Best Golf Simulator Screens
With the stunning 4K graphics you get with many simulator software packages now and the exceptional projectors that are available, the last thing you want is to have the surface you are going to project onto let you down.
The 24-7 Golf Simulator Screen is constructed from dual layer 1/8th inch, 650gsm Air-mesh, sandwiched with high density 350gsm woven polyester. It is priced at $———-
We’ve found this construction provides for the four essential elements of a great screen experience:
- An exceptional projected image
- Long-lasting durability
- A low rebound rate
- Quiet impact
Our screens come sized at 141” high and 106” wide. We find this size fits within most ceiling heights and also provides ample width for a great projection. (If you are looking for an alternate projection size, please browse of 24-7 Golf Simulator Enclosures.)
Each of our screens is finished with a heavy-duty black border top and bottom and on each side. We have also installed eyelets at a 10” spacing all around to make the screen easy to mount and we find the best way to do this is to a frame or wire with bungee cord or zip ties. You might also want to purchase additional side safety netting or install side curtains to protect nearby areas and enhance the look of your simulator area.
Our screens have been used in commercial indoor simulator setting for years and even with repeated, daily heavy usage from thousands of customers, they often last for upwards of twelve months. In a home usage setting, depending apon use, you can expect a much longer lifespan than this.
Due to the dual layer sandwich construction our screens have an extremely low re-bound rate, so you’re not going to have to deal with balls coming back at you. With the simulator enclosures we sell, (which incidentally are still the safest option) we have included a built-in foot long safety buffer zone at the rear. If you are buying and installing your own screen, we recommend it be installed at least this distance, more if you like, from any wall or hard surface behind it.
To get as much life out of your screen as possible make sure the golf balls you use are clean and without cuts or burrs, as when the ball impacts the screen at velocity with spin for a moment it “burrows” into the screen and any sand or dirt on the ball can act as an abrasive. For the same reason make sure the faces of your clubs are clean and not transferring dirt and grime to your golf balls.
You can also prolong the life of your screen by flipping it top and bottom if wear marks start to appear. Typically wear marks will be slightly lower than the centre of the screen for most golfers, especially if you practice with driver a lot. So rotate it before a hole appears and you might well double the life of your screen!
As mentioned, our full golf simulator enclosures are an easy assemble free standing unit, but if you are reasonably handy and are looking to save a few dollars you can certainly purchase just the screen and install it yourself. Here’s a couple of handy tips, if you’re thinking of taking this route.
Building a Frame
There are a couple of popular methods to building a Do It Yourself golf simulator enclosure or a standalone frame – several of which are listed below. If you do go the DIY route, we recommend using aluminum or steel tube with fittings, it tends to be the simplest and most cost-effective option.
- 1″ EMT with Tent Canopy Fittings
- 40mm or 45mm Aluminum Extrusions
- Strut Channels or Angle Iron
- Wood 2″ x 4″
Attaching your screen to your frame
How you actually attach the screen to your frame will depend on what type of fixings you decide to use and what your frame is made out of (tube, wood, angle iron, etc).
If building a frame out of wood or aluminum extrusions, you may require additional hardware (such as screw eye bolts in the case of a wood frame) to tether the screen to the structure.
- Ball Bungees
- Zip Ties
- Shock Cord
If you don’t have handyman skills or know someone who does, as mentioned the safest and best option is our simulator enclosures. With them where we’ve done all the hard work on research and design safety so you don’t have to!
If you are intending to install a screen yourself pay particular attention to eliminating or padding hard surfaces that balls could rebound of sufficiently.