Pros
52″ acrylic backboard, breakaway rim, easy assembly, warranty
Cons
Mount sold separately, thin backboard
Overall Rating
The Spalding 79307 consists of a 52″ inch acrylic backboard and a pro slam breakaway rim. The backboard is 4.5mm thick, and can be mounted to a wall or a square pole. The mount is sold separately. The backboard/rim weighs a total of 40 pounds. It’s compatible with the Spalding 920312 Extension Arm and the Spalding 316 U-Turn Lift System Bracket Spalding provides a 5-year warranty on the backboard and 1-year on the rim.
What To Like
- 52″ backboard. It’s large enough to shoot bank shots on from a variety of angles. Being square-shaped is also a positive, considering that some mounted hoops are fan shaped.
- Acrylic backboard. Even though polycarbonate may be stronger, acrylic is still strong in its own right. It’s used on some hoops that cost over $1000, as it plays similar to a glass backboard. It is more prone to scratching however.
- Breakaway rim. For those who can dunk, this is a feature that is a must. While it’s not heavy duty, it still gives so you won’t shatter the backboard. Just one caveat: I wouldn’t recommend hanging on the rim. This hoop is not built to take abuse.
- Removable. A benefit of a mounted hoop in general is that it can be removed at any point in time without much hassle.
- Easy assembly. In-ground hoops can be tricky to install, but mounted hoops are pretty straightforward..
- Warranty. While the backboard isn’t the most durable, it is protected by a 5-year warranty. Spalding is a reputable brand, and they will stand by their products.
What Not To Like
- Mount sold separately. I mentioned the two mounts above that are compatible with the Spalding 79307. One is a extension arm with a 4 foot offset, and the other is adjustable up to 3 feet. Regardless of which one you choose, it will cost you at least another $100.
- Thin backboard. It’s 4.5mm thick, which is not even 1/6 inches thick. A thin backboard isn’t going to be as rigid or durable long-term. A few customers noted that the backboard arrived cracked. Here is what one customer had to say:”….the actual backboard material is much thinner than I expected………I was expecting something much thicker and more robust.” – Daniel Druker
Summary
Overall, the Spalding 79307 is a good option for hoops in the $200 range. It’s produced by a reputable brand, has a 52″ backboard, and a breakaway rim. An adjustable mount can be purchased so it raises or lowers. The backboard however isn’t the most durable, but it’s covered by a solid warranty.