Basketball Hoop Reviews

Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System

By

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.

Orders processed Through Amazon.com

Lifetime 71523 Competition XL Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Portable, 54″ polycarbonate backboard, infinite adjustment, 22-inch overhang, breakaway rim

Cons

3-piece 3.5″ round pole, lack of stability, value

Overall Rating

The 71523 Competition XL is the second highest priced portable hoop sold by Lifetime. Featured is a 54″ polycarbonate backboard and infinite adjustment from 7.5 to 10 ft. The slam-it pro rim has a wrap-around support that mimics what you would see in a gym. The rectangular extension arms allow for a 22 inch overhang, which is an increase over lesser priced models from Lifetime. The pole comes in 3 sections and has a diameter of 3.5 inches. The base holds 35 gallons of water or sand. The 71523 is backed by a 5 year limited warranty. Footprint: 49 x 24 x 12 ; weight: 118 lbs.

What To Like

  • Portable. This type of hoop is suited for those who don’t want to install an in-ground model, or would like to store the hoop while it’s not being used. Portables are also ideal for casual players who won’t care as much about a lack of stability.
  • Infinite adjustment. Some portable hoops adjust in increments, but this one can adjust to any height between 7.5-10 feet. It’s raised and lowered with a pneumatic handle assist. This makes it easier to adjust, but doesn’t have the reliability long-term that a manual one does.
  • 54″ polycarbonate backboard. It’s well-suited for a 1-2 car driveway, and is big enough to shoot bank shots on from all angles. Polycarbonate is stronger than acrylic, which makes it less susceptible to damage if exposed to dunking and rough play.
  • Breakaway rim. What’s different about this rim compared to other similar models is the wrap-around brace. It gives it a more professional look, and plays better because of it. Players can dunk without worrying about causing damage.
  • 22-inch overhang. This isn’t much, but the Spalding 68564 costs $60 more and has an overhang of 16 inches. The more overhang a basket has, the more safe it is for players. That’s because there is more room to maneuver under the backboard. It also provides a little more realism.
  • No installation. Another benefit of buying a portable hoop is not having to dig a hole or pour cement.

What Not To Like

  • 3-piece 3.5″ round pole. The best poles are square and come in one-piece because they all but eliminate vibration. For casual play, it’s not a big deal however. But if you want performance, I would look for a hoop with a single pole. The other downside is that the sections have to be put together, which can be a challenge at times.
  • Lack of stability. What you gain in portability, you lose in stability.
  • Value. The Lifetime 71524 almost has the exact same specifications, yet costs $100 less. I think the main difference is that the 71523 has stronger extension arms, which results in a larger overhang. But is that alone worth an extra $100?

Summary

The Lifetime 71523 is ideal for casual/recreation play among children or adults. It’s a quality hoop, and there isn’t much to gripe about. Lifetime produces a really solid line of affordable basketball hoops. What’s strange how much this hoop resembles the Lifetime 71524, yet costs $100 more. What you have to decide is whether the additional overhang is worth the difference in price.

Orders processed Through Amazon.com

Review: Mammoth 98856 In-Ground Basketball System

By

Pros

Tempered glass backboard, 1-piece 5″ square pole, 2.5 foot overhang, anchor bolt installation

Cons

54″ inch backboard, no pole padding, installation requires time and effort

Overall Rating


The 98856 is one of three basketball systems sold by Mammoth. It features a 3/8-inch thick tempered glass backboard, a 5-inch square pole, and a spring flex rim. A handle assist mechanism is used to to raise or lower the hoop between 7.5-10 feet. The overhang is 30-inches, which is the distance from the pole to the backboard. It’s installed using an anchor mount. The 98856 is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Dimensions: 4.4 x 37.6 x 6.3 inches ; 86 pounds.

What To Like

  • Stable. In-ground systems are best for performance because they don’t wobble or move like most portable models. I think they also have the most professional look compared to the other types. To a basketball purist, this is the only way to go.
  • Tempered glass backboard. This is the same material that is used for hoops in gymnasiums throughout the world, including college and the NBA. It won’t suffer any wear and tear unlike other materials such as acrylic, plus it’s way more sturdy. Because it’s a lot heavier, it’s much more resistant to movement. If you want performance, tempered glass is the only way to go. At 3/8 inches thick, it matches what most hoops have. Only the most expensive kinds have are 1/2″ thick.
  • Pro-style rim. This is pretty much a given for a hoop like this, but a breakaway rim allows players to dunk with authority. Plus, it rewards players who have very good touch on their shots.
  • 1-piece 5″ square pole. The one piece, square pole is the most sturdy combination. 5″ is about right considering the price, and is superior to what you’ll find with lesser quality models. The thicker the pole, the better it will play. The thickest pole I have seen is 8-inches that I saw on the Spalding 88724AAP.
  • 2.5 foot overhang. Regulation overhang from the baseline to the backboard is 4 feet. For recreational purposes, 2.5 feet is sufficient. It gives players enough room to play behind the backboard and avoid bumping into the pole. If you want more of an overhang, it will cost you. The Goalrilla GLR GS I has a 4 foot overhang, but costs about $800 more.
  • Anchor mount installation. This is the best type of installation for in-grounds because it can be removed, unlike direct burials.

What Not To Like

  • 54″ backboard. It’s not that 54″ is too small, but for $1000 I would like to have a 60″. I say that because there are 60″ models in this price range. I certainly wouldn’t go lower than this size though.
  • No pole padding. Not the end of the world, but this is an underrated feature for basketball hoops. It provides optimal safety and also gives it a more professional look. They are not exactly cheap either. Here is one that fits 5-inch poles: Pole and Gusset Pad.
  • Installation. This is not an indictment on the hoop at all, but heavy-duty inground hoops require the most effort to install. It involves digging a huge hole in the ground, followed by pouring cement. You will also need probably at least 3 men to help with the assembly. Of course, you could always pay someone to do for you.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘I recommend this goal to families with children….’

Summary

The Mammoth 98856 is ideal for those who want an above average basketball system for their home. The tempered glass provides optimal performance, as does the thick 5-inch pole and the pro-style rim. The complaints are very minor, and don’t relate at all to how it performs. If it had a larger backboard, I would have probably given it 4.5 stars. If you are looking for an in-ground system around $1000, this is definitely one to consider.

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

Recent Reviews & Articles

About This Site

Our goal is to provide honest opinions and reviews of basketball goals and hoops. We hope you find them helpful.

We do our best to keep all information as accurate and current as possible.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking Basketballhoopreview.net content to Amazon properties.