Pros
Stable, tempered glass 60″ backboard, one-piece 5-inch square pole, 3-foot overhang, lifetime warranty
Cons
No pole padding
Overall Rating
The 98862 is one of three basketball systems produced by Mammoth Basketball. It features a 60″ tempered glass backboard, a 5-inch square pole, and a 3 foot overhang from the pole to the backboard. The adjustment ranges from 7.5-10 feet in infinite increments with the use of a handle assist mechanism. The Spring Flex Rim features a support brace that wraps around the rim. An anchor mount is used for installation. The 98862 is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
What To Like
- Stable. In-ground hoops provide the best stability. Plus, the heavy tempered glass backboard and 5-inch square pole make it that much more sturdy.
- Tempered glass backboard. Tempered glass is the best of the best, as it’s used in the college and pro ranks. This backboard is 3/8 inches thick, which is pretty close to regulation size (1/2″).
- 60″ backboard. The next biggest size is 72″, which is as big as it gets. What I like about 60″ is that it’s not too big for an average sized, 2 car driveway. Certainly 72″ is ideal, but you would need to have a dedicated playing area because it’s so big.
- Heavy-duty breakaway rim. It looks like a rim you would see in an arena, though it doesn’t break at the sides like the professional ones. Nonetheless, it’s 5/8 inches thick and gives players the freedom to dunk as hard as they want.
- 3-foot overhang. This provides plenty of space so players don’t bump into the pole, while also having more room for play behind the basket.
- Gas assisted mechanism. The hoop raises and lowers with the help of gas springs. A customer noted that his leaked after 5 years. The advantage with gas assisted mechanisms is that they’re easier to adjust than their manual counterparts. The downside of course is that they aren’t as durable.
- One piece 5-inch square pole. The one-piece pole is the most stable, and square ones are more stable than their round counterparts. 5-inches is thick enough for a 60″ backboard.
- Anchor mount installation. This is the best in-ground installation because the pole can be removed from the anchor.
- Limited lifetime warranty. I don’t know what’s covered and what isn’t, but you have to love this as a customer.
Our Mammoth Hoop 7 Years Later (Still in Great Condition)
Reviews from Around the Web
Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘I’m thoroughly impressed’
Amazon.com: 5 Stars – ‘The Company Stood behind their 7 year warranty’
Video
What Not To Like
- No pole padding. You would think that a basketball hoop priced over $100 would have padding? Not a huge deal, but the padding makes it more safe and gives it more of a professional look. If you want padding, here is one that fits 5-inch poles: Pole and Gusset Pad.
Summary
The Mammoth 98862 performs as a premium basketball hoop should. The tempered glass, 60″ backboard, the 3-foot overhang, and the 5-inch square pole are big pluses. In comparison to the Mammoth 98856, which is a few hundred dollars less, the backboard is 6-inches wider and it has an overhang a 1/2 ft. longer. I think this model is worth the extra money.
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