Raschel vs Leno Hail Netting: Which Should You Choose?

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Hail Netting Complete Guide. Visit the Hub for the full breakdown of hail protection systems, installation, and selection guides.

Raschel and Leno are two ways of making a hail net, not two grades of the same one. Leno is woven on a Swiss Sulzer machine with thicker monofilament — stronger, lasts 8–10 years, preferred in Europe’s severe-hail orchards. Raschel is knitted with finer filament — more versatile (hail, shade, vineyards), lasts 5–8 years, costs over 20% less, and dominates in Australia, New Zealand, and the US. Choose by your hail severity, crop, and budget, not by which sounds tougher.

When you’re protecting a crop from hail, the net’s construction matters as much as the fabric. Raschel and Leno hail netting each suit different needs. As a manufacturer that has supplied both for 28 years (since 1996), we’ll walk through where they actually differ and how to pick the right one for your orchard.

What Are the Key Differences Between Raschel and Leno Hail Netting?

The difference starts at the machine. Leno is woven on a Swiss Sulzer machine with thicker monofilament for maximum strength and an 8–10 year life. Raschel is knitted on a Raschel machine that runs higher volumes and customises width and colour easily — finer filament, 5–8 year life, over 20% cheaper, and able to double as shade or vineyard netting.

Those five practical differences — manufacturing, strength and lifespan, applications, price and ordering, and regional preference — all trace back to that knitted-versus-woven split. The table below lays them out side by side so you can see at a glance which construction fits your orchard.

Raschel vs Leno — side by side

Which Should You Choose for Your Orchard?

Choose Leno if you farm a severe-hail region, want a permanent 8–10-year net, and can absorb the 20%+ premium. Choose Raschel if you want lower cost, faster delivery, or a net that also handles shade and vineyard duty — and you’re willing to replace it every 5–8 years.

• Severe, frequent hail + long-term plan → Leno, for the strength and 10-year life.
• Budget, speed, or multi-use (shade/vineyard) → Raschel drape netting, for cost and versatility.
• Permanent flat canopy over a whole block → Leno woven netting, which holds tension better over long spans.

If you’re still comparing net constructions in general, our guide to the 3 types of hail netting sets Raschel and Leno alongside the Quad Crossover canopy.

What Is the Lifespan Difference Between Raschel and Leno?

Leno nets typically last 8–10 years; Raschel nets last around 5–8 years. The thicker monofilaments in Leno give the extra durability, which is why severe-weather regions favour it. With either net, the UV stabiliser percentage is what protects that lifespan in the field — always ask for it.

Can Raschel Netting Be Used for Shading and Vineyards?

Yes — Raschel netting is versatile and works for shading, vineyard protection, and hail defence in one product. Its finer monofilament structure makes it adaptable across applications, unlike Leno, which is built primarily for hail. Net colour also affects light and fruit quality, so pair this choice with our guide to hail net colour.

What Have Real Growers Chosen?

Two examples from orchards we’ve supplied show how the same decision lands differently by region and goal.

• Vineyard, New Zealand — Raschel. A New Zealand vineyard we supplied chose Raschel for its versatility and lower cost. It delivered hail protection and doubled as shade to improve grape quality, and the faster availability kept the project on budget.
• Apple orchard, France — Leno. A French apple orchard in a region of frequent severe hail chose Leno for its strength and durability. The higher price was offset by reliable, low-maintenance protection across its extended lifespan.

What Should You Ask Before You Order?

Before you commit, get four things in writing — it’s what we send with every quote, and it lets you compare Raschel and Leno on the same basis.

• The UV stabiliser percentage and expected lifespan in your climate.
• The monofilament and weight (g/m²), so you compare like for like.
• The price per m², MOQ, and lead time for each option.
• A pre-production sample before the full run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leno stronger than Raschel hail netting?

Yes — Leno’s thicker, woven monofilament makes it stronger and gives an 8–10 year life versus 5–8 years for Raschel. That extra strength is why severe-hail regions in Europe favour Leno, but for many orchards Raschel’s protection is more than enough at a lower cost.

Why is Leno more expensive than Raschel?

Leno is over 20% more expensive because it is woven on a precision Swiss Sulzer machine with thicker filament, and it carries higher minimum order quantities and longer lead times. Raschel’s knitting machine runs higher volumes at lower cost, which is why it is the budget-friendly option.

Can I use one net for both hail and shade?

Yes, if you choose Raschel. Its finer structure lets it serve as hail protection, shade, and vineyard netting in one product. Leno is built primarily for hail, so growers who also want shade usually choose Raschel.

Which net is used in Europe versus Australia and the US?

Leno dominates in Europe, where severe hail and long-term permanent systems are common. Raschel is the preferred choice in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, where cost, versatility, and faster delivery weigh more heavily.

How long do Raschel and Leno nets last?

Quality Raschel netting lasts 5–8 years and Leno 8–10 years, provided the net is 100% virgin HDPE with adequate UV stabiliser. Recycled-material nets degrade much faster, so confirm the material and UV grade before buying.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Our factory-direct minimum order is 20,000 m², made to your width and specification. Leno typically carries a higher MOQ and longer lead time than Raschel, so factor that into your planning if you need delivery before a hail season.

Conclusion

There is no universally “better” net — only the one matched to your conditions. Raschel gives cost savings, versatility, and faster delivery at a 5–8 year life; Leno gives maximum strength and an 8–10 year life for a 20%+ premium. Match the net to your hail severity, crop, and budget, and the decision makes itself.

Not sure which fits your orchard? Send us your region, crop, and hail history, and we’ll recommend Raschel or Leno with a price per m², lead time, and a pre-production sample — both options engineered for real-world hail, wind, and UV. Contact us for tailored advice.

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By Kevin Lyu | EyouAgro — 28 years (since 1996) manufacturing hail netting for orchards worldwide, from a factory with 8 production lines.

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