Heater Sports Xtender 24' Baseball & Softball Batting Cage Net & Frame (Machine NOT Included) - Durable Fiberglass Frame and Polyester Netting | Ideal for Batting Training for Kids, Teens, & Adults

I really enjoy the Heater Sports cages. We have now purchased 3 of these over the last 12 years. We recently purchased the 24ft cage since my son is older now and need the extra room. The first one would have lasted longer, but our lawn mower ripped up the netting, so we needed a new one, but the first cage lasted 3 years before the nets demise. We're smart with the cage since it's basically a tent pole system, meaning, we take it down during big storms or the threat of big storms (also noted in the manual). Most times though, if you've anchored it nicely, its fine to stay up for most of the year.We live in the Mid-Atlantic, near the ocean, so we get breezes and varying storm patterns as they cross the Chesapeake Bay, but the cages always do fine. We usually take our cage down before Christmas since it gets too cold to use them here and the Nor'easters we get can be pretty brutal with their wind gusts during our Winters.You can easily set up the posts and tie on your guide ropes with 1 person in about an hour, but you MUST have a second person for the netting. Thats probably the hardest part. Be patient though, as it takes maybe 20 minutes to drop over the posts, so not terrible. I wish they gave more guide rope though. It comes with (14) 12ft pieces, which is okay, and you end up only truly using 12 for the system. But you need more to keep the net from getting in the way of the batter on their backswing. We've saved the ropes from the previous systems to help us now, so its not a problem, but for a first time user, you may find the netting kind of gets in the way on the backswing. Not a huge ordeal, as its fixable, but wish they maybe did (20) 12 ft sections of rope.If you're on a budget, tight with space, and need flexibility, then this system is perfect for you. Make adjustments as needed. Again, dont stress on the weather / wind, but be smart. If something happens while you're out of town, so be it, but if you're home and have the ability to take it down real quick before a gnarly storm, then do so.If you have or purchase extra anchors you can make sure the structure stays stronger during windy moments. The day after setting up my system, we had wind gusts of 21mph + and my system stood strong w/o my anchors in place yet. Once I get everything the way I like it, the system should be stronger and durable.We have always used real baseballs in the net, and holes will naturally happen over time. Replacement netting is available on the web, so not an issue.If you’re expecting a $300 system to compare to a $5k system, then you need to be realistic in your expectations. This is a great cage for the money.

Was thinking of getting a cage for my back yard. Not a full length, professional cage. Just something that can help with front toss, side toss, tee hitting, and BP for my 8 year old son and 15 year old softball player (daughter). Well this was perfect!!!!!! It took my neighbor and I one hour to set it up. Easy instructions. My daughter hits Dimple balls and regular sized fastpitch softballs in the net without any problems. Heck, I even practice my swing without any problems. I also bought the L-side protector from which I sit behind and toss balls all day. We spend hours in the cage, hitting, and having a great time. So if you are undecided on buying this. Trust me, the time you spend with your kids is priceless.

Loved this at first. We had a wind storm and max wind 30mph and it snapped one of the rods.

I have purchased this item before as I have four children who played either softball or baseball at the college level. This is an excellent tool to help them stay on top of their game, especially when combined with the Heater pitching machine.

Goes up fast. Easy to take down. Stores taking very little space. Kids love it

Was very nice to use for my son but not sturdy. We’ve only had it a couple months and 3 poles have snapped on it.

Very flimsy. Blows over in any rain storm, and will need to be readjusted for next use. You must only use "lite" pitching machine balls. Regular baseballs or jug balls will travel through the netting (the actual posts that hold the net up are similar to those cheap poles we all used to use when putting up a tent).Overall, I do recommend for your typical residential backyard. But it is difficult to put up and take down. So make sure you are comfortable with either leaving it up year round (I'm in chicago, so it's pretty brutal weather). or plan on spending a day with a friend setting it up correctly.

This cage is perfect for backyard use. It is relatively easy to setup and I can take up the net for lawn maintenance.