Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between “light duty” barrier netting and PearlWeave branded guardrail netting?
A: Barrier netting is designed for light-duty containment only. PearlWeave-branded guardrail netting is tested to exceed OSHA Subpart M regulations for PERSONNEL fall and debris protection. When properly installed from OSHA compliant required top-rail and secured directly to deck level, PearlWeave satisfies OSHA requirements for mid-rail and toeboard protection. PearlWeave-branded guardrail netting can be identified by the black tracer yarn which runs an inch down from each border, top and bottom.
Q: What is the difference between OSHA and ANSI as they apply to the safety industry?
A: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was signed into law in 1970 as federal legislation to prevent the tens of thousands of deaths that had been occurring, along with millions of disabilities resulting from work-related accidents. The purpose of OSHA is to assure, as far as possible, safe and healthy working conditions for the American workers by requiring compliance with their guidelines in the Code of Federal Regulations. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) maintains as its primary goal, the quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems while promoting their integrity. The Institute represents the interests of nearly 1,000 company, organization, government agency, institutional and international members through its offices in New York City and its headquarters in Washington, D.C. ANSI sets the standards and OSHA is the enforcement.
Q: Why should I use Safety Netting for fall protection?
A: Unlike traditional harnesses and lanyards which restrict movement and can be cumbersome, safety netting acts as a "passive" form of fall protection. Safety netting is “user friendly” and conforms to compliance standards.
Q: Why nylon?
A: Nylon is 50% stronger than polyethylene (HDPE). It is the preferred material for safety and batting cage nets because of the proven strength and durability of the nylon material.
Q: Do you make nets out of other fibers besides nylon?
A: Our standard fiber is nylon but we can also manufacture netting out of polyester, spectra or dyneema on special order.
Q: What is the difference between knotted nets and knotless nets?
A: Knotted nets are stronger. In knotted nets, the entire twine is looped around the adjoining twine to make a knot, thus giving it superior mesh strength. A knotless net is made with only some of the fibers crossing over together to make the mesh. For this reason, the knotless net is a weaker net.
Q: Which is better twine, twisted or braided?
A: Braided twine has better resilience, since it is smoother, but the breaking strength is very similar between twisted and braided twine.
Q: Are all nets diamond meshed? What is the difference?
A: Our net looms make netting in diamond shape. Square meshes (like a tennis or volleyball net) are made by cutting and sewing together pieces of the diamond mesh netting. This is an option PearlWeave offers for an additional charge. Diamond and squared products are the same netting just in a different orientation; hence, they are equally as strong. Squared Netting is more aesthetic (hangs better) and is the most preferred choice.
Q: Are your nets treated for ultra-violet protection?
A: Nylon is extruded with a UV inhibitor giving it excellent UV resistant properties. In addition, the nets are impregnated with a latex coating for additional weather and light resistance.
Q: Can I order netting in any color?
A: All Batting Cages USA nets are made of BLACK nylon and are solution dyed. The solution dyed process ensures the net will never fade or bleed even after years of use.
Q: What is the smallest or largest mesh sizes you can manufacture?
A: We have the capability to manufacture mesh sizes from 1/2” (3/4” square) to 24” (12” square).
Q: How long should my net last?
A: The life of the net depends entirely on how it is used and the gauge of twine it is made from. The greatest causes of deterioration are UV exposure, abrasion and broken strands. Therefore, a net may have some areas that are deteriorated while other sections may be like new.
Q: Is there a minimum quantity for bulk net orders?
A: We have a large inventory of netting and may have what you need in stock. If you want us to manufacture a custom size, the minimum quantity is 1,000 lbs.
Q: Do you make mosquito or bird nets?
A: No, we do not make Mosquito nets. Yes, we make Bird Netting.
Q: Do you make Golf Netting? Do you make Soccer Netting?
A: Yes, we have #18 7/8’’ Squared Golf Netting Available. Yes, we have #36 4’’ Squared Soccer Netting Available.
Q: Do you do installation?
A: Yes, we have a team that can install sports-related products including batting cages, suspension systems and frames, turf and padding. We service mainly the NY area, some parts of NJ, CT, PA and can travel to install netting in most parts of the US. We do not do landscaping/leveling, fencing, cantilever safety netting, electrical wiring, painting, cleaning etc.
Q: Do you have instructions and offer advice on how to install a batting cage frame or suspension system?
A: Yes, we have detailed instructions that we can send and you can also speak to one of our engineers about installation. You can also purchase a detailed layout if required for your installers.
Q: Do you make your own netting?
A: Yes, we have a 110,000 sq.ft. facility in New Rochelle, NY where we manufacture and fabricate our netting products. You can see a walkthrough of our factory on YouTube using the link provided on our website.
Q: Can we pick up products that we order?
A: Yes, you can call to order the item(s) and pick it up when it is ready. Our factory location is 30 Pine Street New Rochelle NY 10801 and open hours are from 8am to 4pm.
Q: Is your Safety Netting Fire Retardant (FR)?
A: Yes, FR is an available option and our Netting is treated to meet or exceed NFPA 701 requirements.
Q: What is the standard mesh size for baseball/softball netting?
A: The standard mesh size for baseball/softball netting is 3-3/4’’ diamond/stretched or 1-7/8’’ Squared.
Q: Do you have special rates and coupons available?
A: We have regular promotions throughout the year like every other business. Discounts are subject to the item, availability and size of the order.
Q: Is there a specific grade of sports netting for each application?
A: Yes, BCUSA offers the entire range of netting from Backyard to the Professional level. You can follow the sub-tabs under the main Batting Cages tab on our website to view the three main levels: Backyard, Little League and College/Pro and the respective grade of netting that we recommend for each.