Basketball Cheers

Lifetime 79910 Competition Square Shatter Guard Basketball 50-Inch Backboard and Slam-It Pro Rim Hone your jumpshot in your driveway or invite some friends over for some spirited two-on-two with the Lifetime Competition 50-inch backboard and rim combo. The square Shatter Guard backboard–which integrates a clear playing surface with a high-quality steel frame–is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic. As a result, broken backboards are a thing of the past, even from errant rocks and other non-basketball threats. The arena-style orange Slam-It Pro Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. Other details include fade-resistant UV-protected graphics; a powder-coated black-hammertone-finished steel backboard frame that adds rigidity for improved rebound; and a blow-molded plastic frame pad for protection. The set comes with a five-year warranty.

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.

Spalding 68448 Portable Basketball System with 54-Inch Acrylic Backboard The Spalding 68448 Portable Basketball Hoop with 54 Inch Acrylic Backboard features a three piece 4 inch pole, a 54 Inch acrylic basketball backboard with 1 Inch steel frame and backboard pad and the Pro Slam breakaway basketball rim. The Spalding 68448 basketball system adjusts from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with an easy to use Helix height adjustment system. Simply squeeze the handle and raise or lower the height of the basketball goal.

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.

Spalding 88465 In-Ground Basketball System with 54-Inch Acrylic Backboard Bring home years of basketball fun with the Spalding residential in-ground basketball system (model 88465), featuring the ergonomically designed U-Turn Pro lift system that easily adjusts rim height from 7.5 to 10 feet with an interior safety stop to prevent lowering the board below 6 feet 6 inches. It offers a a three-piece pole construction made of 4-inch square steel as well as a ground sleeve for easy installation and removal and a powder coated matte black finish. Other features include a 2-foot offset, durable 3/8-inch thick acrylic backboard (54 by 38 inches with steel frame and pro-style extruded aluminum trim), Pro-Image breakaway rim, and an all-weather net. It’s backed by an 8-year limited warranty.

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: Great quality for the money!
This is a great quality basketball system for the money. The acrylic backboard is thick and solid and so is the pole. It is a 3 piece pole system which initially concerned me but the instuctions are to fill the pole with concrete and once this is done the pole is as solid as a rock. You will absolutely need 2 people and a 2 days to assemble this.
Customer Review: Spalding 88465
For a mid-range system, the components and parts appear to be strong and durable. Installation is reasonably simple, requiring two persons and requires some time for concrete to cure. For the price of $399.99 and excellent free shipping, this system is an impressive find.

Lifetime 71526 Competition Square Shatter Guard Basketball 54-Inch Backboard and Slam-It Pro Rim Hone your jumpshot in your driveway or invite some friends over for some spirited two-on-two with the Lifetime Competition 54-inch backboard and rim combo. The square Shatter Guard backboard–which integrates a clear playing surface with a high-quality steel frame–is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic. As a result, broken backboards are a thing of the past, even from errant rocks and other non-basketball threats. The arena-style orange Slam-It Pro Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. Other details include fade-resistant UV-protected graphics; a powder-coated black-hammertone-finished steel backboard frame that adds rigidity for improved rebound; a blow-molded plastic frame pad for protection; and an all-weather nylon net. The set comes with a five-year warranty.

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: Good replacement backboard for existing Huffy system
Decided to purchase this product vs. Spaulding replacement backboards because this was the only 54 inch one(not costing $$)I could find that did not state for use with square pole only (I have an adjustable Huffy round pole system and did not want to dig out and replace all. Verdict: This appears to be a good replacement for the smaller Huffy backboard that came as part of the existing system. It was difficult to line everything on the new one perfectly, and it was slow removing the existing rusted bolts I had to remove first from my existing system. But new one looks an plays fine, and my son is glad I didn’t get a smaller 48″. We like the metal welded steel net hooks on the rim, my old rim had plastic net hooks that were always pulling free. It looks a bit thin, but then look at the price. To top this off, I got quickly from Amazon (even with super saver shipping, delivered via fed-x to my home on a Saturday, can’t beat that).
Customer Review: Good backboard
Good backboard. Has some flex in the framing - but beefier ones cost three times as much. I would recommend.

Lifetime 71526 Competition Square Shatter Guard Basketball 54-Inch Backboard and Slam-It Pro Rim Hone your jumpshot in your driveway or invite some friends over for some spirited two-on-two with the Lifetime Competition 54-inch backboard and rim combo. The square Shatter Guard backboard–which integrates a clear playing surface with a high-quality steel frame–is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic. As a result, broken backboards are a thing of the past, even from errant rocks and other non-basketball threats. The arena-style orange Slam-It Pro Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. Other details include fade-resistant UV-protected graphics; a powder-coated black-hammertone-finished steel backboard frame that adds rigidity for improved rebound; a blow-molded plastic frame pad for protection; and an all-weather nylon net. The set comes with a five-year warranty.

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: Good replacement backboard for existing Huffy system
Decided to purchase this product vs. Spaulding replacement backboards because this was the only 54 inch one(not costing $$)I could find that did not state for use with square pole only (I have an adjustable Huffy round pole system and did not want to dig out and replace all. Verdict: This appears to be a good replacement for the smaller Huffy backboard that came as part of the existing system. It was difficult to line everything on the new one perfectly, and it was slow removing the existing rusted bolts I had to remove first from my existing system. But new one looks an plays fine, and my son is glad I didn’t get a smaller 48″. We like the metal welded steel net hooks on the rim, my old rim had plastic net hooks that were always pulling free. It looks a bit thin, but then look at the price. To top this off, I got quickly from Amazon (even with super saver shipping, delivered via fed-x to my home on a Saturday, can’t beat that).
Customer Review: Good backboard
Good backboard. Has some flex in the framing - but beefier ones cost three times as much. I would recommend.