Basketball Cheers

Lifetime 51550 Courtside Portable Basketball System with 48-Inch Shatterguard Backboard Hone your jumpshot in your spare moments or perform a backyard dunking drill with the Lifetime Courtside portable basketball system. Unlike in-ground basketball hoops–which are typically anchored in concrete–the Courtside portable hoop rolls on wheels, letting you position the basket support in any desired location, from the back patio to the middle of the cul-de-sac. All you have to do is fill the 31-gallon polyethylene base with water or sand and play.

Lifetime knows that dunking and above-the-rim play are a huge part of modern basketball, which is why the Courtside comes with both a height adjustment mechanism and a spring-back rim. The three-piece, 3-inch round Speed Shift pole includes a set of counter-balance springs to help you raise and lower the backboard from 8 to 10 feet with one hand. Thanks to the handy technology, players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game on their own terms, while aspiring dunkers can gradually raise the level 6 inches at a time as their vertical improves. The Slam-It Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The solid-steel rim features double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. The orange rim is also supported by 1/2-inch braces, with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net.

And players needn’t worry about the backboard shattering after a nasty spill, as the 48-inch Shatter Guard Fusion backboard boasts Makrolon polycarbonate technology that’s virtually unbreakable. Other features include fade-resistant graphics screen-printed onto the backboard with UV-resistant inks, a high-impact polyethylene frame around the backboard, and a powder-coated, rust-resistant finish around the pole. The Courtside carries a five-year warranty that covers everything on the system.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground–either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground–and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you’ll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You’ll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won’t take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you’ll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don’t offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.

Lifetime 71522 Competition XL Portable Basketball System with 54-Inch Shatter Guard Backboard Hone your jumpshot in your spare moments or perform a backyard dunking drill with this Lifetime portable basketball system. Unlike in-ground basketball hoops–which are typically anchored in concrete–the portable hoop rolls on wheels, letting you position the basket support in any desired location, from the back patio to the middle of the cul-de-sac. All you have to do is fill the polyethylene base with water or sand and play.

Lifetime knows that dunking and above-the-rim play are a huge part of modern basketball, which is why the hoop comes with both a height adjustment mechanism and a spring-back rim. The three-piece, 3.5-inch Power Lift pole includes a pneumatic mechanism to help you easily raise and lower the backboard from 7.5 to 10 feet with one hand. Thanks to the handy technology, players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game on their own terms, while aspiring dunkers can gradually raise the level an inch at a time as their vertical improves. The arena-style Slam-It Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The solid-steel rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. The orange rim is also supported by 1/2-inch braces, with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net.

And players needn’t worry about the backboard shattering after a nasty spill, as the 54-inch Shatter Guard backboard boasts Makrolon polycarbonate technology that’s virtually unbreakable. Other features include fade-resistant graphics screen-printed onto the backboard with UV-resistant inks, rigid rectangular extension arms that provide superior backboard rebound, a blow-molded frame pad for protection, and a powder-coated, rust-resistant finish around the pole. The hoop carries a five-year warranty that covers everything on the system.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground–either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground–and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you’ll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You’ll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won’t take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you’ll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don’t offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.

Lifetime 1558 XL Base Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with Clear 52-Inch Square Shatter Guard Backboard Hone your jumpshot in your spare moments or perform a backyard dunking drill with this Lifetime Shatter Guard XL portable basketball system. Unlike in-ground basketball hoops–which are typically anchored in concrete–this portable system rolls on wheels, letting you position the basket support in any desired location, from the back patio to the middle of the cul-de-sac. All you have to do is fill the heavy-duty 35-gallon base with water or sand and play.

The basketball system comes with a 52-inch-square Shatter Guard backboard made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and several times stronger than acrylic. When combined with the heavy-duty steel frame and the sturdy steel Y-extension arms, the basketball goal looks and plays just like pro-style glass, with superior rebound effects and terrific stability. The system also includes a three-piece, 3.5-inch round pole with Lifetime’s patented pneumatic Power Lift mechanism. To change the pole’s height–it adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet in infinite increments–simply activate the Power Lift with one hand and push it to the correct height. And Lifetime knows that dunking and above-the-rim play are a huge part of modern basketball, which is why the basketball goal includes a Slam-It rim. The solid-steel rim features double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released.

Other features include welded-steel net hooks with an all-weather nylon net; fade-resistant graphics that are screen-printed with UV-protected inks for superior color endurance; and a five-year warranty that covers everything on the system.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground–either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground–and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you’ll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty breakaway rims. You’ll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, as you won’t need to dedicate any space to the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you’ll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don’t offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.

Customer Review: Great hoop for the money
After a lot of time surfing the web for a portable basket ball hoop, I settled on this one. The large 52″ backboard is great. When I see neighbors with smaller ones, they look so tiny I’m glad I didn’t trade a couple of bucks for the smaller size. The base and adjustable pole seem to be very sturdy. Again, the slightly larger pole diameter is worth the extra $ as it makes a much sturdier looking hoop. Height adjustment is a breeze. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it works great. The only thing I don’t like is that I have to stand on the base to do it, but maybe that’s just because I’m short. The only other negative to me is that the backboard wobbles quite a bit when the ball hits it, especially towards the sides. I would have thought is should be more rigid.
As for the value, I was hard-pressed to find this same model cheaper anywhere, and the free super-saver shipping clinched the deal. According to the shipping terms, I fully expected to wait as much as two weeks for this to show up and we had it in 2 DAYS! (ordered Sunday, delivered Tuesday) That was great as a 7-year old waiting for his new toy does not have much patience.
I couldn’t give an accurate time for assembly as we worked on ours here and there when we had time to fit it in. But I can say that the instructions were pretty easy to follow and doing it in bits and pieces didn’t bother a thing. I will say though, that you have to take the time to read each step ahead of time at least once or twice through to make sure you don’t miss anything. When we got all the way to the end we found that we had installed the pole in the plastic base backwards so that the height adjustment was on the front under the hoop instead of in the back over the base. Luckily we were able to remove the axle from the base with relative ease and just turn the pole around and re-install the wheels and axle. Other than this, our assembly went without a hitch. I also have to agree with the other reviewer who recommends DRY sand. For some reason, the sand we bought had some bags nice and dry and some damp. Even a little dampness causes the sand to clump and makes filling the base very aggravating and time consuming. We did not even consider water as we live in NY and this will be out all winter in sub-freezing temperatures.
Overall, we have been very happy with our purchase.
Customer Review: Good value
A very good value. Assembly took some time but everything went together smoothly. All parts are well labled for installation. The backboard shakes a little more than I had hoped, but not too bad. Height adjustment is very easy, my nine year old can easily adjust the height.