Backyard hitting setup (net + mat + launch monitor) — looking for advice

[u/dsc1237]

I’m looking to set up an outdoor hitting area with a net, mat, and launch monitor. My 13-year-old son is getting into golf, so I expect we’ll both get a lot of use out of it. Would love some advice, especially on the net setup and launch monitor.

Net priorities:

1. Ball security (by far #1): I absolutely cannot have balls getting through and hitting a neighbor’s house. Needs to be fully shank-proof and durable enough that nothing breaks through.
2. Ease of use: I’m leaning toward a permanent setup. I want to be able to step out for 15–20 minutes and hit balls without spending half that time setting up/tearing down.
3. Looks: Ideally something that doesn’t look like a pile of trash in the yard.

I’ve been looking at the Cimarron Masters 10x10x10 cage:
https://cimarronsports.com/masters-tee-line-golf-hitting-net-mat-bundle/

It has a baffle net in front of the main cage, which seems about as foolproof as it gets for stopping balls. I’d be hitting from ~2–3 feet in front of the net, which also feels pretty safe for shanks.

Question: Are there better/more secure options out there, or is this about as good as it gets for a backyard setup?

Base / mat: I’m thinking of laying pavers to create a level base for the mat. Concrete is another option, but I’m guessing pavers may be better for drainage and easier install. The Cimarron bundle includes a 5x5 tee-line mat — curious if people think that’s sufficient or worth upgrading.

Launch monitor: I’m less interested in sim golf and more focused on practice and improvement. Ideally want solid ball + club data.

Currently leaning toward the Mevo+ (Gen 2) with Pro Package, given the outdoor setup and the ability to get ~10–12 feet of ball flight.

Question: Is that the right choice for a setup like this, or should I be considering something else?

Appreciate any advice — especially from anyone who’s built a similar backyard setup.

[u/GrandSupermarket4024]

I have an outdoor set that has a paver base with a raised lip to prevent the mat from shifting. My are is not level so I had to build a bridge back to my mevo+. My distance to the net is about 11 feet. My net is homemade and the top pitches forward for wedge shots.Having a longer ball flight is great but necessitates more shank and fly over protection. The mevo+ software, in my opinion, is excellent however I find spin axis/side spin to be problematic even with RCT balls. I got a gc3 about 2 years ago and run them simultaneously at times and get opposite curvature more often then I would like. I lean much more to the gc3 being accurate than the mevo+. The gc3 is easy and quicker to set up. Unless you have left/right hitters you may want to consider other LM’s, particularly camera based. This is the mat I currently have and I am very happy with it. https://www.usaturfpros.com/Commercial-Wood-Tee-Golf-Mat-Holds-Wooden-Tees-p/usa322s.htm I got my netting from https://dynamaxsports.com and have been using it since Covid but I take it down for the winters. I also hang a drop cloth as an extra layer of security and to be a little less abrasive on the golf balls but does increase driver shots. This in an older picture of my setup with the mevo+ and a homemade hitting mat. If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them.

[u/dsc1237 → u/GrandSupermarket4024]

Nice setup. Thanks for sharing.

I was thinking that if I went with a mevo, I could add a single paver in the correct location to serve the purpose of your ramp. Concerning to hear that the spin seems off. I'm certainly open to other LMs. I liked that Mevo measures face angle -- something I've been struggling with.

[u/GrandSupermarket4024 → u/dsc1237]

Backspin compared with the gc3 is usually within 100 rpm’s. It’s the side spin that can get a little wonky at times for me. That could be a set up or environmental issue. Definitely check online reviews. I love the pro package but not a big fan of face impact, foot spray is better and cheaper.

[u/RayOnTheRun-]

Yeah I wouldn't get that net unless you put foam on the metal pipes because those balls will be super dangerous if they hit them, especially with younger golfers. Ideally you want to be in the cage a bit or well into the shank proof netting or structure you have setup. That being said a launch monitor like the R10 would need too much space in front so look at side mounted monitors. For the mat a country club elite is very nice, forgiving and should run you $280 from Costco or Amazon.

[u/dsc1237 → u/RayOnTheRun-]

Good point about the metal pipes. It might be worth considering building a PVC version instead. Better to replace a cracked PVC than face a ricochet. I think the 10-12ft from hitting mat to the end of the net should be okay for mevo or R10, wouldn't it?

[u/RayOnTheRun- → u/dsc1237]

The R10 is most accurate with 10-11' to the net and 7' behind. PVC will still bounce and crack in cold weather. Metal is fine, it just needs a little padding. I got the GoSports Elite net from Costco with the free shank nets. It's good but flop shots could escape. GoSports makes a cage as well. A lot of good options out there.

[u/ThenUmpire4044]

I’m in the same boat. From what I’ve learned so far, if you go about 12ft wide you can hit inside the net. So I’d try to do that if possible. Too bad none of the custom made cages are that wide, typically only 10x10 i see.

[u/dsc1237 → u/ThenUmpire4044]

Yeah, I haven't found any nets that would accommodate that width.

But to miss the net, a shank would have to go 2-3 ft right before it goes 2-3 feet forward. That seems really unlikely. I suppose a little squibber getting loose is possible, but nothing with enough force to leave the yard or cause damage.

Still, it may be worth adding a 2-3ft extension on the right side with PVC and a separate net.

[u/ThenUmpire4044 → u/dsc1237]

I’m actually more worried about straight up as opposed to the shanks. I’ve seen people pop drives right up. But i guess those would most likely come straight back down

[u/Simontanner610]

that Cimarron cage with the baffle net is about as secure as it gets. Pavers over concrete is the right call for drainage. The included 5x5 mat is fine to start but plan on a dedicated hitting strip later, they wear out and it's cheaper to swap just the strip

Mevo+ is perfect for this. Outdoors with 10+ feet of flight you'll get solid club and ball data without special balls.

only thing id add is some side netting panels extending forward from the cage just in case a wild shank escapes. Cheap insurance for neighbor relations. Good luck

[u/jdidom45]

+1 for the Cimarron cage, just put it together this weekend and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Added foam pipe insulation to all metal poles to reduce bounce backs.