Pros

60″ Tempered glass backboard, 4-inch square pole, 2.5 foot overhang, anchor mount installation. A Poor man’s alternative to a Professional Basketball Hoop. Probably the Highest quality, low cost Hoop System available.

Cons

2-section pole, no lifetime warranty. That’s about it.  This is a 5 Star – Complete basketball hoop system.  Recommended by me as a top basketball hoop for under $1000.

Overall Rating

Silverback is a division of Goalrilla, who produces one of the best lines of in-ground basketball hoops on the market. The SB-60 features a 60″ tempered glass backboard with aluminum trim. The two-section square pole is 4 – inches thick, and the backboard extends 2.5 feet out from the pole. It adjusts infinitely from 7.5 to 10 feet with the use of a steel actuator. It’s installed using an anchor bolt system. The SB-60 is backed by a 7 year warranty.

What To Like

• 60″ tempered glass backboard. This size is ideal for most residences because it’s not too big for a driveway, yet is one step from being regulation size (72″). Simply put, tempered glass is the best of the best. It’s 5/16″ thick, which is enough to provide plenty of rigidity.
• Handle assist mechanism. It uses a motor to assist with raising and lowering the hoop. Most are completely manual or gas assisted. This if the first hoop I have seen with a motor.
• Pro-style breakaway rim. I don’t know any specifics about the rim, but it has a pro-style look to it. It’s not exactly the same as what’s used in the NBA, but it’s close. It’s heavy-duty and is built to last.
• 4-inch square pole. Square poles are more sturdy than round ones, and 4-inches is solid. The thicker the pole, the less vibration a hoop has.
• 2.5 foot overhang. This provides ample space for play underneath the basket. Plus, it’s safer because players are less likely to run into the pole. In general, this space just allows for more serious play.
• Pole padding. Many premium hoops don’t come with a pad, they make you buy one separately. The SB-60 comes with one, and this just makes it that much more safe for the players.
• Anchor-mount installation. This is the best installation for in-ground hoops because it can be removed easily.

What Not To Like

• 2-section pole. It’s thick enough, but you would like to see a one-piece pole instead. Most hoops in this price range have one, so that is a bit of a disappointment. The two-piece pole isn’t as sturdy, plus you’ll have to put put them together during the assembly.
• 7-year warranty. Not bad, but a lifetime warranty is standard for hoops in the $1000 range.
• Somewhat Difficult assembly. According to reviews, you will need at least 3 adults to put up the heavy backboard.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘You Cannot Hang on to this hoop, it was not made for that’ – ‘Very Sturdy for the Price’

Video

Summary

When I review a basketball hoop, I am always looking for flaws. It’s really hard to find any glaring weaknesses with the SB-60. Even though the 2-section pole isn’t ideal, it’s still pretty solid. After doing some research, I found that that this is probably the best buy for in-ground hoops below $1000. If that is your budget, then the SB-60 is a great choice. If you can go a little higher, I would probably recommend the Mammoth 98862 instead.

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

Pros

Tempered glass, crank adjustment, 4″ square pole, 2 foot overhang. A good to great value for this hoop system.

Cons

Better for kids than adults.

Overall Rating

The Silverback SB-54iG features a 54″ tempered glass backboard and a 4-inch two piece square pole. It adjusts in height from 7.5 to 10 inches with the use of a crank. The overhang is 2 ft, which is the distance from the pole to the bottom of the backboard. The system is powder coated from the bottom up to prevent rust and corrosion. The installation is direct burial, and it’s backed by a 7-year warranty that includes the tempered glass. Dimensions: 71.4 x 35.9 x 6.4 inches; 152 pounds.

What To Like

• Stable. The primary advantage of an in-ground basketball hoop is their stability. They can’t be moved, which makes the backboard that much more rigid. They also are also more durable compared to similarly priced portable models.
• Crank/infinite adjustment. The height adjusts with the turn of a handle. This type of adjustment is the most reliable and durable. It has infinite adjustment, which allows you to choose any height between 7.5 and 10 feet.
• Tempered glass backboard. The best feature of this hoop. Tempered glass is the best material you get for a basketball hoop. It’s heavy, rigid, and is resistance to scratches. This provides the best performance compared to the other types. At 54″, it’s big enough for a 2 car driveway.
• 4″ square pole. Square poles are preferred over round ones because they limit vibration. The diameter is also bigger than the Spalding 68562, which is round and 3.5 inches.
• 2 foot overhang. This provides enough space for players to play behind the backboard, and is more safe since they aren’t as likely to bump into the pole. The overhang on regulation hoops is 5 feet, but 2 is enough particular for a basket this price range.
• Pole padding. This gives some cushion in case a player bumps into the pole.

What Not To Like

• Backboard thickness. While tempered glass is a big plus, 3/16 isn’t very thick for a backboard. The thickest are 1/2, and these are the ones used in the NBA. I would at least like to see 3/8 for this hoop. A few customers did say that the basket does shake a bit when shooting. The brackets could have something to do with this as well.
• Cement installation. This is a direct bury installation, meaning it goes straight into the ground. The one downside with this is that it can’t be taken out unless you tear up the concrete. This will require some work and some additional funds to get the concrete.
• 2-piece pole. The Spalding 68562, which is more expensive, actually has three sections. Two is certainly better than three, but one-piece is still the best.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘Excellent hoop for the money….’

Amazon.com: 4 Stars – ‘Very Good System, some hiccup with installation’

Amazon.com: 3 Stars – ‘Good for Youth, not for teens or adults’

Video

Summary

The one feature that stands out above all else is the tempered glass backboard. This is the best you can get in terms of durability and performance. The pole is square and a solid 4-inches, while the 2-foot overhang allows for play under the backboard. Cement installations are work, and the backboard could be a bit thicker. At the end of the day, there is a lot to like about the Silverback SB-54iG.

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: