The sleeve is initially connected to the net by sewing it open once to the net, then closing the sleeve and double stitching the net to the sleeve closed. This provides a triple stitch at the joint.

This triple stitch joint, combined with the American & Efrid Tex 70 Anefil Nylon thread is actually stronger than the net itself. This provides the ultimate in training net safety and quality.

Each sleeve piece is individually cut, then the 25 pieces are sewn together to form the sleeve. Utilizing 25 pieces of individual pieces of nylon to comprise the sleeve is very time consuming but allows the sleeve to fit perfectly to the frame. This fit locks the net into a specific shape on the frame. This is critical to providing consistent ball return no matter what the sport. Having a single unified sleeve design also allows for easy assembly / disassembly of the Pro Series net.

Selecting the right thread in the sewing of our training nets has been a critical part of our product design. After experimenting with several different varieties, as we worked to bring our products to market in 2008, we quickly realized how important it was to utilize the best thread. We chose American & Efrid’s Tex 70 Anefil Nylon thread, which is a Twisted Multifilament Bonded thread.

In short it provides our training nets with the greatest strength and safety in a sewing thread. It is approximately three times the cost of standard thread but well worth it. We refuse to construct our products with anything less than the best, and that includes the thread we use.

American & Efrid has been in business since 1891 and are based in Mt. Holly, North Carolina. You can learn more about their thread at amerfird.com

“Before field goal attempts, The Net Return Extra Point allows kickers more warm up reps. With the old nets, the ball would go in the back of the net and stay there, and a lot of times players’ helmets would get caught when they retrieved it. I always talk to the kickers from the opposing teams, and they’ve liked the new net, too. I think in a few years it’ll be the standard in the league.”

Bergen Record Article – January 18, 2009

New York Jets

“For the past three years, we at Bridgestone Golf have used The Net Return in our Ball Fitting program. The Net Return has proven to be the best available hitting net on the market. With more than 25 units around the United States and many more overseas, our Net Return’s catch a minimum of 400,000 shots per year. The quality and durability of the nets are the reason we choose The Net Return year in and year out. Not only is the product proven, but the staff at The Net Return provides service that is bar none, the best out there!”

Corey Consuegra
Manager – Ball Fitting
Bridgestone Golf

There are many less expensive nets on the market but they fall short in quality which may lead to safety issues. If you want to hit golf balls at full speed and want something that will stand the test of time then you should look at the “The Net Return”.

Dave Phillips
Titleist Performance Institute

(Photo Courtesy of NBC – Celebrity Apprentice)

(Photo courtesy of Golf Supports Our Troops)

With any item you order by mail, sight unseen, there is always skepticism. Even more so when you have the record of failure that I have had trying to buy a golf net so I could practice at home. I am glad to say though that I have finally hit the jackpot!

I bought what is called The Net Return, which one of my co-workers that once had a setup in his home referred me to. There are multiple videos on the site that explain how it works, including assembly and disassembly. I am the world’s laziest, clumsiest, and inept handymen, which disappoints my wife to no end, but I won’t bore you with that tale of woe here. I mention it because even I, as challenged as I am in building things, was able to put the net together in no time flat, just as advertised on the site.

Here it is in my garage:

I didn’t buy the accessories because I had my own mat. But I think I will be visiting home depot to put some carpeting or something on the floor so when the ball comes back to me it is not hitting pavement. But even though it is doing so it works just fine!

One thing I did learn quickly is that if you own a nice car like I do, you better get it the heck out of the garage while you are practicing! I shanked one right into the right tire about 4 swings in! Luckily no damage was done!

I am convinced that to really bring the handicap down, the first step is more practice and as a practical matter this needs to be done at home and done in rain or shine. With The Net Return I am now set up for success in 2010. We’ll be getting to the New Year’s Resolutions and Action Plans in upcoming posts, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, I am sure sometime this New Year’s eve I will have consumed champagne and still feel compelled to practice. I just hope I remember to move my car before doing so!

Happy New Year!
Matt Papes
Charlotte, NC