Basketball Hoop Reviews

Archives for January 2012

Spalding 68562 Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Micro-adjustable, 60-inch backboard, Arena Slam breakaway rim, stable

Cons

16-inch overhang, round 3.5 inch pole, acrylic backboard

Overall Rating

The Spalding 6852 is a mid-level portable basketball hoop. It features an acrylic 60-inch backboard and heavy-duty steel frame. The Arena Slam breakaway rim has steel support braces and an institutional style wrap. The adjustment ranges in infinite increments from 7.5 to 10 feet with the Screw Jack lift system. Once the height is set, the handle can be removed. The base can hold 40 gallons of water or sand. The three-piece pole is 3.5 inches in diameter, and the overhang is 16-inches. Dimensions: 58 x 35 x 15 inches ; 100 pounds.

What To Like

  • Portable. This is ideal for those who want nothing to do with inground models, and would like to move it around when necessary. You can take it anywhere you want it as long as it’s on a level surface.
  • Adjustable. While a lot of hoops nowadays have this feature, this one has infinite adjustment. This separates it from some of the less expensive hoops that adjust in 6-inch increments. You can remove the handle from the jack to prevent injury and tampering. Children benefit the most from this feature.
  • Backboard size. Regulation sized width is 72-inches, and this one is 60-inches, so it’s not far off. It’s big enough for a 2 or 3-car driveway, and allows for bank shots from various angles. It’s suitable for more serious play by adults.
  • Arena Slam breakaway rim. The design mimics some of the rims you would see in gym. The support braces and smooth spring action will take some pressure off the backboard during play. It also makes the rim softer, allowing for the ball to bounce in more frequently while shooting. It’s strong enough to handle adults dunking on it.
  • Front cover. The cover gives the hoop a more professional look, plus it serves as a rebounder when the ball goes through the net.
  • Stability. While it’s $200 more, the Spalding 6852 is 50 pounds heavier than Lifetime 71524 model, even though it basically has the same pole and base. This added weight makes it more stable. Of course, it actually will weigh a lot more once the base is filled up.

What To Like

  • 16-inch overhang. This doesn’t provide enough space to play underneath the basket, and players will be more susceptible to bumping into the front cover.
  • Round 3.5 inch pole. Square poles are the strongest, plus 3.5 inches isn’t any larger than some of the less expensive models. I would have expected a stronger pole, especially for a 60-inch backboard. Plus, it comes in sections of 3, which is not ideal.
  • Acrylic backboard. Polycarbonate is actually a stronger material than acrylic, which is found on some lower level hoops. Acrylic isn’t bad, as it does mimic indoor baskets in appearance. However, you will notice little scuff marks after a while, and it can attract mildew.

Summary

The 60-inch backboard is probably the most appealing trait of the Spalding 68562. There is nothing extraordinary about it, but it’s a pretty solid hoop all around. It’s stable, has a large-sized backboard, and has a high-quality rim. I would say that it’s worth the price tag.

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Lifetime 71524 XL Adjustable Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Portable, adjustable, 54-inch backboard, breakaway rim, price

Cons

3-piece round pole, little overhang, assembly

Overall Rating

The 71524 XL Basketball System features a 54-inch Makrolon polycarbonate backboard with a ShatterGuard steel frame. The hoop adjusts between 7.5 to 10 feet with no increments. Included is a breakaway style rim, a 3.5 inch round pole, and built-in wheels for transportation. The pole is powder-coated and resistant to rust. The base has a capacity of 35 gallons. The 71524 XL is backed by a 5 year warranty. Dimensions: 56 x 34 x 12 inches ; 50 pounds

What To Like

  • Portable. The built-in wheels allow for it to be moved without much trouble. This feature is ideal if you have limited space or don’t want to do a cement installation.
  • Adjustable. While other portable hoops offered by Lifetime also adjust from 7.5 to 10 feet, this model can adjust infinitely instead of in increments. To adjust, simply squeeze the handle and lift or lower. Children under 10 in particular can benefit from this feature.
  • 54-inch polycarbonate backboard. The size is large enough for a one or two car driveway. It also allows for bank shots from the side. Typically, the higher the price, the larger the backboard. Regulation size is 72 inches wide. The polycarbonate material is a pretty strong plastic that will be hard to break.
  • Spring-back pro rim. This style of rim contains springs so it has give, which makes it suitable for dunking and hanging on it. Another effect is that the ball will bounce softer when shooting from long-range.
  • Price. While not the cheapest hoop you will find, the price is still affordable for middle-income families.

What Not To Like

  • 3-piece round pole. One of the downsides of a portable hoop is that the pole isn’t going to be as strong as an inground model. Of course, unless you are willing spend thousands. A square, one-piece pole is the best for performance.
  • Little overhang. Only the high priced portable models have a lot of space from the pole to the backboard, so it’s not expected. But, it does decrease the chance of bumping into the pole while playing. Also, it allows for more play under the basket.
  • Assembly. A few customers noted that it took in the 6-9 hour range to assemble. The complaint is that the instructions were hard to follow. The more people who help with the installation, the better.

Summary

The Lifetime 71524 XL brings a lot to the table. It has a 54-inch backboard, which is large enough for a 2 car driveway. The breakaway rim is ideal for dunking, and it can be raised or lowered to accommodate certain players. This hoop is suitable for children and adult players. For the price, this is a very solid hoop and has good quality overall.

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Lifetime Complete Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Inexpensive, portable, adjustable, breakaway rim, polycarbonate backboard, small footprint

Cons

Less stable, backboard size, no overhang, 3 piece pole

Overall Rating

The Lifetime Complete Portable Basketball Hoop is primarily designed for children and amateur players. It’s adjustable in 6-inch increments from 7.5 to 10 feet, and the rolling base gives it portability. Featured is a 48-inch shatter guard polycarbonate backboard and a breakaway rim for dunking. The backboard has fade resistant graphics, and the nylon net can stand up to all weather conditions. The telescoping pole comes in 3-pieces for adjusting the height. The Lifetime Complete System is backed by a 5 year warranty.

What To Like

  • Inexpensive. At under $250, this doesn’t require a heavy investment. Basketball systems can cost thousands of dollars on the high end. The only cheaper model I have seen from this brand is the Lifetime 90040.
  • Portable. If portability matters, then this is certainly a plus. Even if it’s not on your list of criteria, being able to move it around is beneficial. For instance, if you decided to relocate, then you could pack it up and take it with. Or, you may just need to move it out of the way for one reason or another. This of course can’t be done with inground models. Also, portability means no cement installation.
  • Adjustable. This feature is ideal for children who aren’t yet capable of shooting from medium distance on a 10 foot high rim. The furthest it lowers is 7.5 feet, which is pretty much the standard for adjustable models. Lowering and raising is a rather easy process.
  • Breakaway rim. I certainly would not recommend dunking and hanging on this rim, as this basket isn’t strong enough to handle that long-term. But this style is more suitable for dunking because it has some give. Children and teenagers can have fun with this.
  • Polycarbonate backboard. This is a pretty strong plastic that would be very difficult to break. It will naturally suffer from wear and tear over time, but at this price point you aren’t going to get tempered glass. What I like is that it’s see through, so it gives the appearance of glass.
  • Small footprint. I couldn’t find the exact dimensions, but I do know that this won’t take up much space. It can be stored in a small area if necessary.

What Not To Like

  • Less stable. Portable hoops naturally are going to be less stable, which means you lose some realism. While pouring sand into the base will certainly help, it’s still not going to be nearly as stable as an inground model. However, this probably won’t bother casual players or children.
  • Backboard size. At 48 inches, this is on the small end. Shooting bank shots from an angle is more challenging, plus children would benefit more from a larger backboard. This is a good size however if your playing area is limited, or you are on a budget.
  • No overhang. This is a downside for almost every portable hoop out there. Regulation hoops have a 4 foot space from the pole to the backboard, which allows for play under the hoop. Also, players are more susceptible to bump into the pole since it’s right next to the backboard.
  • 3 piece pole. As you might imagine, a one piece pole is going to be stronger than a 3-piece one. Also, square poles are preferred because they reduce vibration.

Summary

The Lifetime Complete System compares very favorably to the Lifetime 51550 Courtside Basketball System, except it happens to be about $30 cheaper and about 10 pounds lighter.

As mentioned, this hoop works well for children and casual play. It really however isn’t suitable for serious play by adults. Whether or not you should buy it depends on your budget and who it’s for. If this price is what’s affordable or all you want to spend, then this is a good hoop to consider. This is a solid basketball hoop for the price. As long as it’s not abused, it should last for as long as you need it to and children will likely enjoy it.

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