Curtains, Tarp, or Netting for sides?

[Anytechie]

I'm starting my build. I'm looking at options for my side protection. I need my whole setup to be removable and somewhat "out of view" when put away. So for side protection, I'm thinking of hanging either curtains (commando cloth), industrial strength tarp, or netting along the side from hooks that will stay in my ceiling (2x4). I'll hook the protection through the grommet (or carabiner in the case of the netting) to the ceiling hook and then let them drape onto the floor.

I have roughly 40" of space behind the protection to the nearest wall so there is some room to give on impact.

Because i want to be able to put things away when I'm done hitting, the weight and "fold away" size of the protection is a concern. I like the darkening of any light I get with the curtains, but worried that they're going to be heavy as all heck and a pain to put away.

Is netting the answer here? Any recommends on which one?

[Fripper]

Interested to see posts i am weighing options for side coverage
anyone has any success with making padded panels?

[Brettster]

Fripper - I've seen some wrap foam, or memory foam around wood panels and then staple fabric to hold them together. I didn't think that would be worth the savings and went ahead and purchased these tri-fold 'gym mats' and used grommets in the top to hang them from my walls, here are the ones I got:

https://tinyurl.com/TriFold-ExerciseMat

and here is the Grommet tool that makes it so much easier: https://tinyurl.com/GrommetTool-38inch

They work well and cover a good area, and they provide seating when it's movie night. Just take them down from their mounting nails.

[Anytechie]

I’m leaning towards curtains from Peak. Will add darkness to the screen area and make it a “clean” view. Just worried as I have to remove them after use.

[GolferDude]

Anytechie for my sides I went with netting and GullLakeMi gave me the name of Custom Netting.com and they were great to work with. James from CN was very helpful and I went with Nylon Hardware Golf Netting Heavy duty
and solid material.

[tntfox]

Hey guys, I had the same question when I was building my enclosure so I went with outdoor awning material. You can see my sim room here : tntfox . I also made my own padded corner protectors using a piece of foam covered in the same material. It is really tough and only has one tear in it on the bottom protector from multiple low driver hits.

[DreamsofaGamer]

These curtains are very heavy and 100% Blackout...I have these on both sides of my simulator and are easy to set-up..was able to get 108 inch height which was a huge plus...https://www.amazon.com/NICETOWN-Blac...07KNRGCBB?th=1

[SteveMac]

These curtains are very heavy and 100% Blackout...I have these on both sides of my simulator and are easy to set-up..was able to get 108 inch height which was a huge plus...https://www.amazon.com/NICETOWN-Blac...07KNRGCBB?th=1

I got those same ones. Waiting for them to arrive so I can hang them.

[Hi Handicaper]

I really like curtains. Here are the one I got off of Amazon and work very well: Amazon.com: Turquoize Blackout Curtains Extra Wide Sliding Door Curtains for Living Room 108 Inches Thermal Insulated Patio Door Curtain Panel Grommet Window Treatment Curtain, 1 Panel(100Wx108L Inches, Black) : Home & Kitchen

[Fhacker]

Sportscreen is nice but slightly pricey now. Do a search here for same and/or retractable screens

[Brettster]

Hey Guys,

These Tri-Fold gym mats are on my left side:

https://tinyurl.com/TriFold-ExerciseMat

(thinner and opens up more screen and less likely to take a ball), and I use this Grommet tool for punching holes along one side - that makes it so much easier:

https://tinyurl.com/GrommetTool-38inch

They work well and cover a good area, and they provide seating when it's movie night. Just take them down from their mounting nails.

These are the blackout curtains I use on the Right Side - work wonders:

https://tinyurl.com/BlackoutCurtains-7foot

also come in 8 footers:

https://tinyurl.com/BlackoutCurtains-8foot