Basketball Cheers

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.

Lifetime 1079 Height Adjustable In-Ground Basketball System with 48-Inch Backboard You’ll reach new heights with this sturdy and adjustable basketball system from Lifetime. The 1079 in-ground hoop is made with a three-piece, 3-1/2-inch steel pole base that has a hammer-tone finish. The solid steel 5/8-inch Slam-It Rim has dual compression springs and one-half-inch under braces capable of handling any dunk while the heavy-duty steel net hooks and a nylon net are designed to stay put. Mounted on a shockproof polyethylene Fusion frame with a 48-inch Shatter Guard polycarbonate backboard, the components are built to withstand your most spirited assault. This clear and virtually unbreakable backboard is much stronger than acrylic and has UV-protected screen-printed graphics that resist fading. You’re sure to find your sweet spot with the Quick Adjust system that adjusts to a 7-1/2 to 10 feet hoop height with the touch of a broom handle.

Portable basketball systems depend on a base filled with sand or water for stability. Although it will take up more space than an in-ground system, the portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location (and also allowing storage in a garage). Simply assemble, fill the base and play today. There is no fussing with concrete.

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.

Customer Review: Lighter duty than I expected
The backboard is pretty flimsy and flexes a lot when you bank a ball off it. Our backboard is warped from new but hasn’t gotten any worse since we started to use it. I would recommend spending the extra money to get one with a solid backboard.

Champion Sports Chain Basketball Net - Pack of 2

Features: - Heavy duty steel chain net., - Zinc plated galvanized steel. , - Will not rust.,
Customer Review: Nice chain basketball net
the champion sports chain basketball net is a nice accessory to add to your hoop. i’ve purchased the chain net and installed it for several months now. the 1 thing that i like about this chain net is that it does not show any signs of getting rust. the chain net remains shiny to these days. installation was a breeze.