Basketball Hoop Reviews

Archives for March 2012

Spalding 68454 Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Tempered glass backboard, 4-inch square pole, crank adjust, 2 foot overhang, no installation

Cons

1/4″ backboard, stability, leaky base, 3-section pole

Overall Rating

The Spalding 68454 features a 54″ tempered glass backboard, a 4-inch square pole, and an Arena Slam breakaway rim. It adjusts infinitely from 7.5 – 10 feet with the use of a crank adjust system. The pole comes in three sections and has a 4-strut mount that connects to the backboard for additional support. The backboard is 1/4″ thick, and frame with 1 x 1-inch steel and aluminum trim. Spalding backs it with a 5-year limited warranty. Dimensions: 57 x 37 x 18; 208 pounds.

What To Like

  • 54″ tempered glass backboard. This size is suited for either a 1 or 2 car driveway. If you want a 60″ backboard, then check out the Spalding 74560 “The Beast”. Tempered glass is top of the line, as it’s used in NCAA and NBA.
  • 4″ square pole. To accommodate a heavier backboard, the pole is a bit thicker and square instead of round. A square pole is advantageous because it reduces vibration. Many low-to-mid priced portables have 3-3.5″ round poles, so this hoop will naturally be better for performance.
  • Breakaway rim. Not a huge deal considering that most hoops do have this style of rim. This rim is pretty typical for what you would see from hoops in this price range. Nonetheless, it allows for dunking and is ultimately better for shooting because it has give.
  • Crank adjust. This height adjust mechanism is the most simple and durable type available. It does take more work to raise and lower compared to gas assisted mechanisms, but they do have a shorter life span. A crank is also more precise.
  • Infinite adjustment. Some hoops adjust increments of 6″ or so, but this one can adjust to any height between 7.5 and 10 feet. More than anything, it gives you more options to choose from.
  • 2 foot overhang. This is just enough space for players to feel comfortable playing under the hoop. They will be less likely to run into the pole, and have more room to maneuver while playing.
  • No installation. For those who don’t want to install an in-ground hoop, this is a great compromise. You still get a tempered glass backboard, but with the luxury of portability.

What Not To Like

  • 1/4″ thick backboard. Tempered glass is phenomenal. But, it’s a bit thin at 1/4″. Most tempered glass backboards are 3/8″, and the best of the best are 1/2″ thick. The thicker a backboard is, the less likely it is to break. Plus, it’s also likely to be more rigid, which is better for performance. Though, the steel frame does help make it a bit more sturdy.
  • Stability. The tempered glass hoop certainly adds some sturdiness, but nothing compares to actually having the hoop cemented into the ground.
  • Leaky base. I have read numerous customer reviews who report that the base on their portable leaked either water or sand. That is a downside with portable models. The base is usually not the most durable and is susceptible to punctures.
  • 3-section pole. The more sections a pole has, the less sturdy it will naturally be. It only makes sense. Plus, you will have to go through the trouble of putting them together.

Summary

Here is the way I look at it. If you want a portable hoop for under $700, this is probably your best bet. However, if you have a larger budget, then I would strongly consider the “The Beast”. The reason? It has a 60″ backboard. The bigger the backboard, the better. Plus, 60″ is a good size because it’s not too big for a 2-car driveway. If however you would rather not spend that much, then the 68454 is a good option.

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Spalding 79307 Backboard/Rim Combo

By

Pros

52″ acrylic backboard, breakaway rim, easy assembly, warranty

Cons

Mount sold separately, thin backboard

Overall Rating

The Spalding 79307 consists of a 52″ inch acrylic backboard and a pro slam breakaway rim. The backboard is 4.5mm thick, and can be mounted to a wall or a square pole. The mount is sold separately. The backboard/rim weighs a total of 40 pounds. It’s compatible with the Spalding 920312 Extension Arm and the Spalding 316 U-Turn Lift System Bracket Spalding provides a 5-year warranty on the backboard and 1-year on the rim.

What To Like

  • 52″ backboard. It’s large enough to shoot bank shots on from a variety of angles. Being square-shaped is also a positive, considering that some mounted hoops are fan shaped.
  • Acrylic backboard. Even though polycarbonate may be stronger, acrylic is still strong in its own right. It’s used on some hoops that cost over $1000, as it plays similar to a glass backboard. It is more prone to scratching however.
  • Breakaway rim. For those who can dunk, this is a feature that is a must. While it’s not heavy duty, it still gives so you won’t shatter the backboard. Just one caveat: I wouldn’t recommend hanging on the rim. This hoop is not built to take abuse.
  • Removable. A benefit of a mounted hoop in general is that it can be removed at any point in time without much hassle.
  • Easy assembly. In-ground hoops can be tricky to install, but mounted hoops are pretty straightforward..
  • Warranty. While the backboard isn’t the most durable, it is protected by a 5-year warranty. Spalding is a reputable brand, and they will stand by their products.

What Not To Like

  • Mount sold separately. I mentioned the two mounts above that are compatible with the Spalding 79307. One is a extension arm with a 4 foot offset, and the other is adjustable up to 3 feet. Regardless of which one you choose, it will cost you at least another $100.
  • Thin backboard. It’s 4.5mm thick, which is not even 1/6 inches thick. A thin backboard isn’t going to be as rigid or durable long-term. A few customers noted that the backboard arrived cracked. Here is what one customer had to say:”….the actual backboard material is much thinner than I expected………I was expecting something much thicker and more robust.” – Daniel Druker

Summary

Overall, the Spalding 79307 is a good option for hoops in the $200 range. It’s produced by a reputable brand, has a 52″ backboard, and a breakaway rim. An adjustable mount can be purchased so it raises or lowers. The backboard however isn’t the most durable, but it’s covered by a solid warranty.

Mammoth 98862 In-Ground Basketball System

By

Pros

Stable, tempered glass 60″ backboard, one-piece 5-inch square pole, 3-foot overhang, lifetime warranty

Cons

No pole padding

Overall Rating


The 98862 is one of three basketball systems produced by Mammoth Basketball. It features a 60″ tempered glass backboard, a 5-inch square pole, and a 3 foot overhang from the pole to the backboard. The adjustment ranges from 7.5-10 feet in infinite increments with the use of a handle assist mechanism. The Spring Flex Rim features a support brace that wraps around the rim. An anchor mount is used for installation. The 98862 is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

What To Like

  • Stable. In-ground hoops provide the best stability. Plus, the heavy tempered glass backboard and 5-inch square pole make it that much more sturdy.
  • Tempered glass backboard. Tempered glass is the best of the best, as it’s used in the college and pro ranks. This backboard is 3/8 inches thick, which is pretty close to regulation size (1/2″).
  • 60″ backboard. The next biggest size is 72″, which is as big as it gets. What I like about 60″ is that it’s not too big for an average sized, 2 car driveway. Certainly 72″ is ideal, but you would need to have a dedicated playing area because it’s so big.
  • Heavy-duty breakaway rim. It looks like a rim you would see in an arena, though it doesn’t break at the sides like the professional ones. Nonetheless, it’s 5/8 inches thick and gives players the freedom to dunk as hard as they want.
  • 3-foot overhang. This provides plenty of space so players don’t bump into the pole, while also having more room for play behind the basket.
  • Gas assisted mechanism. The hoop raises and lowers with the help of gas springs. A customer noted that his leaked after 5 years. The advantage with gas assisted mechanisms is that they’re easier to adjust than their manual counterparts. The downside of course is that they aren’t as durable.
  • One piece 5-inch square pole. The one-piece pole is the most stable, and square ones are more stable than their round counterparts. 5-inches is thick enough for a 60″ backboard.
  • Anchor mount installation. This is the best in-ground installation because the pole can be removed from the anchor.
  • Limited lifetime warranty. I don’t know what’s covered and what isn’t, but you have to love this as a customer.

Our Mammoth Hoop 7 Years Later (Still in Great Condition)

Mammoth Hoop Review

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘I’m thoroughly impressed’

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘The Company Stood behind their 7 year warranty’

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What Not To Like

  • No pole padding. You would think that a basketball hoop priced over $100 would have padding? Not a huge deal, but the padding makes it more safe and gives it more of a professional look. If you want padding, here is one that fits 5-inch poles: Pole and Gusset Pad.

Summary

The Mammoth 98862 performs as a premium basketball hoop should. The tempered glass, 60″ backboard, the 3-foot overhang, and the 5-inch square pole are big pluses. In comparison to the Mammoth 98856, which is a few hundred dollars less, the backboard is 6-inches wider and it has an overhang a 1/2 ft. longer. I think this model is worth the extra money.

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