Pros

54″ backboard, no installation, 4-inch square pole, pole padding, crank adjust

Cons

Polycarbonate backboard, 3-section pole, stability

Overall Rating

The Spalding 6839R features a 54″ polycarbonate backboard, a 4-inch square pole, and infinite adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet. The adjustment is made with the Screw Jack Lift System, which is a crank handle mechanism. The pole comes in 3 sections. Also included is a pole pad, an Arena Slam rim, and a 40 gallon base that can be filled with water or sand. The 68395R is backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

What To Like

• 4-inch square pole. A square pole is more rigid than a round one, and 4-inches is slightly thicker than the lower level hoops.
• No installation. In-ground hoops are superior as far as stability is concerned, but the installation process takes time and effort. Another benefit with portable hoops is being able to easy transport them to another location if necessary.
• 54″ backboard. A 54″ is a good size for either a one or two car driveway. This is just large enough to realistically be able to shoot bank shots. The ideal size for most homeowners is 60″, but this is the next biggest size. Simply put: it’s not ideal, but it’s good enough.
• Pole padding. This may not seem like a big deal, but most hoops in this price range don’t have one. In fact, I have seen some hoops cost over $1000 that didn’t come with a pole pad. It provides a nice cushion in case a player runs into it, plus it has a nice look to it.
• Crank adjust. I prefer crank adjust over gas assisted mechanisms because they last longer and are more precise. The only downside is that you will have to do some manual labor while lowering or raising the hoop, though it’s really not much trouble.

What Not To Like

• Polycarbonate backboard. This is a very strong material, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, the reason I have it as a con because you can get the Spalding 68454 for just a little more money, and it has a tempered glass backboard.
• 3-section pole. A pole with this many sections is not going to be as sturdy, plus putting them together takes some work.
• Stability. The one thing I really don’t like about most portable hoops is they just aren’t as sturdy as their in-ground or mounted counterparts. This is such a key feature for the overall performance of a hoop. What you gain in mobility, you lose with stability.

Summary

If cost isn’t a factor, then Spalding 68454 is the better buy because it has a tempered glass backboard. This material is far superior to polycarbonate. Not only does it perform better, but it’s also more durable.

The Spalding 6839R is a middle of the road to low end Spalding Portable hoop. This is the scenario in which I would buy this hoop: If I only have one or two kids, if I was putting it into a shop or other area where it is rarely played or if I my kids are young and you want a less expensive hoop. The Polycarbonate backboard is not going to wow anybody, but it is sturdy enough. I would quit being so cheap and spend a little more money and upgrade to a better Spalding portable hoop.

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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 $750, 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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