What a Batting Turtle Backstop Does
A batting turtle is a portable backstop on wheels. You roll it over home plate for batting practice on your actual game field. The hitter stands at the open front, the frame and netting wrap around the plate area, and a thud pad at the back absorbs balls that get past the hitter. Because the turtle catches fouls and missed pitches, your coaches spend less time chasing balls, and your field's backstop and fencing take fewer hits. When practice ends, you fold it down and roll it off the field. If you'd rather have a permanent or indoor hitting space, browse our batting cages and batting tunnel nets and cage frames.
Bomber Elite vs. Bomber Pro at a Glance
Both models have the same frame, netting and footprint. They differ in how they roll and what extras come with them.
| Feature | Bomber Elite | Bomber Pro |
|---|
| Model | BGLC-7500 | BBGS-18 |
| Frame | 2 in. heavy wall aluminum tube | 2 in. heavy wall aluminum tube |
| Size (open) | 18 ft. W x 12 ft. H x 22 ft. D | 18 ft. W x 12 ft. H x 22 ft. D |
| Size (folded) | 20 ft. W x 6 ft. H x 15 ft. D | 20 ft. W x 6 ft. H x 15 ft. D |
| Net | #42 weather-treated nylon with rear net baffle | #42 weather-treated nylon with rear net baffle |
| Thud pad | 6 ft. W x 4 ft. H x 4 ft. D | 6 ft. W x 4 ft. H x 4 ft. D |
| Skirt | 18 oz. vinyl | 18 oz. vinyl |
| Frame padding | Black ricochet padding | Black ricochet padding |
| Mobility | Side wheels that rotate and pin 90 degrees; two height settings for added transport clearance | Oversized pneumatic tires |
| Coach stands | Dual observation platforms | Not listed |
| Ship weight | 546 lbs, freight truck (LTL) | Not listed |
Choose the Bomber Elite if you want built-in coach stands, plus wheels that pivot and lock and can be raised for extra clearance while you move it. Choose the Bomber Pro if you want oversized pneumatic tires. Jaypro lists it for spring training camps and for semi-professional and collegiate use.
How to Choose the Right Turtle for Your Field
- Measure the plate area. Open, both models measure 18 ft. W x 12 ft. H x 22 ft. D. Make sure the space around home plate fits that footprint and leaves room to walk around the frame.
- Walk the route on and off the field. Folded, the turtle measures 20 ft. W x 6 ft. H x 15 ft. D. Measure gate openings and check for slopes, curbs and low branches between your storage spot and the plate.
- Plan storage. You'll need a shed, garage bay or sheltered corner that fits the folded size, ideally close to the field so setup stays quick.
- Think about coaching. If coaches like to watch swings from a set spot, the Elite's dual observation platforms are worth considering.
- Match your colors. The product pages offer skirt and pad colors including Royal Blue, Black, Red, Green, Navy Blue and Maroon. Check the selector on each page for current availability.
Materials and Construction
The frame is 2 in. heavy wall aluminum tube. Aluminum doesn't rust the way bare steel can, and it keeps a frame this large easier to move. The netting is #42 weather-treated nylon with a rear net baffle, which helps slow balls that reach the back of the cage. A 6 ft. W x 4 ft. H x 4 ft. D thud pad sits behind the plate to absorb pitches the hitter doesn't swing at. An 18 oz. vinyl skirt runs along the base to keep balls from rolling out underneath. Black ricochet padding covers the frame, so balls that hit the tubing don't bounce back as hard.
Care and Storage Tips
- Look over the net before each session for cuts, frayed knots or rubbing at the frame. Fix small problems before they turn into holes.
- Check that fasteners are tight and that wheels roll and lock properly. On the Pro, check tire pressure regularly.
- Clean the vinyl skirt and pads with mild soap and water, and let them dry before folding.
- Weather-treated netting holds up outdoors, but storing the turtle folded and under cover in the off-season will help it last longer.
- If a net eventually wears out, look through our batting cage nets. For indoor hitting stations, add batting mats.
Jaypro Batting Turtles at JoySportStore
Every batting turtle backstop in this collection is made by Jaypro. To see more of the brand's field and facility equipment, visit our Jaypro page. If you practice in a gym rather than on a field, look at ceiling-suspended backstops instead.
Shipping, Delivery and Returns
- Shipping cost: Shipping on oversized or heavy equipment may not be calculated automatically at checkout. We may send you a formal shipping quote before or after purchase. If we send it after purchase, we'll email you, and you can accept it or cancel for a full refund before the item ships.
- Timing: Most orders need 1–2 business days of handling. Standard transit typically takes 1–5 business days, but oversized equipment may take significantly longer. All dates are estimates.
- Freight delivery: The Bomber Elite ships by freight truck (LTL) at 546 lbs. Freight deliveries are tailgate deliveries, so you have to unload the truck yourself with a forklift, a loading dock or enough people. Your address must be accessible by a 53’ freight trailer.
- Inspection: Inspect the shipment while the driver is still there. Write DAMAGED on the Bill of Lading before you sign if you see any damage. Report concealed damage within 24 hours.
- Returns: We accept returns within 60 days of delivery on items that are unused and in their original packaging. Email info@joysportstore.com for a Return Authorization number before you ship anything back. You pay shipping both ways, and the original shipping cost and a restocking fee are deducted from your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a batting turtle backstop?
A batting turtle backstop is a portable, wheeled cage that you roll over home plate so hitters can take live batting practice on the game field. Netting surrounds the plate area, and a padded thud pad at the back stops balls the hitter misses. Coaches chase fewer balls, and the field's fixed backstop takes less wear. After practice, you fold it and roll it off the field.
How big is a Jaypro Bomber batting turtle?
Both the Bomber Elite and the Bomber Pro measure 18 ft. W x 12 ft. H x 22 ft. D when open and 20 ft. W x 6 ft. H x 15 ft. D when folded. The thud pad measures 6 ft. W x 4 ft. H x 4 ft. D. Measure your plate area, gates and storage space against these sizes before you order.
What's the difference between the Bomber Elite and the Bomber Pro?
They have the same frame, net, skirt and dimensions. The Elite adds dual observation platforms (coach stands) and side wheels that rotate and pin 90 degrees, with two height settings for added transport clearance. The Pro rolls on oversized pneumatic tires, and Jaypro lists it for spring training camps and for semi-professional and collegiate use.
What materials are Jaypro batting turtles made of?
Both models use a 2 in. heavy wall aluminum tube frame covered in black ricochet padding. The netting is #42 weather-treated nylon with a rear net baffle. An 18 oz. vinyl skirt runs along the base, and a padded thud pad sits behind the plate to absorb balls the hitter doesn't swing at.
Can I leave a batting turtle outside?
The netting is weather-treated nylon and the frame is aluminum, so both are made for outdoor use. Still, storing the turtle folded and under cover between seasons will help the net, vinyl skirt and pads last longer. Inspect the net regularly for cuts or frayed knots, and let the vinyl and pads dry before you fold the turtle for storage.
How is a batting turtle shipped and delivered?
Oversized equipment may need a custom shipping quote. The Bomber Elite ships by freight truck (LTL) at 546 lbs. Freight deliveries are tailgate deliveries, so you'll need a forklift, a loading dock or enough people to unload. Your address must be accessible by a 53’ freight trailer. Inspect the shipment while the driver is there and note any damage on the Bill of Lading.
Can I return a batting turtle?
Yes. We accept returns within 60 days of delivery if the item is unused and in its original packaging. Email info@joysportstore.com first to get a Return Authorization number, because returns sent without one are not accepted. You pay shipping both ways, and the original shipping cost and a restocking fee are deducted from your refund.