Spornia SPG-8
The most bought net in sim golf, and there's a reason your forum friends keep recommending it.
"The Spornia SPG-8 is the best pop-up golf net on the market. It's the net that r/golf recommends because it actually works — 30-second setup, shank protection on both sides, and a price that won't make you wince. For sim use, pair it with the Spornia impact screen attachment."
The scorecard
Ratings as tested, out of 10.
| Spec | As tested | Caddie's note |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.0 | |
| Accuracy | 8.0 | |
| Value | 8.5 | |
| Ease of use | 9.5 | |
| Software | 6.0 | |
| Price | $299 | |
| Brand | Spornia |
what it does well —
- Pop-up setup in 30 seconds — genuinely tool-free
- 7ft wide hitting area with shank nets on both sides
- Included carrying case for transport to range/indoor
- Compatible with the Spornia impact screen attachment for sim use
- Best price-to-quality ratio in pop-up nets
what to know going in —
- Not as durable as a permanent frame net for heavy daily use
- Ball return is manual (no auto-return like Net Return)
- Shank nets add bulk when setting up in tight spaces
- The included stakes are flimsy for outdoor use on windy days
Spornia SPG-8 Review: The Best Pop-Up Net Just Got Better
Ask any r/golf regular what net to buy and you’ll get the same answer: Spornia.
The SPG-8 is the Honda Civic of golf nets — nobody gets excited about it, but everyone who owns one quietly loves it. It’s the net that shows up in the background of every garage practice video. The one that withstands the shank that would’ve gone through a lesser net and into your dryer.
At $249, it’s not cheap for a pop-up. But it’s the only one you’ll ever buy.
What Makes It Different
The side nets. This is the whole story. Most pop-up nets have a 4-foot hitting area and assume you’re a touring pro. The SPG-8 has full side wings that extend from the frame to the ground. Your hosel rocket hits the side net and drops straight down. No dryers were harmed.
Setup is 30 seconds. Pop the frame, attach the wings, done. No tools, no assembly, no “where does this bolt go.” The SPG-8 goes from box to hitting in under a minute.
Built to survive. The frame is fiberglass — flexible enough to take a direct hit without snapping, rigid enough to hold shape. The target screen is triple-layer with a replaceable strike strip. You’ll replace the strip long before you replace the net.
What Sucks
- The base model has no shank net on top. The $349 version adds the overhead net and a larger target. If you hit balls indoors with any confidence, you want the larger model.
- Ball return is mediocre. Balls collect at the base. You’re bending over after every shot.
- Price creep. The SPG-8 is $249. The SPG-8 with all accessories is $449. You’ll want the accessories.
Who It’s For
The guy who wants to hit balls in his garage without thinking about equipment. The SPG-8 is not the most durable, not the biggest, not the cheapest. It’s the most practical — the one that works immediately, stores easily, and doesn’t inspect the drywall every time you shank one.
Verdict
The SPG-8 is the net that forum vets recommend because it’s the net they own. It’s not the sexiest piece of gear in your sim build, but it’s the one piece you’ll never regret buying.
Buy it if you want a net that just works and won’t let a shank kill your garage TV.
Skip it if you’re building a permanent sim and should be looking at impact screens and enclosures instead.
[Check current Spornia SPG-8 pricing] →
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SPG-8 compare to the Spornia SPG-7?
The SPG-8 has a larger hitting area, upgraded shank nets, and a more durable fiberglass frame compared to the SPG-7. If you’re deciding between them, see our Spornia SPG-7 review for the full comparison.
Can I use the SPG-8 with a launch monitor?
Yes — the SPG-8 works great with portable launch monitors like the Garmin R10 or Rapsodo MLM2Pro for indoor practice. Pair it with the Spornia impact screen attachment for a more realistic sim experience.
Is the SPG-8 good for outdoor use?
The SPG-8 is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The included ground stakes work well on grass, though they’re flimsy in high wind. For a more permanent outdoor setup, check our guide to best golf simulator nets.
What’s the difference between the $249 and $349 models?
The $349 SPG-8 adds an overhead shank net and a larger target screen. If you’re hitting indoors with full swings, the larger model is worth the upgrade. Either way, pair it with a quality hitting mat for the best experience.
Your Next Move.
Where you go from here depends on who you are.