RukkNet Pop-Up Golf Practice Net Review

Let’s face it, we’re busy people, and as golfers working to improve our game, this can be a major hurdle. We struggle to find the time to get to the driving range and keep our swing motion intact and as a result, our game suffers. For this reason more and more “at-home” training aids are proving to be effective, time and money saving, and overall convenient.   With that in mind we recently had the pleasure of testing the RukkNet Pop-Up Golf Net by Rukket Sports and found it to be a truly amazing practice device that can do wonders for your golf game.

The Company

Founded in 2008, Rukket Sports began in a small Manhattan apartment and like most startups, they had little money but a huge idea. The founder of Rukket found himself hitting a foam golf ball against a building to practice his game when the idea of a portable, collapsible, golf net with a simple ball return triggered his passion to become an entrepreneur. After the heartbreak of the first batch of 500 nets being unusable due to a manufacturing defect (a tragedy that would break the spirit of most start-ups), the company pressed on and made a huge splash at the 2013 PGA Show. Many of the top golf club manufacturers were even using the RukkNet in their own booths!

If you follow our reviews you know we love small start-ups with high quality products, killer customer service, and focused ownership, all of which are areas where Rukket Sports scores high marks. We love what this company is doing because they deliver something that every person demands; convenience and simplicity at a reasonable price.

You can learn more about Rukket Sports via their website here.

The Product

The RukkNet folds conveniently upon itself to save space for storage or transport.

The RukkNet is the only portable golf net that features a two net barrier system and comes equipped with a ‘4 ply knotless ball returning net’. A staff favorite feature was the fact that this net doesn’t contain the cheap mesh that so many other golf nets use – anyone with experience with one of these low quality nets knows that they tend to rip and fray over time.   The knotless netting feature allows the power from each impact to die sharply once it hits the net, thus returning the ball in a safe and consistent manner. A great golf practice tool for your backyard or basement (large ceiling needed), the RukkNet will help you save time and energy by allowing the ball to simply roll back to the mat where you are hitting from. Simply stay where you are, find your groove, and simply keep hitting in comfort. As Rukket Sports mentions on their site, maintaining a solid swing groove is essential in a great golf swing. We noticed muscle memory being built from the consistent swings and also led to better ball compression.

The net is delivered in a large flat box and comes zipped up in a carry case that looks as if it’s holding two hula-hoops (to demonstrate size). The entire net is confined in this small 3 x 3 circular carry case that is easy to throw on over shoulder to easily transport and store. There are no other tools, strings, or tent poles that are needed for set up. In fact, we asked a 5-year old to set up the RukkNet and she did so in a matter of minutes.

Fully set up the RukkNet provides a wide and sturdy target for practicing every type of shot.

Setup

The RukkNet is so easy to setup that within ten seconds from removing it from the bag, you can have it popped up and in the ready position with no tent poles or adjustments required. We also found the unit to be very easily moved around once it’s open as it is extremely lightweight but at the same time durable.

With a net this large we were initially worried that setup and takedown would be a challenge, thus leaving it exposed to the eliments and sticking out like a sore thumb in the yard. Luckily our fears were resolved when we found out how easy it was to setup and take down. This quick video from the manufacturer explains it all … simple, fast, and easy!

The RUKK NET – The ULTIMATE Pop Up Net

NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED – Set Up and Break Down in 15 Seconds – Spring Steel Frame – Ball Return Feature – Has Chipping, Baseball, and Shade Attachments

Breakdown

The breakdown process, although we struggled with getting the hang of it the first time, became extremely easy after only one successful fold-up. The trick was to simply stand on the net while folding it up to help bend the rods into shape to allow it fold into the perfect circle to fit in the storage bag.  After a few tries you’ll be popping this net up and back down in seconds.

The RukkNet’s durability can be seen (and felt) in its sturdy construction.

Durability

The net feels extremely durable and can absorb some of the biggest blasts off the driver. Our testers had no problems with this net falling over, breaking, or falling apart. The fact that it can fold up easily and be stowed away in a small location also helps to prevent any major damages that could occur from strong storms (if left out) or puncturing any of the netting. This net is so strong it would probably even stand up to a little soccer practice if you or the kids ever felt compelled. The double stitched, heavy duty netting was designed to enforce strong durability and as long as you take good care of your RukkNet, you shouldn’t ever need a new one.

Cost

This net is ideal for at-home golf training, saves you both time and gas money verses the alternative of traveling to, and paying for the driving range. At a great price point of  about $198.00 with free shipping for Amazon Prime members, you can have an easily usable and storable home driving range for the cost of roughly 15-20 trips to the driving range.

Don’t let some of the cheaper nets out there fool you. While you may save $40-60 dollars, you’re not doing yourself any favors. The RukkNet was deemed the best quick set-up net according to “Golf Digest Top 6 Pick for 2013 PGA Show” and it’s quality and durability are the primary reasons for those accolades. We also recently highlighted the RukkNet in our Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas article as it also makes for great gift idea for any golfer for years to come.

Where to Get It

You can currently purchase the RukkNet through the company’s website which employs an Amazon shopping cart, thus  providing free shipping for Prime Members.  You can also view the product directly on Amazon here.

The Final Word

Overall the RukkNet was one of the highest quality, most durable, and easiest to use pop-up golf nets we’ve ever tested. You can be sure our team will be hanging on to this one for some time to come.

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