Pros

No installation, portable, crank adjust, 54″ backboard, breakaway rim

Cons

Acrylic backboard, 3 section round pole, 16″ overhang

Overall Rating

The Spalding 68564 is a mid-level portable basketball system that is suitable for a 1-2 car driveway. It features a 54″ acrylic backboard, an Arena Slam breakaway rim, and a Screw Jack lift system that adjusts the height between 7-10 feet. After the height has been adjusted, the handle can be removed for safety purposes. The round 3.5 inch pole comes in 3 sections, and it has a front cover that serves as a rebounder. The base holds 40 gallons of sand or water, and the overhang is 16″. The 68564 is backed by a limited 5-year limited warranty.

What To Like

• No installation. While assembly is be required, you won’t have to worry about digging a 4 foot hole and pouring cement.
• Portable. This feature can be very convenient if you would prefer to store the hoop when not being used. You can also move it out on the street to get a larger playing surface. If you decide to relocate, then it can be taken with.
• Crank adjust. I prefer this form of adjustment over all others because of its precision and reliability. Sure, the pneumatic mechanisms might not require as much effort, but they also have a shorter life span. The infinite adjustment is also a plus.
• 54″ backboard. This is a nice size because it’s suitable for a 1-2 car driveway, which is what most households have. If you want 60″, then check out the Spalding 68562. It’s pretty much the same hoop as this one, only with a bigger backboard.
• Arena Slam breakaway rim. The more expensive the hoop, the higher quality of rim it has. This rim in particular is pretty typical for a hoop of this price. It has the wrap-around support that you see on pro-style rims, and of course has give when dunking.

What Not To Like

• Acrylic backboard. Polycarbonate is actually superior, though acrylic is still used on some higher end models. Acrylic has a professional look, is quite sturdy and will hold up to dunking. But it’s susceptible to scratching and yellowing over time. The steel frame support does give it some more stability.
• 3 section round pole. While you would like to see more than a 3.5″ diameter, manufacturers won’t use a thicker pole than what’s necessary. Square, one-piece poles are far superior when it comes to sturdiness.
• 16″ overhang. This isn’t much, and it’s certainly better than nothing. It at least provides some space underneath the basket so players won’t be as susceptible to bumping into it. Given that it’s a portable, the poles can only be so thick. And without a thick pole, you won’t have a big overhang. But a 2 ft overhang is the minimum I like to see so it’s safe for players, and is better for performance.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘A Perfect Hoop – Sturdy, Looks Nice, Moves easily and has a nice big backboard…’

Amazon.com: 3 Stars – ‘Good Product, Defective Base, Difficult Assembly’

Summary

I pretty much wrote the exact same review for the Spalding 68562 Portable System. As mentioned, the only clear difference is the backboard size. Overall, Spalding produces quality portable basketball hoops. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a hoop like this one, if an in-ground model wasn’t feasible. It’s as good as any other portable out there in this price range.

The Spalding 68564 is a mid-level portable basketball system that is suitable for a 1-2 car driveway. It can be raised and lowered between 7 and 10 feet. It is a typical Spalding portable hoop. Good, but not as stunning as the Inground systems. I actually prefer this portable hoop to the Spalding 68454 and would buy it if I could afford it. Unfortunately, I can’t because I spent all of my money on an Inground basketball hoop. The bottom line on the Spalding 68564 hoop is that you are going to get a heck of a portable hoop. I see this one all over my neighborhood.

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Pros

Micro-adjustable, 60-inch backboard, Arena Slam breakaway rim, stable

Cons

16-inch overhang, round 3.5 inch pole, acrylic backboard

Overall Rating

The Spalding 6852 is a mid-level portable basketball hoop. It features an acrylic 60-inch backboard and heavy-duty steel frame. The Arena Slam breakaway rim has steel support braces and an institutional style wrap. The adjustment ranges in infinite increments from 7.5 to 10 feet with the Screw Jack lift system. Once the height is set, the handle can be removed. The base can hold 40 gallons of water or sand. The three-piece pole is 3.5 inches in diameter, and the overhang is 16-inches. Dimensions: 58 x 35 x 15 inches ; 100 pounds.

What To Like

• Portable. This is ideal for those who want nothing to do with inground models, and would like to move it around when necessary. You can take it anywhere you want it as long as it’s on a level surface.
• Adjustable. While a lot of hoops nowadays have this feature, this one has infinite adjustment. This separates it from some of the less expensive hoops that adjust in 6-inch increments. You can remove the handle from the jack to prevent injury and tampering. Children benefit the most from this feature.
• Backboard size. Regulation sized width is 72-inches, and this one is 60-inches, so it’s not far off. It’s big enough for a 2 or 3-car driveway, and allows for bank shots from various angles. It’s suitable for more serious play by adults.
• Arena Slam breakaway rim. The design mimics some of the rims you would see in gym. The support braces and smooth spring action will take some pressure off the backboard during play. It also makes the rim softer, allowing for the ball to bounce in more frequently while shooting. It’s strong enough to handle adults dunking on it.
• Front cover. The cover gives the hoop a more professional look, plus it serves as a rebounder when the ball goes through the net.
• Stability. While it’s $200 more, the Spalding 6852 is 50 pounds heavier than Lifetime 71524 model, even though it basically has the same pole and base. This added weight makes it more stable. Of course, it actually will weigh a lot more once the base is filled up.

What To Like

• 16-inch overhang. This doesn’t provide enough space to play underneath the basket, and players will be more susceptible to bumping into the front cover.
• Round 3.5 inch pole. Square poles are the strongest, plus 3.5 inches isn’t any larger than some of the less expensive models. I would have expected a stronger pole, especially for a 60-inch backboard. Plus, it comes in sections of 3, which is not ideal.
• Acrylic backboard. Polycarbonate is actually a stronger material than acrylic, which is found on some lower level hoops. Acrylic isn’t bad, as it does mimic indoor baskets in appearance. However, you will notice little scuff marks after a while, and it can attract mildew.

Summary

The 60-inch backboard is probably the most appealing trait of the Spalding 68562. There is nothing extraordinary about it, but it’s a pretty solid hoop all around. It’s stable, has a large-sized backboard, and has a high-quality rim. I would say that it’s worth the price tag.

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