Impact Screen vs Hitting Net: Which for a Home Setup?
Golf impact screen vs hitting net compared: projection, cost, space, noise, durability and which suits your simulator plans.
The short version
A hitting net stops the ball and nothing more, which is all you need for practice with a launch monitor. An impact screen also acts as the projection surface, which is what turns practice into playing courses. Buy the net if you are practising with numbers; buy the screen if you want to play simulated golf on a projected image.
At a glance
| 9x7 ft Golf Simulator Impact Screen | 10x7 ft Heavy Duty Practice Net | |
|---|---|---|
| Doubles as projection surface | Yes | No |
| Needs a projector | Yes, to be useful | No |
| Space required | More, projector throw distance | Less |
| Noise on impact | Louder thud | Quieter |
| Cost of the full setup | Higher, screen plus projector | Lower |
| Best for | Playing simulated courses | Swing practice with a monitor |
Choose the 9x7 ft Golf Simulator Impact Screen if…
You want to play Pebble Beach in your garage. The screen is the piece that makes a simulator feel like a simulator, and it doubles as the backstop, so you are not buying two things.
Check 9x7 ft Golf Simulator Impact Screen on Amazon
Choose the 10x7 ft Heavy Duty Practice Net if…
You want to hit balls and watch numbers, which is what most people actually do most of the time. A net is cheaper, quieter, needs less depth, and pairs perfectly well with a launch monitor and a tablet.
Check 10x7 ft Heavy Duty Practice Net on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much room do I need behind the screen?
Enough for the ball to decelerate and for the screen to move, usually at least a foot or two, plus room for the projector's throw. A short throw projector dramatically reduces the total depth needed.
Will an impact screen damage my house?
The screen absorbs the ball, but the noise carries and mis-hits can escape at the edges. Side barriers and a proper enclosure are what stop a shanked ball finding a wall.
Can I project onto a net?
Not usefully. Nets are open weave, so the image passes through and looks poor. Screens are woven specifically to take repeated impact while holding a bright image.
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