Whether we’re talking about skill level, equipment, or how and where we play the game, at THP we’ve always believed that everybody should enjoy golf on their own terms. As evidenced by over 4,000 posts in the Garage Simulator Crew thread on the THP Forums, golf is evolving and we are all in. Simulator golf has broadened the game’s reach in ways we never expected. Ten years ago, a home simulator was almost unheard of, but it’s becoming increasingly common, with a variety of setups available that can meet almost anybody’s budget.
Not long ago, we explored what one of the indoor golf industry’s biggest retailers, Rain or Shine Golf, has to offer consumers, and shortly afterwards brought Rain or Shine’s Shawn Foley to the Off Course Podcast for a great discussion. Recently, Shawn mentioned a product the company just added to their inventory that he was very excited about, the simDIY Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen. As somebody that has in-depth knowledge on the best products on the market, our ears quickly perked up and we asked to hear more.
Now, before we go too much further – we get it. Impact screens aren’t the most exciting thing in the world to talk about, but we can’t really overstate just how important they are to a great indoor setup. Finding the right fit for your space is vital, and durability is not something to be taken lightly. A poor fitting screen can impact optics and rebound, and we don’t really have to explain the headaches a fragile screen can cause.
This brings us to the simDIY Screen. According to Rain or Shine Golf, “The simDIY Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen is a high-quality, durable screen designed for golfers looking to create a professional-grade golf simulator at home. It is easy to install with built-in grommet holes and can withstand powerful shots, making it perfect for practicing and honing skills. Available in various sizes, the screen offers a realistic and immersive experience, compatible with different framing options for customization. Its durable materials ensure longevity, and the screen can double as a projection surface for movies or presentations, making it a versatile home addition.”
Diving into the details, the simDIY Screen is made of a ballistics-grade woven polyester blend designed to withstand high speed impacts for years. The vinyl coated polyester borders feature 3/8” grommets, making it easy to attach to a variety of frames, whether they are DYI simulators or purchased. Regarding the latter, the simDIY Screen is what Rain or Shine uses in all of their SwingBay Golf Simulator package. In addition, the company sells fittings for the DYI crowd, allowing consumers to easily design their own setup.
We asked Foley what inspired the simDIY Screen and he responded, “We started offering the DIY Screens after receiving consistent customer feedback from our Customer Surveys and interactions with our SimSquad Support Team requesting this product. One of the number one responses on our survey for new product development was for DIY Impact Screens in various sizes. So, we listened to our customers and rolled out DIY Screens in 5 different sizes that we feel will fit the majority of our customers’ needs! We also offer custom solutions for unique spaces our customers may have.”
Other than the versatility, Rain or Shine believes durability to be one of the simDIY Screen’s best attributes. It’s built to withstand 250mph ball speeds, which may not seem like much to your average internet golfer, but are indeed outside the realm of normal human ability. Foley notes, “As long as you actively rotate the golf balls being used and keep both the balls and your clubs clean, you will have very little wear and tear on your screen.” To bolster this claim, Rain or Shine offers a 12-month warranty.
Bounceback is a hot topic for some indoor golfers. This term describes how far the ball rebounds backwards off an impact screen. Too much can result in issues with golf balls bouncing around the room. Foley mentions that you can dial in bounceback easily with the simDIY Screen. He says, “By using our recommended size bungees and making sure that the space from the end of your screen to the inner portion of your frame is about 1″, you will find that the ball will bounce back about 5 feet, bringing it right back to your feet.”
The simDIY Screen comes in five different sizes: 7.7’ x 10’ (4:3), 8’ x 10.5’ (4:3), 9’ x 12’ (4:3), 8’ x 14’ (16:9), and 9’x 16’ (4:3). In addition, custom sizes are available for those customers that have designed their own unique solution. Though the screens start at $399, it should be noted that the entire line is currently discounted $100, making this an affordable option to consider pursuing soon. Stay tuned to the THP Forums for feedback on simDIY Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen.
For more information on this, or any of their products, head over to the Rain or Shine website and get even more information or pick one up.
