aemeijers wrote:
Frank wrote:
Prof Wonmug wrote:
I am working on a design for a backyard golf shot practice net. I have
the basic design worked out. Now I need to choose the material. I was
planning on using PVC pipes and connectors. I called a PVC
manufacturer and was told that PVC is not a good choice because a golf
ball could shatter it. My design has the net mostly in front of the
frame so balls should not be hitting the frame. This was to prevent
richocets, but also protects the frame.

How likely is it that a golf ball could shatter a PVC pipe? The guy I
talked to manufactures the stuff, so I am inclined to believe him.

Is there another material that would be better? I am concerned that
metal pipes would either be too heavy or too fragile and probably a
lot more expensive. Another option is wood, but I wold think it would
be heavier than PVC and there is more maintenance.

Any other suggestions I should be looking at?

I suspect, PEX, if diameter is suitable would be tougher. Don't know
about UV resistance. I agree that PVC would be unsuitable.

Huh? I see yard stuff made out of plastic plumbing pipe all the time.
Hams even use it to make antennas from. Not sure if it is PVC or the
other flavor, but it is the white stuff the borg sells. Quite common for
kids backyard soccer goals, etc. Probably last longer if you only leave
it out in the sun when you are using it. And if you put it together with
set-screws in the couplings, rather than glue, no biggie to replace one
pipe if it does break. I could see a golf ball shattering a UV-weakened
pipe that was firmly anchored, but if this is a structure just sitting
on the ground, I don't think it would be a problem.

You could always make it out of the plastic stuff they sell to build
picket fences out of. That is definitely weather-rated.

--
aem sends...

I've seen a lot of vinyl siding with holes in it. PVC is not tough and
I suspect a golf ball could shatter it. I heard of a golfer putting a
ball through 2 car side windows. I also hear CPVC is particularly brittle.

Best idea is query the pipe manufacturers.