Basketball Hoop Reviews

Spalding 79307 Backboard/Rim Combo

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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.

Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball System

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Pros

Sturdy, small footprint, adjustable, overhang, price

Cons

A Portable type Basketball hoop that is actually inground, backboard size and thickness, pole design, size, and shape, cement installation. Problems with installation. Maybe a little wobbly.

Overall Rating


The Lifetime 71799 is an entry-level model that features a 50 inch backboard that can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6 inch increments. The rim has double compression springs to allow for dunking. The pole comes in 3 sections with a diameter of 3.5 inches. The backboard is made out of Makrolon, which is a strong form of polycarbonate. A UV coating has been applied in order to prevent yellowing. The hoop adjusts with the use of a handle. The 71799 is backed by a 5-year warranty. Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 6 inches ; 88 pounds.

What To Like

  • Sturdy. The main benefit of installing an in-ground basketball hoop is stability. Basketball enthusiasts love this, as not only does it look more professional, but you don’t have to worry about it moving during play. The hoop in general will be more rigid and durable compared to similar portable models.
  • Small footprint. While portable models in this price range are small as well, the difference is that they have a base that takes up more space. Of course, an in-ground model doesn’t have this.
  • Adjustable. With height adjustment down to 7.5 feet, children can benefit from shooting on a lower hoop. They can also have fun dunking if they are old enough. The adjustment is very easy, it’s simply a matter of grabbing the handle and moving it up or down.
  • Overhang. Because it has no base, this model allows for play underneath the hoop. You also don’t have to worry as much about bumping into the pole. In general, it allows for more realistic play.
  • Polycarbonate backboard. This material is pretty strong, and should hold up long-term. I wouldn’t recommend adults dunking and hanging on the rim though.
  • Price. For just under $250, the Lifetime 71799 is priced very affordable.

What Not To Like

  • Not portable. The downside with an in-ground model is that it can’t be moved around like a portable model could. You can’t remove it unless you dig up the concrete.
  • Backboard size & thickness. While 50″ is respectable, it’s still small for a backboard. The bigger the backboard, the better. 54″ is the minimum I look for. 50″ is too small for a 2-car driveway. The backboard is also thin and therefore not as rigid.
  • Pole design, size, and shape. This pole comes in sections of 3, which is fine for casual players. But it’s not going to be as strong as one pole. The square poles are better because they are more stable. The size is 3.5 inches, which once again makes it less rigid.
  • Adjustable in increments. Some of the more expensive models allow for infinite adjustment. This means that you can make micro-adjustments, while this model adjusts every 6 inches only.
  • Cement installation. The pole will have to be directly cemented into the ground. This will require some work on your end.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: (13) 5 Stars – ‘Great for the Price…’

Amazon.com: (10) 4 Stars – ‘The directions could have been a little more clear…’

Amazon.com: (6) 3 Stars – ‘It does seem to wobble a bit…’

Summary

The Lifetime 71799 is designed primarily for children and casual play. The backboard is a bit small, and it’s not very rigid. Plus, you will have to go through the trouble of pouring cement. However, being cemented in-ground will make it more sturdy and allow for more realistic play. It’s also adjustable and it’s very affordable for most families.  To us this is more of a portable hoop quality and is one of our lower rated inground hoops.

For the Cheapest Price, Most Customer Support and best Return Policy we Recommend Amazon.com for your basketball hoop purchase. Orders processed Through Amazon.com

Lifetime Complete Portable Basketball System

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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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