Side Barriers vs Full Enclosure: Stopping Stray Balls
Golf net side barriers vs a full enclosure compared: ball containment, cost, appearance, space and how to protect your garage.
The short version
Side barriers bolt onto an existing net and catch the shanks and toe-hooks that would otherwise find a wall, for very little money. A full enclosure contains everything including the ceiling and looks finished. Add side barriers if you already own a net; buy the enclosure if you are starting from scratch or projecting an image.
At a glance
| Net Return Side Barriers | Complete Simulator Enclosure Package | |
|---|---|---|
| Protects sides | Yes | Yes |
| Protects ceiling | No | Usually |
| Works with an existing net | Yes | Replaces it |
| Supports projection | No | Yes |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Appearance | Functional | Finished |
Choose the Net Return Side Barriers if…
You already have a net that works and you have started noticing marks on the wall. Barriers are the cheapest insurance against the one bad swing that costs more than the whole setup.
Check Net Return Side Barriers on Amazon
Choose the Complete Simulator Enclosure Package if…
You are building the room properly, or you want a projected image. An enclosure handles containment and projection together, and the ceiling protection matters more than people expect with a driver.
Check Complete Simulator Enclosure Package 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
Where do stray balls actually go?
Sideways and low, from shanks and heel strikes, or high off the top of a thin-faced iron. Sides and ceiling are the two places most home setups leave exposed.
Is a net alone enough?
For controlled practice with wedges, often yes. As soon as you introduce a driver, or anyone else uses the setup, side containment becomes worth having.
Will barriers protect drywall?
They stop the ball, but consider what is behind them. Foam or plywood behind the netting on a shared wall is cheap and prevents the dent a fast ball can still transmit.
Building a golf sim?
Use our free calculators and guides to size the room, the gear, and the budget.
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