if Carl's doesn't work out for you.

We're all here to help each other have more fun in this small yet awesome community. So, good luck.

[Shipwreck34]

I got my 'imperfect' 10' x 15' screen for around $300 to my door. They don't always have that size imperfect available, but a 9' x 9' would be the same price and they usually have that size in stock. It was just about perfect condition wise. What price was your 9' x 9' Preferred from Carl's? I am doubting it was $150 (1/2 of my imperfect SQ), but would love to be wrong and see the link.

When I researched the Imperfect at P2P for roughly the size I thought I needed at the time (not far off from what I landed on) my math brought it to around $800 total. I guess I must have been looking at the wrong item? Too bad because I did like the quality of the P2P SQ product better.

Since you're the engineer, lol, you should do a start to finish picture diary and post it. Also, report back a few months and 20,000 hits into it later. I'm sure we'd all be curious to see it.

I got a chuckle out of the thinly veiled suggestion here that I must be an idiot with a title, and this is my first rodeo. I'm doing a garage build, in my spare time, as a hobby. You want a completely documented and illustrated fool-proof solution? Pay up, just like my employer does. (And yes, I might be an a-hole, but I'm not 100% a dick. I hope you got that joke.)

Necessity is the mother of invention and if someone invents a cooler new pet rock; people will buy it.

Yes it is. I've always loved that quote. If I'm successful, perhaps I'll share. Otherwise, it's a work in progress. (Read as: Working Failure. Not my first, won't be my last. Time will tell.)

I'm curious to see what you come up with, but as far as weights at the bottom and your hook/eye turnbuckles go; be careful obv that nothing is ricochetable back at you. Also, don't forget to keep the bottom of the screen somehow flush to the floor so you're not constantly digging out balls from behind it (Leave 5" of screen material floating forward or see my post on it)

You're correct, all of those things were completely "obvs" from even the visualization stage. But I appreciate you mentioning it. It might not be obvious to anyone reading this that hasn't started their build.

To answer your question though, anything hard (metal e.g. turnbuckles) and/or with sufficient mass that a ball could easily ricochet off of are behind the beam on my ceiling. And that beam is behind the netting I installed. Everything else directly in the hitting area has enough give that it should be fine. If not, I'll need to come up with the solution to that as it presents itself.

Btw the Par2Pro SQ material doesn't require a backstop/netting. Mine is about 10" away from the back wall.

I'd already installed surround netting (hit the wife's car once and I was toast), so that was already not a concern. Good info, however. Beyond that, my Harley sits directly behind the hitting area. I've made sure NOTHING is getting through.

We're all here to help each other have more fun in this small yet awesome community. So, good luck.

I'd like to think so... previous experience on other forums has the percentages against it, but it's best to remain optimistic until completely proven otherwise. Here's to hope.

[shwag33]

Are you sure you didn't order a remnant screen?

[Shipwreck34]

100% sure.

[Shipwreck34]

Update... In the interest of convenience for both parties, Carl's has simply issued me a refund equivalent to a discount. They admitted to, and apologized for, an error in manufacturing and subsequently QC. It happens. They were very quick with responses, and working with me as a customer. Can't ask for more than that, especially these days.

Thank you for everyone's responses!

[DejaVu]

https://www.par2pro.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=23_35&products_id=522&osCsid=u2vpbdgcjvp35th0jngbuc9h73

[Shipwreck34]

Yeah, that's the one I found alright. They didn't have the size I wanted, and as my original post stated, I wasn't too excited about having to do the reinforcement and and grommet work, so I needed the finished product.

https://www.par2pro.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=23_35&products_id=429&osCsid=u2vpbdgcjvp35th0jngbuc9h73

At $79.99 a linear foot, for the size I needed would be $719.91. Carl's on the other hand for a 9' X 9' screen finished was $324 (as mentioned, over half the price). Not the same quality, etc, to be sure, but I'm working on a budget, so I'm trying to bridge the gap between not wanting to do all the work, and not wanting to pay a mint.

Champagne taste... Beer budget. LOL

[DejaVu]

It doesn't take long to lose the flat/beautiful look once you start smashing balls into it. I was on a budget too, and there's absolutely zero chance I could feel good crushing a driver into anything over a couple hundred $. That's why I went with raw material, tarp clips and ball bungees. Although I'm a perfectionist, I would rather be hitting balls than being too tech with something that I knew I'd have to eventually replace. Jagged pill to swallow for me, but it turned out awesome and I'm hitting balls. Have a look:

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/golf-simulator-forum/simulator-builds/240987-blood-sweat-happy-tears-and-frostbite-2mos-golf-z-boIf

If this is your first build, definitely don't worry about too much support on the top/sides as far as impact goes. You could almost use duct tape on the top/sids as long as it holds the weight of the screen and can stretches it side to side. You will see once you start hitting into it (again...if this isn't your first rodeo in regards to a golf sim). The screen takes all of the impact and it's like a slow wave to the top/side edges (if that) espec with the deflection angle, and slower speed of a high wedge towards the top...there isn't much impact.

I'm giving back to the community after my build, trying to help you to get hitting balls sooner than later, and spending my time hoping that you don't waste yours now and/or spend any in hindsight 20/20 regret. You're welcome. Haha

If you can get that screen finished from Carl's I'd go for it. Rather than just give you a refund, would they honor their initial promise and get you that screen as promised? Depending on your needs, and if you're on a budget, some people use archery netting. Lots of info on here on that.

Good luck and no, I'm not paying you for your pic-by-pic build; but if any of us were able to help you along your journey...I'm sure others down the road would appreciate your specific insight and what you've learned along your way.

Cheers

[Shipwreck34]

You will see once you start hitting into it (again...if this isn't your first rodeo in regards to a golf sim).

Just finished the second version of hanging it and hit maybe a dozen shots into it, and that is most definitely immediately apparent. Ha ha. Just to be clear, this IS my first go at designing and constructing a Golf Sim, but not my first at tackling complex engineering problems.

I'm giving back to the community after my build, trying to help you to get hitting balls sooner than later, and spending my time hoping that you don't waste yours now and/or spend any in hindsight 20/20 regret. You're welcome. Haha

Trying to be a force multiplier. I can appreciate that. Thank you.

If you can get that screen finished from Carl's I'd go for it. Rather than just give you a refund, would they honor their initial promise and get you that screen as promised?

They did. They were going to send me a replacement, and have me send the blem one back, but I think my offer of a percentage discount finally made sense to them once they did the math as I already had. So what I have now should be good enough for the time being.

Good luck and no, I'm not paying you for your pic-by-pic build

I don't blame you! And I was jesting, of course.

I'm sure others down the road would appreciate your specific insight and what you've learned along your way.

All depends on my motivation level, I suppose. Although from the builds I've seen here, due to my budget and other self imposed constraints, my build will not be as lavish for sure. (Your build, for instance, mine will never compare to). As I learn and adapt, if I come up with a new or at least different approach to what I've seen done perhaps it will be advantageous to the group to share. Already with where I got with the build last night I'm seeing things I don't like, and potential ways to improve upon the design. Work in progress!

[Dax]

[QUOTE=Shipwre
,

All depends on my motivation level, I suppose. Although from the builds I've seen here, due to my budget and other self imposed constraints, my build will not be as lavish for sure. (Your build, for instance, mine will never compare to). As I learn and adapt, if I come up with a new or at least different approach to what I've seen done perhaps it will be advantageous to the group to share. Already with where I got with the build last night I'm seeing things I don't like, and potential ways to improve upon the design. Work in progress![/QUOTE]

I believe for some of us do it yourself type here our sims are always a work in progress. I am currently thinking about my sim room 2.5 update right now. Would love to complete my sim room 3.0 idea, but my wife would kill me. So instead I just keep thinking on how I can improve on what I have already got

[Shipwreck34]

Making the best with what you've got. I hear you there. My banker (haha) is pretty good about letting me do most of what I want to do, but I have to come up with a pretty good business plan. For instance: I calculated down to how many Sim rounds I would have to play and how many trips to the range I would have to make to break even with the "minimal" cost of my SkyTrak. (FYI, it was like 82 trips to the Sim, or 170+ to the range. I'm making good progress so far on those numbers.)

My build has been in small additions all the way, currently standing at finally getting a real (e.g. not a spare white sheet from the linen closet) screen this week.

Would I like to have a better setup? Sure. Would I like a better LM? You bet. Can I reconcile the fact that instead of those things I could have a BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE? (or at least a really nice used one?) Yeah... NO. LOL

I have had many motorcycles. I have a boat (that I actually use). These are all "luxury" items. Out of all my toys, Sim Golf takes the cake for frivolous expenditures IMHO. I have a Sim Racing rig too, that comes in a very close second. This is a wealthy (or at least wealthier than most) mans game. I mean, come on... The average American doesn't even have in SAVINGS what most of us spend on our rigs at a minimum.

All of that is probably why using my poor little entry-level booster/straight putt (i.e. implied cheater) SkyTrak doesn't bother me in the least. Everything else is a "work in progress"!