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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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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