We offer a variety of options to assist with the installation of your system.

Option 1. You choose the installer.
We believe you should have the flexibility to select an installer that best suits your needs. We will work closely to ensure your installer has a comprehensive understanding of the installation process and access to all the resources they will need.

Option 2. Beacon recommends an installer.
Beacon has successfully worked with a range of sports builders, general contractors, and fencing contractors over the years. If you’d like our expert recommendation, we’ll be more than happy to connect you with one these professionals to discuss your installation. For a hassle-free experience, we will work with our recommended installer to manage equipment purchases as we offer a comprehensive package of both products and installation services.

Option 3. Beacon coordinates installation.
Though we don’t have in-house installation crews, we have created strong relationships with experienced contractors who will perform the installation on our behalf. These trusted partners act as an extension of Beacon Athletics and will efficiently install our products for you.
Please note: This option may be limited to specific geographical regions and the availability of our installation partners.

Lead times for our products may vary. While we aim to provide the most accurate lead times, there are several factors that may ultimately impact the delivery schedule. The factors that may impact lead times include, but are not limited to:

1. Product complexity may affect the time required for production or completion of the product.
2. Large order quantities or bulk purchases may necessitate additional processing time.
3. Availability of materials may result in delays in production if materials are not readily available.
4. Customization and personalization of products or services may require more time to fulfill.
5. High demand during seasonal peak periods may extend lead times due to increased order volumes.
6. Shipping and logistics to your destination can impact overall delivery time.
7. Unforeseen events that are beyond our control — such as natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, or global situations — may also influence lead times.

We will keep you informed about any possible delays but please note that estimated lead times are not guaranteed and are for informational purposes only. If you have time constraints or urgent needs, kindly contact us for assistance.

Please visit product specific pages to see current estimated lead times.

Project-specific shop drawings are only provided upon receipt of an order.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, Beacon Athletics provides a standard warranty against manufacturing flaws and defects for one (1) year from the date of delivery.

Engineering services consist of a stamped site-specific engineering report, which provides confirmation of pole size and specification, as well as foundation design and specification.

Engineering fees cover the initial analysis and one (1) revision, with any extra revisions incurring additional costs.

If modifications to a product’s standard design are required to meet site-specific criteria, additional material charges may apply.

• PRO: Winches are accessed from the ground, making it easier for netting adjustments.
• PRO: Netting can be raised and lowered without the use of heavy machinery. Winches make it easy to take down and store when fields are not in use.
• CON: There’s a higher material cost compared to permanent system.
• CON: Lift & tensioning involves additional hardware, making installation more intricate.

• PRO: Installation is quick and straightforward.
• PRO: There’s no additional lifting hardware, which means lower material costs.
• CON: Permanent system are susceptible to potential net damage and reduced net lifespan due to constant, year-round exposure to the elements.
• CON: Requires the use of a lift for making repairs, net replacements, or adjustments, which adds complexity to any maintenance tasks.

• PRO: Inline is the most cost-effective option.
• PRO: Typically uses smaller poles and foundations for potential savings in materials.
• CON: Existing structures like backstop walls, dugouts, fencing, etc., can create challenges for pole placement due to foundational conflicts.
• CON: Poles inline with the netting present less desirable sightlines for spectators, though still better than chain link fences.

Check out our guide to backstop netting for more information.

• PRO: Since poles near spectators are offset behind them, you have totally unobstructed sightlines and a clean & professional appearance.
• PRO: You have more flexibility with pole placement, which allows for easier access for equipment during installation.
• CON: Larger poles can increase material costs.
• CON: Additional site planning and coordination with other utilities may be required.

Check out our guide to backstop netting for more information.

We have two options, Direct-Bury or Baseplate. Direct-Bury is recommended for systems less than 30’H; inline systems to avoid plates extending onto field; or when soil conditions are well-known and free from water and rock interference.

PROs for Direct-Bury:

• Cost-effective option.
• Simple & straightforward installation, requires less engineering.
• Smaller foundation diameter can be achieved in some cases, minimizing ground disruption.

CONs for Direct-Bury:

• Timing is critical since poles need to be available and on-site when foundation work is being done.
• Longer poles may require the use of a crane, which adds logistical complexity.
• Foundation depth might be affected by water table or bedrock, potentially adding complications.
• Baseplate is recommended for systems more than 30’H; when using larger poles; projects with tight timelines; or when dealing with challenging soil conditions.

PROs for Baseplate:

• Provides peace of mind with thorough engineering analysis.
• Ideal for challenging soil conditions, including high water tables.
• Accommodates taller systems more effectively.
• Plate can be buried for a cleaner, safer appearance.

CONs for Baseplate:

• Extra engineering adds to cost and time to properly plan and design.
• Installation requires the use of a rebar cage, a larger foundation size, and anchor bolts to ensure proper stability and support.
• If plate is not buried is instead left exposed, it can present a trip hazard and is less aesthetically pleasing.

For softball we recommend a minimum of 25’H above field grade.

For baseball we recommend a minimum of 30’H above field grade.

These general recommendations are for minimum height. Based on our experience, there may be other factors, such as the level of play, field location, immediate surroundings, etc., that may impact the recommended height for your backstop netting system.

Our recommendation is to bring the netting down to a wall structure of some type. We strongly advise against bringing the netting all the way down to field grade to minimize the risk of damage from maintenance equipment, animals, and other potential hazards.

Backstop walls are commonly constructed with chain-link fence, concrete/brick, or our Beacon Modular Backstop Wall. Although there is no specific height requirement for the wall, we recommend a wall that is 3’H (can vary depending on specific needs).

Integration with Chain Link Fence:

• Method 1: The bottom of the net is connected directly to the chain-link fence with cable ties.
• Method 2: Using cable ties, the bottom of the net is connected to a steel cable that is anchored & tensioned between netting poles (can be overlapped below chain-link fence on field side and/or clipped to chain-link fence with snap hooks)’

We strongly recommend fence cap over the chain link fence to prevent damage to net. Learn more about our Plasticap Fence Topper.

Integration with Cast-In-Place (CIP) Concrete or Concrete Blocks (CMU):
Using cable ties, the bottom of the net is connected to steel cable that is anchored directly to the wall.

Integration with the Beacon Modular Backstop Wall:
Using cable ties, the bottom of the net is connected to a steel cable that is anchored to and tensioned between the threaded eye nuts at the ends of the modular wall. Learn more about the Beacon Backstop Wall.

In most cases, we use a cost-effective #36 black twisted knotted nylon net with 1-3/4″ square mesh.

However, we also offer Dyneema netting. While it is at a significantly higher cost, Dyneema can offer much better sightlines due to its extremely thin construction, all while maintaining the strength & durability associated with heaver gauge netting.

At your request, both #18 twisted knotted Dyneema and #20 twisted knotless Dyneema are available.

Beacon Backstop Netting Systems are specifically designed and sold as complete packages. A netting system include nets, hardware, and other essential components. We do not offer the sale of individual backstop nets, hardware, or project management services.

Our backstop netting systems are carefully curated to provide optimal safety and performance. To maintain the product integrity and ensure proper function, we strongly encourage customers to purchase and utilize our complete netting systems as intended. This will enable us to provide the highest level of support for your facility needs.

Typically, pole sizes range between 8″, 10″, and 12″OD depending on the size and style of the system. On rare occasions, pole sizes larger than 12″OD may be required.

The variables that will dictate pole size include:

1. Height of the net
2. Span in between poles
3. If poles are to be buried versus mounted using a base plate
4. Type of netting material
5. Geographic location

The usual timeline is 10-14 weeks — this assumes all necessary information has been promptly provided to Beacon Athletics. The timeline may extend up to 12-18 weeks during peak season (July to November).

A typical timeline is as follows:

• Engineering, 3-4 weeks (stamped engineering report, if necessary and customer approval).
• Design/Drawings, 1-2 weeks (depends on complexity, begins after engineering report is approved).
• Pole Fabrication / Pole Hardware, 3-4 weeks (begins after design approval; hardware sent separately, but prepared concurrently with poles).
• Custom Netting, 1-2 weeks (fabricated following poles installation to ensure precise, accurate measurements).

It depends upon size of the poles and the type of the backstop system.

For larger diameter poles used with backstop systems (8″, 10″, 12″OD), you may mount smaller items such as speakers, which do not bring much to your wind load. However, running electricity for speakers is something to consider, especially if you need to run electricity up inside of the pole. To accommodate this, access ports (holes) may need to be cut near the base of the pole, which can directly affect its structural integrity. In such situations, it is crucial to consult with engineering experts to ensure proposed modifications are approved and safe.

For items such as banners that will add additional wind load beyond what the netting by itself would bring, consideration by engineering is necessary. The size of the banner and its material will impact the amount of additional wind loading that needs to be carefully addressed.

Please note for smaller diameter poles we do not recommended attaching anything — poles such as the 4″OD aluminum poles that are commonly used for barrier net systems. These smaller diameter poles for barrier netting are not designed to support any additional objects, and the netting should be able to slide freely along the poles and additional attachments could hinder this movement. Even permanent systems using smaller poles, attachments risk tearing of your netting.

Poles ship via flatbed truck and you will need a forklift with the right load capacity to offload them.

Hardware and netting are palletized and ship freight through a common carrier from various locations. In some cases you may need a forklift to offload depending on the size of your system.

Our backstop netting systems include:

• Poles, nets, and all required connection hardware.
• Project-specific shop & installation drawings.
• Access to Beacon’s dedicated project coordinator and project manager who will provide full support and assistance throughout the delivery and installation process.
• Engineer stamp, if requested — additional fees apply.

Note: wall systems like the Beacon Modular Backstop Wall are sold separately.