Cheap impact screen or premium putting sim: which helps you score lower?

Display

Product A wins on sheer screen utility. The Durbles screen is designed for projected simulator use, with a three-layer build, HD image support, grommets, and bungee cords for a tighter install. That means it can serve as both a strike screen and a display surface for simulator software, which is exactly what most golfers want when building a home bay. Product B does not compete here in the same way: ExPutt EX500D Pro is a putting simulator, not a projector impact screen, so it is about visual feedback on putts rather than ball-flight projection. If you want a proper visual hitting environment, Durbles is the clear winner.

Performance

Product B wins for practice specificity. ExPutt EX500D Pro is purpose-built for putting performance, and that matters because putting is a skill that benefits from immediate feedback on face angle, start line, pace, and stroke consistency. A good putting simulator should help you understand whether you are leaving putts short, missing on one side, or struggling with tempo, and ExPutt is designed for that kind of data-driven practice. Durbles, by contrast, does not measure performance on its own; it is a passive screen that relies on separate launch monitor hardware to provide shot data. If you already own a radar or photometric launch monitor and want a hitting bay, Durbles supports that ecosystem. If you want built-in putting feedback without extra kit, ExPutt is the stronger performer.

Build quality and design

Product A wins on robustness and versatility. A three-layer strike screen is the more durable concept for repeated ball impact, especially if you are using a net or projector setup regularly. The inclusion of grommets and bungee cords suggests a practical, tensioned installation that should help reduce sag and improve screen flatness, both of which matter for image quality and longevity. ExPutt is a compact home putting system, so its design is more about portability and indoor convenience than impact durability. It is likely easier to store and move, but it is not built to absorb full shots the way an impact screen is. For raw build utility in a simulator bay, Durbles has the edge.

Battery life

Product A wins by default because it does not appear to require battery power. As a passive screen, Durbles has no battery to manage, no charging cycles, and no concern about runtime during a practice session. ExPutt EX500D Pro is an electronic simulator, so battery life matters much more; while the listing here does not provide exact runtime, any powered putting system introduces the usual compromise of charging, cables, or power management. For golfers who want a simple setup that is always ready, the screen has the advantage. For a tech-heavy putting tool, you accept the need to power it.

Price and value for money

Product A wins decisively on value. At £159.99, Durbles is £215.01 cheaper than ExPutt EX500D Pro, and it also has the higher rating at 4.7/5 from 82 reviews versus 4.4/5 from 30 reviews. That combination of lower price and stronger review volume is hard to ignore. Of course, the products are not direct substitutes: Durbles is an essential component for a simulator bay, while ExPutt is a specialised training device. But if you are comparing what you get for the money, Durbles offers much broader use for the cost, especially if you already own a launch monitor. ExPutt is more expensive because it is an active training system, but its premium only makes sense if putting is your priority.

Game library and features

Product B wins on features, because it is the only one with an actual training platform. ExPutt EX500D Pro is a golf putting simulator, so its value comes from the software-driven practice experience: putting drills, feedback, and likely structured sessions that help you improve pace and aim. In simulator terms, think of it like choosing a device with built-in data export and practice modes versus a passive accessory. Durbles has no game library, no software compatibility of its own, and no launch monitor accuracy because it is not a launch monitor. It is simply the surface that lets other hardware do the work. If you want a feature-rich practice product out of the box, ExPutt wins. If you want compatibility with broader simulator software and launch monitors, Durbles is the infrastructure piece that supports that setup.

Overall user experience

This comes down to what kind of golfer you are. Durbles is best for golfers building a full indoor bay who care about simulator realism, projector use, and compatibility with launch monitors from radar or photometric systems. It is the better buy if you want to work on full swings, see ball flight on screen, and create a proper practice environment at home. ExPutt EX500D Pro is better for golfers who want to improve scoring through putting practice, especially if they need something compact, repeatable, and focused on the greens. For most golfers trying to lower scores, putting practice is a faster route to strokes saved than a nicer impact screen, but only if the rest of your simulator setup is already covered. Overall, Durbles is the better value and the more versatile purchase, while ExPutt is the better specialist tool. If you are starting from scratch and want the most practical buy, choose Durbles. If your main weakness is putting and you want a dedicated training aid, choose ExPutt.