Planning to build practice gates for our club and researching materials. MultiGP suggests PVC pipe for lightweight yet durable gates, and I've seen successful builds using foam boards and PVC pipes from various FPV pilots. However, our windy location and frequent crashes have me considering aluminum conduit instead.

Cost analysis: PVC setup runs about $15/gate vs $35/gate for aluminum. Weight difference is significant - PVC gates are much easier to transport and set up solo. But aluminum should handle impacts better and won't deform in summer heat.

Standard MultiGP gates create a 5?5 opening with vinyl mesh panels, though championship gates are larger at 7?6 feet. Planning to start with 6 gates minimum for a decent practice course. Anyone have long-term experience with both materials?

Go with PVC for practice gates, aluminum for permanent installations. I've built both and PVC is way more practical for most situations. The weight savings alone makes it worth it - you can carry 4 PVC gates vs 2 aluminum ones. Just use thicker wall PVC (schedule 40) and they'll last years.

Aluminum all the way if you can afford it. I started with PVC and ended up replacing everything after 6 months of outdoor use. UV degradation and impact damage made them unusable. The upfront cost hurts but aluminum pays for itself in durability.

Have you considered hybrid construction? PVC frame with aluminum reinforcement at stress points? I'm building some gates now and thinking about 3D printing custom connectors to strengthen the PVC joints without going full aluminum.