Basketball Cheers

Lifetime 71553 Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 48-Inch Backboard The Lifetime 71553 Portable Basketball Goal System features a 48-inch Shatter Guard Backboard made of extremely durable, high-density transparent polyethylene. The polyethylene is treated to insure it will not yellow or degrade over time. The Orange Slam-It Rim features double compression springs for spring back action and is constructed of solid steel. The rim is 0.625-inches thick and is supported by 0.5-inch braces. The three piece, 3.5-inch round gray steel adjustable pole features a friction-welded joint that safeguards against unwanted movement and is treated to resist rust and other weather damage. A pole pad is included in the set to provide protection on impact. The portable, extra large polyethylene base has a holding capacity of 35 gallons to provide a stable foundation. The base weighs 292 pounds when filled with water and 490 pounds when filled with sand.

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 you’re ready to shoot hoops. There is no fussing with concrete.

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Five-year warranty on all parts

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: Rock Solid Product
We needed a portable hoop, but didn’t want anything flimsy. We decided to “upgrade” to this hoop and boy are we happy with it. The assembly was not quick, but it was very straight-forward and the directions were excellent. The assembled hoop is very sturdy and has gotten nearly constant play. It is a kid magnet. We couldn’t be more pleased with this hoop and would recommend it to anyone, regardless of their level of play.

48″ Backboard and Rim Combo The Lifetime 73621 Acrylic Fusion 48-in basketball backboard and rim combo features a Slam-It rim with spring-back action and welded steel net hooks. The backboard is constructed from Shatter Guard break-resistant polycarbonate and displays fade-resistant graphics.
Customer Review: replacement
Worked great as a replacement for a backboard that broke. Installed easy.

Lifetime 71524 XL Base Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with Clear 54-Inch Shatter Guard Backboard Fun for the entire family, the 71524 XL portable basketball system from Lifetime will go anywhere you’d like to shoot hoops. This height-adjustable system features a durable 54-inch Makrolon polycarbonate backboard; three-piece -1/2-inch round steel poles with a Power Lift height mechanism that is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with infinite increments, and a Slam-It Pro Rim with double compression springs for spring-back action.