Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Learn more
The Gold Standard for Home Golf Nets
Net Return has earned its reputation as the premier golf practice net brand. But at $400-600, they're also the most expensive. Is the premium justified?
After six months of daily testing, here's our complete assessment.
Net Return Lineup Overview
Pro Series V2 ($500-550)
The flagship product. Designed for full driver swings and serious practice.
Dimensions: 7.5' H x 8' W x 3.5' D Weight: 45 lbs Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1 year net
Home Series V2 ($400-450)
Slightly smaller frame for tighter spaces.
Dimensions: 6.5' H x 7' W x 3' D Weight: 35 lbs Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1 year net
Mini Pro ($350-400)
Compact option for chipping and low-ceiling spaces.
Dimensions: 5' H x 5' W x 3' D Weight: 25 lbs Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1 year net
What Makes Net Return Different
The Ball Return System
Net Return's signature feature is the angled netting that automatically returns balls to your feet.
How it works:
- Ball enters through the hitting zone
- Angled back net catches ball
- Gravity and net angle roll ball forward
- Ball exits front bottom, rolling to hitting position
In practice:
- Works 95%+ of the time with well-struck shots
- Mishits may stick or require a nudge
- Much faster than retrieving from traditional nets
Impact Sound
The Net Return is noticeably quieter than most competitors. The netting material and design absorb energy rather than transmit it.
Our testing (decibel readings):
- Net Return: 65-70 dB (similar to normal conversation)
- Budget nets: 75-85 dB (loud, sharp impact)
- Impact screens: 70-80 dB (varies by material)
For apartment and shared-wall situations, this matters significantly.
Build Quality
The frame is professional-grade:
- Powder-coated steel tubing
- Heavy-duty corner connectors
- Fiberglass rods for net tensioning
- Pre-attached Velcro for net connection
Everything feels substantial. No flex during impacts, no wobbling.
Setup and Portability
Initial setup: 15-20 minutes following instructions Daily setup: 2-3 minutes once familiar Folding for storage: Folds to 4' x 2' x 1' roughly
The net stores in the included bag. Frame folds without tools. Genuinely usable as a portable practice solution.
Performance Testing
Full Driver Swings
Tested with:
- Driver at 105+ mph ball speed
- Multiple ball types (premium, range, foam)
- 500+ impacts
Results:
- Zero balls escaped
- Net showed no wear in hitting zone
- Frame remained stable (weighted base helped)
- Ball return functioned normally
Iron Play
7-iron through wedges performed as expected:
- Clean catches
- Good ball return on centered strikes
- Mishits occasionally stuck (expected)
Chipping
Low-trajectory chips:
- Some rolled back, some stuck
- Ball return less consistent at low speeds
- Still better than retrieving from traditional net
Durability Over Time
After 6 months of heavy use:
- No visible wear on net material
- Frame finish intact
- Ball return still functions
- Velcro attachments holding strong
Comparison to Alternatives
Net Return vs Spornia SPG-7
Spornia SPG-7 Golf Net
Mid-RangeThe best-selling golf practice net on Amazon. Automatic ball return feature and sets up in under a minute.
Spornia SPG-7: $250-300
| Feature | Net Return | Spornia | |---------|------------|---------| | Price | $500 | $280 | | Ball return | Excellent | Good | | Noise | Very quiet | Moderate | | Build quality | Premium | Good | | Durability | Proven | Good | | Setup time | 3 min | 2 min |
Verdict: Spornia offers 80% of the quality at 55% of the price. For budget builds, it's the smart choice. For premium builds or noise-sensitive environments, Net Return justifies the premium.
Net Return vs Rukket Haack
Rukket Haack: $150-200
| Feature | Net Return | Rukket | |---------|------------|--------| | Price | $500 | $170 | | Ball return | Yes | No | | Noise | Very quiet | Loud | | Build quality | Premium | Budget | | Durability | Excellent | Moderate |
Verdict: Rukket works for casual use but lacks ball return and produces more noise. The Net Return is a different tier of product.
Net Return vs Practice Screen
For full simulator setups, impact screens replace nets:
| Feature | Net Return | Impact Screen | |---------|------------|---------------| | Ball return | Yes | No | | Projection | No | Yes | | Noise | Quiet | Moderate | | Price | $500 | $200-400 | | Space depth | 3.5 ft | 6-12 inches |
Verdict: Different use cases. Net Return for pure practice, screen for simulation.
Who Should Buy Net Return
Ideal Buyers
- Apartment/condo dwellers - Quiet operation matters
- Daily practitioners - Durability and convenience pay off
- Space-limited setups - Compact when stored
- Those who hate ball retrieval - Return system saves time
Consider Alternatives If
- Budget is primary concern - Spornia delivers good value
- You want projection - Get an impact screen instead
- Outdoor only use - Cheaper nets work fine outside
- Light/casual use - Spornia or Rukket sufficient
Tips for Net Return Owners
Maximize Ball Return
- Strike center of net for best return
- Well-struck shots return more consistently
- Adjust net angle if balls stick frequently
- Keep hitting zone clean of debris
Extend Net Life
- Store indoors when possible
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Inspect for wear monthly
- Replace net before failure (they sell replacements)
Stability Solutions
The included base weight helps, but for full driver swings:
- Add sandbags at base corners
- Position against a wall for backstop
- Use on carpet or rubber mat (reduces sliding)
Noise Optimization
Already quiet, but to minimize further:
- Place on carpet or foam tiles
- Position away from shared walls
- Add sound-absorbing materials behind net
Warranty and Support
Frame: Lifetime warranty (impressive) Net: 1 year warranty Customer service: Responsive, US-based
Replacement nets available (~$150-200) when eventually needed.
Common Questions
Q: How long does the net last?
With normal home use (daily practice), expect 3-5+ years before replacement needed. The frame lasts indefinitely with care.
Q: Can I use it outdoors?
Yes, but UV exposure and weather reduce net lifespan. Store indoors when not in use for maximum durability.
Q: Will it stop driver shots?
Yes. The Pro Series handles the highest ball speeds amateur golfers produce. We tested at 160+ mph ball speed without issue.
Q: Do I need the Pro or Home series?
Pro if you hit driver regularly. Home series works for irons and occasional driver with moderate swing speed.
Q: Is the Mini Pro worth it?
Only for very tight spaces or dedicated chipping practice. The Home series isn't much bigger and far more versatile.
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.8/5
The Net Return Pro Series V2 earns its premium pricing. The ball return system, quiet operation, and build quality create a meaningfully better practice experience than budget alternatives.
Buy it if: You practice regularly, need quiet operation, or want the best available.
Skip it if: Budget is tight (get Spornia), you need projection (get screen), or you practice casually outdoors.
Our Recommendation
For serious apartment or home practice, the Net Return Pro Series V2 is the best investment. The time saved with ball return and the neighbor-friendly noise levels justify the premium over years of use.
For budget builds, the Spornia SPG-7 delivers solid performance at nearly half the price.
Related Resources
- Apartment Simulator Setup Guide - Complete small space guide
- Best Putting Mats for Home Practice - Indoor putting options
- Budget Build Under $1,500 - Full affordable setup
- Build Your Own Simulator - All equipment options
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in. Learn more