Garage Sim - Advice Needed

[bsdubois00]

With everything going on in the world we decided to stay in our current house vs build a new one. I'm still moving forward with a Garage Sim and even ordered my SkyTrak so time to get serious on planning. Originally I was going to just get a NetReturn Pro and hit into a net with a TV but everything I keep reading says go impact screen. That being said I need a little advice, questions below.

Attached is my garage, as close to exact measurements as I could get. We use our garage to park both vehicles in so I need a solution that will still allow both vehicles to continue to park every day in the garage and then I can move them out when it's time to sim.

Questions:

• I have up to 12' 6" worth of screen real estate on the right side (the garage has 12' ceilings so plenty of height), what size screen is recommended? Is 10' wide a good standard size?
• How much depth is needed? Is 12" enough? I want to keep the screen inside the depth of the cabinet. My wife parks on this side so I don't want anything sticking out further than already.
• Side Protection - any thoughts on something for side protection on the Garage Door Side (the S word side)? I need something that can be moved / retracted.
• Should I do any protection behind the screen? Foam / Egg Crate / etc
• Ceiling Protection help - do I need anything? Ideas?
• Projector - Does anyone run a projector on the ground in one of those cabinets? Is this an 'acceptable' solution vs ceiling mounting it?

Thanks in advance!!!

[3on3putt]

1. Screen width = Factor in around 6 inches of space on each side for your enclosure and to create a little tension with your bungees. At 12 feet, 6 inches wide, you could do a screen of 11 feet in width easily. You may be able to find a screen that is 11 feet wide. If not, many companies that sell screens offer custom sizes (sometimes for an extra fee). You can always cut or fold one to the correct size. I tend to think that having a bigger screen than you need is better than having a smaller screen than you need because you can fix a screen that's too big. But you can't do much for a screen that's too small. One thing to consider is which aspect ratio you're going to use and whether or not you care about empty space on your screen. Is 10 feet wide a good standard size to use? For your room dimensions, absolutely.

2. 12 inches behind the screen can be done. I'd suggest putting some memory foam or netting or something back there to help absorb the ball.

3. Side protection = I recommend having something. I don't know what it is about hitting off mats but it sure seems to bring out the shanks in me. I rarely hit a shank outside but put me in my sim and hand me a wedge and watch out. Just a simple net on a frame could do the trick. Doesn't have to be tall because shanks tend to be low. Or could just hang a net from the ceiling with a way to retract it up and down. Maybe attach some padding to the garage door itself? As long as the garage door still has room to open and shut.

4. Ceiling protection = Never a bad idea. Could just buy a net and hang it from the ceiling over where the screen will be and can just leave it up all the time (provided it's not going to be in the way of something else).

5. A floor mounted projector is okay, but is there something stopping you from doing a ceiling mount? If it's on the ceiling, it's one less thing you have to move into place when you want to play. Not to mention it's out of the way when hitting.

[3on3putt]

I would go with whichever screen will give the best image / performance. I've never used a Carl's so I don't have much to offer up in terms of the finished vs. raw materials (plenty of other people here will be able to speak more on that). But 11.5 wide screen for a 12.5 space sounds like a good size for your setup.

[bsdubois00]

I'm sorta liking the idea of a raw vs finished - this gives me flexibility as to how taught I make the screen and can help with bounce back. Am I thinking on the right lines?

[3on3putt]

I don't know if raw vs. finished really makes much difference as far as how tight you can get it. From my understanding, the finished ones have grommets and the raw ones don't(?). If you're using tarp clips you won't need grommets anyway. Are you using bungees along with the tarp clips? How are you attaching the tarp clips to the enclosure?

[Dax]

Search the forum for tarp clips. Many have used these and in the past few months there have been some comments on how people are using these with raw screens by folding the fabric over etc.

good luck with your build!

[SkeetShooter]

I use tarp clips... They work a treat.

[richerod]

Tarp clips have worked well for me

[bsdubois00]

Your set up looks similar to what I'm going for - can you post some more photos?

[richerod]

Sure here is link my recent Garage Build. https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum...from-5k-to-10k

[bsdubois00]

Thanks a lot - I found that last night - really like your hitting mat and how it's portable, will definitely be doing that

[bsdubois00]

Here is a more detailed view after some measurements. Going to go with a 4:3 screen as it fits the space the best. Note: No other walls in the garage are available due to hanging racks and work benches.

Anyone see anything I missed?

(The Face On view only goes up to the spot in the garage where the wall turns to a 45* angle since that space is unusable)