Product Reviews
Written by Chris
Published on February 22, 2024
I'm just your typical dad with two youth baseball players who are passionate about the sport. Over time, we've tried multiple baseball hitting nets, some with mediocre outcomes and others, well, downright disappointing. That's why when we discovered the Hit Run Steal Baseball Net, we couldn't resist giving it a try. Would this one live up to the hype or would it be just another addition to our collection of "so-so" nets? Stick around as we share our genuine experiences and see how the Hit Run Steal Baseball Net compares.
When you invest in sports equipment for your kids, the hope is that it'll stand the test of time (and weather). Especially if, like me, you sometimes forget and leave it out in unpredictable conditions. I'm guilty of leaving our Hit Run Steal Baseball Net out on the driveway throughout those blazing summer days. And, believe it or not, it even spent all of last winter outdoors. Anyone familiar with New England winters knows how brutal they can be.
Yet, here we are, with the net still going strong without any noticeable signs of wear and tear. That, in itself, speaks volumes about its durability. My first thought when the net arrived? "I hope this doesn't take forever to set up." Boy, was I wrong. We had it standing tall in just two minutes and takedown is even quicker.
It was surprising given my past experiences with other nets. And for those who want to take it to baseball practice, the net comes with a small carrying bag. Sure, there were instructions included in the package, but honestly, you probably won't even need them.
Over the past year of usage, the net has performed really well. Our previous nets often left us frustrated. Either the wind would tip them over or the net's design would cause a well-hit baseball to spring back, rolling all the way down our driveway. But these quirks are virtually non-existent with the Hit Run Steal Net.
It's stable, and a gusty day proved it won't collapse easily. For those extra windy days, there's always an option to weigh down the legs for additional stability.
This practice net is super versatile. I was looking for a place where my son could practice during bad weather, and this turned out to be the ideal garage baseball hitting net solution. Now, rain or snow doesn't stop his practice sessions. All I have to do it back out the cars and he has his own mini indoor hitting facility.
However, perfection is elusive, and I have one minor gripe if you could call it that. My son, who's quite tall for his age, sometimes positions the tee higher. On a few occasions, when he gets under the ball, it pops up over the net. A slightly taller design would be the cherry on top for us. Nonetheless, the net has really helped with his batting practice sessions.
The simple convenience and reliability make it a must-have for any young baseball player who wants to practice at home.
The Hit Run Steal baseball hitting net holds up well in terms of quality and durability. The metal frame is sturdy enough to stay upright during windy conditions or intense batting sessions, and the net itself is made of tough materials that can handle fast pitches and powerful swings without falling apart.
While it’s durable, I’d recommend storing it properly when not in use. Leaving it outside in harsh weather might shorten its lifespan, but it can handle occasional forgetfulness—mine has survived plenty of outdoor exposure without major issues.
This net does a good job for basic baseball and softball training, offering features that make it functional for home or field use.
Large 7' x 7' Size: The size is great for batting practice because it gives you enough space to swing without worrying about hitting nearby objects. It’s also forgiving if your aim isn’t perfect.
Quick Setup: It really does go up in about two minutes, which is helpful when you’re juggling practice with other activities. You can pull it out of the carry bag and get started without a hassle.
Handles Weighted Balls: If you’re using weighted training balls, this net can take the extra impact without bending or tearing. That’s a nice bonus if you’re working on strength.
There are a few optional add-ons that can make training a bit more focused:
Strike Zone Attachment: This is useful if you’re trying to work on hitting or pitching accuracy, but it’s nothing fancy—just a simple way to give yourself a target.
Batting Tee: The tee is solid and works fine for practicing different swings or pitch heights. It’s not going to blow you away, but it gets the job done.
Carry Bag: The bag is convenient and sturdy enough to handle regular use, though it can be a little tricky to fit everything back in neatly.
To keep the net in good shape, here are a few things I’ve learned.By following these simple maintenance tips, users can hopefully get a few extra years out of the practice hitting net.
When not in use, store the net in the included carry bag to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear. As I mentioned before, I've left it out in all kinds of weather, so don't be too worried if you don't pack it up after every use.
Regularly inspect the net for any signs of damage. Addressing small issues before they become more significant can help prolong the net's life.
Do not leave the net outdoors for extended periods of time, especially in harsh weather conditions. This can cause it to get damaged and lose its effectiveness over time.
Keep the net clean by gently wiping it down with a damp cloth as needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives as they could damage the material.
Make sure to disassemble and fold the net properly before storing it away. This prevents the net from getting tangled or creased, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for future use.
If the net is damaged or heavily worn, consider replacing it to maintain optimal performance during practice sessions.
In addition to the standard hitting net, Hit Run Steal offers accessories such as a strike zone, tee, ball caddy, and baseballs or softballs. Players can choose different color options to suit their personal style, such as black or red. The company frequently provides bundle options with discounted prices, allowing customers to save money when purchasing the net and other accessories together.
Not limited to baseball and softball, Hit Run Steal also manufactures equipment for golf and soccer. Despite being most recognized for its expertise in baseball and softball gear, the company's dedication to quality and performance is evident in its offerings for other sports.
Using this net is a great way to practice batting, catching, and accuracy in a convenient backyard setting. These practice nets offer versatility, suitable for sports like baseball, softball, golf, and soccer.
One of the simplest yet most effective drills to use in conjunction with a practice net is working on your swing with a batting tee. Place the tee in front of the net, and hit baseballs or softballs into the net to work on your mechanics. Adjust the tee's height and positioning to simulate different pitch locations and to ensure proper contact with the ball.
Stand close to the net and try hitting balls as hard as possible into the net. Focus on making solid contact with the ball. You can even set up a phone off to the side to record your swing in slow motion. This helps identify mechanical flaws with your swing.
This practice net also works well with soft toss. Have someone stand off to the side and lightly toss baseballs or softballs out in front of the hitter to hit into the net.
You can also use the Hit Run Steal baseball net to enhance your catching skills. With a partner, have the catcher set up 99 feet away from the net (standard Little League dimensions from home plate to second). Throw a pitch to them and have them jump out of their crouch and fire a throw to the net which is acting as a second baseman. This will help improve your skills in throwing runners out.
Another catching drill is to just set the net up behind a catcher and have someone bounce balls in front of them. This will help the catcher improve their blocking skills without having to collect a bunch of passed balls in the yard.
To work on your swing, consider incorporating specific practice net drills. Here are some suggestions:
While a private batting cage is ideal for working on your hitting, the Hit Run Steal practice net provides a convenient and cost-effective alternative for individuals and kids looking to improve their abilities. By incorporating the various drills mentioned above, you can ensure that you make the most of your practice sessions and improve your performance on the field.
To wrap up our review of the Hit Run Steal batting net: as a baseball parent, finding practice equipment that’s effective, affordable, and easy to transport isn’t always easy. But this net checks all those boxes.
In our experience, it’s held up well through plenty of use, showing it can handle the wear and tear of regular practice. If you’re debating whether to invest in new baseball gear, we hope this review helps you make an informed decision. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right tools to support our young players as they grow and improve.
Get In Touch
1 Joy Street #6
Boston MA, 02018
chris@rbilife.com
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