Bownet vs. PowerNet

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May 15, 2016
926
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Is Bownet a substantially better product compared to PowerNet. Should I avoid buying a PowerNet?
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
Because the price point is the same as the PowerNet on Amazon, I just want to chime in to say that the Rukket nets I bought have held up very well (First two I bought were in September 2016). One of the carry bags is starting to tear now, but the nets themselves are quality. I actually just bought one more of the 7x7 nets today.

I've never owned a Bownet, but I can't really figure out what they could be doing better (speaking only of the 7x7 net) for twice the price.
 
May 15, 2016
926
18
Because the price point is the same as the PowerNet on Amazon, I just want to chime in to say that the Rukket nets I bought have held up very well (First two I bought were in September 2016). One of the carry bags is starting to tear now, but the nets themselves are quality. I actually just bought one more of the 7x7 nets today.

I've never owned a Bownet, but I can't really figure out what they could be doing better (speaking only of the 7x7 net) for twice the price.

Excellent to know, thanks.
 
Oct 27, 2017
174
43
Because the price point is the same as the PowerNet on Amazon, I just want to chime in to say that the Rukket nets I bought have held up very well (First two I bought were in September 2016). One of the carry bags is starting to tear now, but the nets themselves are quality. I actually just bought one more of the 7x7 nets today.

I've never owned a Bownet, but I can't really figure out what they could be doing better (speaking only of the 7x7 net) for twice the price.

I will second this
We own three Rukket products, one of which is the practice net, and could not be more pleased with the product. We have used the net for soft toss, tee work and as a throwing target for the past two years and it shows very little signs of wear. We have put 1000's of ball's into the net from my Rec ball teams and my DD at home. Great price, great products and great customer service.
 
May 15, 2016
926
18
I will second this
We own three Rukket products, one of which is the practice net, and could not be more pleased with the product. We have used the net for soft toss, tee work and as a throwing target for the past two years and it shows very little signs of wear. We have put 1000's of ball's into the net from my Rec ball teams and my DD at home. Great price, great products and great customer service.

You and CoachJD have convinced me.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Is Bownet a substantially better product compared to PowerNet. Should I avoid buying a PowerNet?

Honestly, yes the Bownet products are substantially better than the other knockoff brands. Better materials, new innovations in how to set up, lots of options, easy to get spare/replacement parts/etc. I have several nets and the Bownets just feel more solid. If I am taking one net, this is the one I always take. Their service is also excellent and I have a good relationship with our Bownet rep.

But that doesn't mean you should avoid Powernet/Rukket/etc. They still hold up well. Just not as well over the years or with older players who can really tear up a net. If I was coaching 12U and below I would likely go with the price difference.

Our org does buy all our softballs and some other products from Bownet as well. Excellent product for a strong price ($52/dozen for leather balls), and we do get a discount (15%) so the price difference is not the same as buying retail online.
 
Sep 21, 2017
230
43
PA
We picked up three PowerNets two years ago, and have had zero issue with them. We actually just picked up a couple more for our JH program. The frame is sturdy and the netting has held up great. I will say we only use them on game days that we are on the road or if we are inside for practice. We have hitting areas with other nets and cage at our home field, so they may get less use than some others. We are a high school V/JV program.
 
Dec 11, 2010
4,713
113
Do what you want to save a couple bucks- but I will never buy entry level nets again, I have two of the original bow nets and they end up being inadequate.

Next time I buy nets it will be the Bownet Elite or pro series with the fold out legs and the heavier netting. The fold out legs and heavier net are easily worth the price.

The light weight nets are fine until the kids start hitting the ball hard. The ball starts getting flipped out of the pocket. The whole frame moves. This started around first year 12’s. Dd’s 16u travel team uses the entry level Schutte nets and they are even more irritating, harder to set up and always need a bag on the legs. I also tried the Jugs travel net or whatever, I really hated that one, ended up on Craig’s List within a year.

I have an optional pitch through net with the original bownet. It was pretty much useless around second year 12’s. The ball just gets too deep into the net, the batted ball hits you through the net, it knocks the net half over, all I could use it for was pitching the Jugs foam balls.

To have something to pitch behind, I ended up with a Bownet Bodyguard which works well for a travel net.
 
Last edited:
May 15, 2016
926
18
Because the price point is the same as the PowerNet on Amazon, I just want to chime in to say that the Rukket nets I bought have held up very well (First two I bought were in September 2016). One of the carry bags is starting to tear now, but the nets themselves are quality. I actually just bought one more of the 7x7 nets today.

I've never owned a Bownet, but I can't really figure out what they could be doing better (speaking only of the 7x7 net) for twice the price.
[MENTION=14743]CoachJD[/MENTION] What age group were using your Rukket? I have twin 13 y/o who will want to use it. One wants to focus on batting, the other pitching and I think it would have to stand up to a lot of heavy duty use.
 
Jul 15, 2016
115
18
[MENTION=14743]CoachJD[/MENTION] What age group were using your Rukket? I have twin 13 y/o who will want to use it. One wants to focus on batting, the other pitching and I think it would have to stand up to a lot of heavy duty use.

I use the Rukket with our 1st year 12U's and it seems to be fine so far.
 

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