Basketball Hoop Reviews

Archives for May 2012

Silverback SB-60 In-Ground Basketball System

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Pros

60″ Tempered glass backboard, 4-inch square pole, 2.5 foot overhang, anchor mount installation. A Poor man’s alternative to a Professional Basketball Hoop. Probably the Highest quality, low cost Hoop System available.

Cons

2-section pole, no lifetime warranty. That’s about it.  This is a 5 Star – Complete basketball hoop system.  Recommended by me as a top basketball hoop for under $1000.

Overall Rating

433_16_stars


Silverback is a division of Goalrilla, who produces one of the best lines of in-ground basketball hoops on the market. The SB-60 features a 60″ tempered glass backboard with aluminum trim. The two-section square pole is 4 – inches thick, and the backboard extends 2.5 feet out from the pole. It adjusts infinitely from 7.5 to 10 feet with the use of a steel actuator. It’s installed using an anchor bolt system. The SB-60 is backed by a 7 year warranty.

What To Like

  • 60″ tempered glass backboard. This size is ideal for most residences because it’s not too big for a driveway, yet is one step from being regulation size (72″). Simply put, tempered glass is the best of the best. It’s 5/16″ thick, which is enough to provide plenty of rigidity.
  • Handle assist mechanism. It uses a motor to assist with raising and lowering the hoop. Most are completely manual or gas assisted. This if the first hoop I have seen with a motor.
  • Pro-style breakaway rim. I don’t know any specifics about the rim, but it has a pro-style look to it. It’s not exactly the same as what’s used in the NBA, but it’s close. It’s heavy-duty and is built to last.
  • 4-inch square pole. Square poles are more sturdy than round ones, and 4-inches is solid. The thicker the pole, the less vibration a hoop has.
  • 2.5 foot overhang. This provides ample space for play underneath the basket. Plus, it’s safer because players are less likely to run into the pole. In general, this space just allows for more serious play.
  • Pole padding. Many premium hoops don’t come with a pad, they make you buy one separately. The SB-60 comes with one, and this just makes it that much more safe for the players.
  • Anchor-mount installation. This is the best installation for in-ground hoops because it can be removed easily.

What Not To Like

  • 2-section pole. It’s thick enough, but you would like to see a one-piece pole instead. Most hoops in this price range have one, so that is a bit of a disappointment. The two-piece pole isn’t as sturdy, plus you’ll have to put put them together during the assembly.
  • 7-year warranty. Not bad, but a lifetime warranty is standard for hoops in the $1000 range.
  • Somewhat Difficult assembly. According to reviews, you will need at least 3 adults to put up the heavy backboard.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘You Cannot Hang on to this hoop, it was not made for that’ – ‘Very Sturdy for the Price’

Video

Summary

When I review a basketball hoop, I am always looking for flaws. It’s really hard to find any glaring weaknesses with the SB-60. Even though the 2-section pole isn’t ideal, it’s still pretty solid. After doing some research, I found that that this is probably the best buy for in-ground hoops below $1000. If that is your budget, then the SB-60 is a great choice. If you can go a little higher, I would probably recommend the Mammoth 98862 instead.

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Lifetime 71566 XL Portable Basketball System

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Pros

Polycarbonate backboard, portable, affordable, spring rim, easy height adjustment, 5 year warranty

Cons

Small backboard, incremental height adjustment, lack of stability

Overall Rating

The Lifetime 71566 XL is an entry-level portable system that features a 50″ shatter-proof polycarbonate backboard. The height adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet with the use of a handle. You raise and lower the handle to make the adjustment. The 3.5″ round pole is broken down into three sections. Included is a solid steel double compression rim for dunking. The backboard offset is 22 inches. The base holds 35 gallons of water or sand. The 71566 XL is backed by a 5 year limited warranty.

What To Like

  • Portable. Talk about stating the obvious. Nonetheless, portability allows you to move it from one spot to another and requires no installation. You can take with if you relocate.
  • Affordable. Basketball hoops can get awfully expensive, but the 71566 XL is priced in a range that is affordable for many families.
  • Polycarbonate backboard. This is a very strong material, as it’s stronger than the often seen acrylic backboards. Therefore, it’s not as likely to break because of dunking.
  • Spring rim. It provides some give so players can dunk. However, I wouldn’t recommend hanging on it.
  • Easy height adjustment. Squeeze the handle, and lower it up or down. That’s it, the process is quick and easy.
  • 5 year warranty. If something breaks within five years, Lifetime will send a replacement part.

What Not To Like

  • Backboard size. 50″ is a bit small, so players don’t have as big of a target when shooting.
  • Height adjusts in increments. If you look at more expensive hoops, they’ll adjust infinitely. In other words, you’ll be able to set it anywhere in the height range, typically 7.5 – 10 feet. This hoop adjusts in 6-inch increments, so users don’t have as many options.
  • Lack of stability. Naturally, a portable hoop isn’t going to be as stable as an in-ground. Plus, the pole and backboard aren’t very sturdy, so it will have some wobble.
  • 22-inch offset. Not much space under the basket. Not a huge deal, but it’s less safe and doesn’t give players as much room to maneuver.
  • 3-section round pole. A one-piece square pole is best for performance.

Summary

The Lifetime 71566 XL is pretty similar to many entry-level hoops. It’s well-suited for children or adults, as long as they don’t abuse it. The backboard is solid, the spring rim allows for dunking, and the height adjustment is pretty straightforward. It’s not going to perform as well as an in-ground. But if you want a portable hoop at a reasonable price, then it’s a good option.

As with all of the portable hoop systems that we have reviewed, installation is not a cakewalk. Once the hoop is up, it is actually a pretty sturdy hoop for the price. I would say that this hoop is fine for families with young children or old people with young grandchildren. I would not consider this the best alternative for families with rough teenage children that like to play basketball.

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