We’ve rated the Elite Yard Master 2 Series screens as one of the best outdoor projection screens for backyard movie theaters.  Headquartered in California, Elite Screens has been an innovator in home theater projection screens since 2004, as such, they’ve created the Yard Master Series specifically designed with the outdoor movie theater in mind.
elite-yardmaster-series

Elite Yard Master 2 Series Projection Screens


Available Sizes: 90, 10o, 110, 120, 135 inch Diagonal


Aspect Ratio: 16×9


Projection Style: Front and Rear Available


Rating: 8.7 / 10


Price: $150 – $298 on Amazon


Screen

Elite has covered all of the bases when it comes to an outdoor movie screen. They offer both a front and rear projection models with 5 different sizes so no matter what type of projector you have there is a screen that will fit the bill.

Front Projection

The front projection model is dubbed the CineWhite (Tension Matte White) and built to take advantage of today’s high contrast ratio projectors. Its PVC surface with black backing for eliminating light is mildew resistant and cleans up with soap and water if you plan on leaving it outdoors for any length of time. Its black border enhances image contrast and the new models are 4k Ultra HD ready.

  • 1:1 Gain
  • 160 Degree Viewing Angle

Rear Projection

Elite’s rear projection outdoor model called the WraithVeil features 2.2 gain and 160-degree viewing angle. The PVC screen material improves color reproduction and easily cleans up with mild soap and water. Black and white contrast for an enhanced viewing experience.

Sizes

One of the things we like best about the Elite Yardmaster Series is that they offer a multitude of sizes so no matter how big or small your yard there is likely a size that will work for you. All have a 16:9 aspect ratio and are available in both front or rear material in the following sizes:

  • 90 inch Diagonal
  • 100 inch Diagonal
  • 110 inch Diagonal
  • 120 inch Diagonal
  • 135 inch Diagonal

Screen Shot 2015-08-21 at 3.25.17 PM

Customer Review

Almost great “Setup was manageable, as the block of aluminum frames unfolded with relative ease – no tools were required for assembly. It took me approximately 20-minutes to setup – from start to finish.”

See it in action!

Watch The Set-up Video

Stand

Perhaps the most important aspect to an outdoor movie screen is the stand. Blow up screens are great because they are self-contained as the screen becomes the stand once inflated, BUT they have a pretty large footprint. Not ideal for smaller outdoor spaces. Elite’s stands have a much smaller footprint yet are still lightweight and portable. Made of aluminum the stand folds out and locks in place, eliminating the need for tools to set it up. Combined with the Yard Master’s included stabilizing kit which is comprised of ground stakes, rigging cords, and support rings the stand will hold steady in windy conditions. Setup time takes a matter of minutes as the projection screen is designed to easily snap onto the frame creating a tensioned flat projection surface. All models come with fairly rugged carrying cases making it easy to stow away your silver screen when not in use.

What we love

Outside of inflatable screens there are not a ton of projection screens truly designed for outdoor use. Elite has tried to check every box creating a screen suitable for the backyard that can withstand the rigors of weather and wind. The 5 screen size options make it easy to select the perfect screen no matter how large or small the yard and compliment any projectors capabilities. Plus they offer both front and rear projection screens available in all sizes.

Things to consider

Out of the box, the screen will have creases as it comes folded up. Over time, once tension mounted to the stand the creases smooth out but in some cases can still be visible if you are really looking for them. We found that in an outdoor setting they didn’t really impact the viewing experience. The legs that connect to the stand frame are not adjustable so if your yard is on a hill this could create a problem keeping the screen level.

Conclusion

We found the Elite Yardmaster 2 Series to provide everything needed for an incredible backyard movie experience. The screens also seemed like a value given some of the much more expensive blow-up models. With a 2 year warranty, we feel pretty darn good about recommending this product.   Do you know of an outdoor movie projection screen we should know about?  Tell us about it….leave a comment below.

WHERE TO BUY THE YARD MASTER SCREEN

$150 – $298

Check The Latest Prices

Screen Shot 2015-08-21 at 3.25.17 PM

Customer Review

Great for Outdoors “We used it in our backyard. It’s a great purchase. I feel it’s well made. The case it comes with holds everything in its place and seems durable. We hope to use it a lot more in the summer.”

See Our Backyard Movie Night Guide

Find out about all types of screens for the Outdoor Movie Theater!

See Our Projection Screen Overview

Find out about all types of screens for the Outdoor Movie Theater!

Check Out Our Guide To Projectors

Find out about projectors for the Backyard Movie Theater!

Pin on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someone