Pros
Rigid, durable backboard….quality breakaway rim….height adjustment…plenty of space under the basket…lifetime warranty
Cons
Backboard on the small end…installation could be challenging for some
Overall Rating
Goalsetter produces a long line of premium basketball hoops, including in-ground and wall-mounted models. Wall-mounted hoops are ideal for those who have limited space. The GS series is as good as you’ll find on the market. The GS48 features a 48″ tempered glass backboard, a heavy-duty flex rim, and a 2.5′ extension from the wall to the backboard. Also featured is height adjustment from 7 to 10 feet with the use of a crank handle. It’s also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
What To Like
- Tempered glass backboard. This material is the best of the best, as it’s used in gyms everywhere, including college and pro. It’s very heavy, rigid, and durable. If you want a professional feel, then this is the only way to go. At 3/8″ thick, it’s going to be plenty sturdy.
- Height adjustment. This feature is not as common on mounted hoops as they are on portable and in-ground models. It’s typically reserved for the higher-priced models, such as this one. It adjusts from 7-10 feet, which is pretty standard among hoops in general. It’s ideal for families who want to buy a hoop that grows with their children.
- Heavy-duty flex rim. Rims on higher-priced hoops tend to have more give and durability. The more it gives, the less pressure it puts on the backboard. This rim in particular comes standard from Goalsetter. It’s 5/8″ thick, and made out of high tensile steel. In other words, it’s built to take some abuse for those who like dunking.
- 2.5′ overhang. This is the distance from the wall to the backboard. Anything beyond 2′ provides sufficient space for play under the hoop. With this much space, players are unlikely to run into the wall during play.
- Limited lifetime warranty. You have to a brand that is willing to stand behind their product. A lifetime warranty gives you insight on the quality and durability of the product.
What Not To Like
- 48″ backboard. This size is on the small end. There are three larger sizes available, including 54″, 60″, and the regulation sized 72″ backboard. The smaller backboard really comes into play when shooting bank shots from the side.
- Installation. As I mentioned on the GS72 review, a premium mounted hoop is naturally going to be a bit harder to install because of the heavier bracket and backboard. Certainly, a 48″ isn’t as heavy compared to a 72″, but it will still be more of a challenge. This however is no reflection on the hoop itself, as heavier models are typically made with higher quality.
Other Online Reviews
The lone review on Amazon.com mentions a problem with the alignment of the backboard with the mounting bracket. Could be an issue.
Summary
The quality of the GS48 is good. The biggest downfall to me is the 48″ backboard, which is a bit small. However, the GS series by Goalsetter does include 54″, 60″, and 72″ backboards. Of course, they do cost more, but are worth considering.
Is it the end of the world to have a 48″ backboard? Certainly not. Quality to me is more important, and the GS48 doesn’t disappoint in that respect. So if this what your budget allows, then it’s still a very good choice. But if you can spend another $300 or more, I would at least consider getting the GS54.
You can view the other models below:
GS54 (54″)
GS60 (60″)
GS72 (72″)
The biggest difference among the three is the backboard size. The backboard extension increases as well as the height adjustment, but you what you are paying extra for is the bigger backboard.
4′ overhang. This is the distance from the pole to the backboard. I believe 5′ is the regulation extension. This provides a ton of space for players underneath the rim, and makes it safer because players are less likely to run into the pole.
