Sports equipment and athletic stores and business carry many products to assist you in your goal of playing that perfect game of basketball.
In choosing the right product for you and your family, you need to take into consideration if you want a fixed or a portable hoop.
Are smaller kids going to be playing too? If so, an adjustable one may also be something that you want to investigate.
It is a great idea to take measurements of the area you are looking to work with and make sure that in your neighborhood it is acceptable to have a hoop in your yard.
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Top 10 Basketball Hoops for the Money
Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System Review
If you’re shopping for an affordable basketball goal for home, then this cheap portable basketball hoop system from Lifetime is a great choice.
It has a low price, which our editors think makes it one of the best portable basketball hoops for the money right now.
The 44-inch backboard is pretty much unbreakable, so you don’t have to worry too much about anyone dunking and shattering it.
And, it is a good choice for teens and kids since it is adjustable from 7.5 ft tall in height all the way up to 10-ft 6-in in height. And the adjusting mechanism is an easy to use telescoping one that raises in 6-inch increments.
This all-weather portable basketball hoop system is made to stay outside all year long and it can withstand even the harshest weather – the backboard has UV protection so you don’t even have to worry about sun damage from the UV rays.
But, if you want to move it inside, it is very easy to do. And, you don’t have to worry about it moving because it is very sturdy thanks to the 27-gallon base, which you can fill with water or sand to anchor it in place for game play.
It is very durable too – it features an 18-in rim made of solid steel, which is secured with half-inch steel braces and net hooks of welded steel.
However, this is not a breakaway rim. This portable home basketball goal comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Lifetime 71525 Height Adjustable In Ground Basketball System Review
If you need a good in-ground basketball goal that is made to withstand aggressive and high-intensity playing, then look no further than this adjustable height model from Lifetime.
It has an affordable price and offers a good value for the money when it comes to quality in-ground basketball hoops.
The backboard is 54-inches and made to be ultra-durable. The steel frame is padded and blow-molded while the backboard itself is constructed of Makrolon polycarbonate, which makes it shatterproof.
And the Slam It Pro rim is designed for dunking. The double compression springs give it a nice spring back feature after every dunk.
It features a Power Lift height adjustment mechanism on the pole, which makes it super easy to take it from 7.5-feet up to 10-feet in height – it only takes one hand to make the adjustment!
This quality in-ground basketball system comes with a 5-year warranty. It is designed to withstand pretty much any type of weather.
The graphics and the backboard have UV protection so that they won’t fade to get any other damage from the sun.
If you’re looking to throw down on your home basketball court, then this is definitely a good choice for you. It is great for the serious basketball player who wants to get in a lot of time playing hoops at home – either alone or with friends and family.
Our editor’s rate it as truly one of the best basketball hoops for the driveway.
Types and Considerations Before Buying
There are a lot of options out there. So, before buying a home basketball hoop, get to know the different types and other things to consider before buying.
This will ensure that you end up with the best basketball hoop for your family.
Portable Hoops
The first question that needs to be asked is how much room do you have available for the base of your new hoop. You also need to decide on how large you want the back board and what material is best for you.
Depending on who and for what reasons the hoop is needed will change these aspects of the equipment.
If you are looking to compete in high school or college, there are different measurements that are regulation for the game.
Back Boards
Glass for the back board is the best material as it does not vibrate or bend. It is generally used by high school, college and professional teams for these reasons.
Another option is acrylic if you have concerns that there may be rocks or other items thrown at the hoop. Sometimes there are accidents that can happen and it may be in your best interest to have the back board in acrylic.
The only real concern with acrylic is it may look worn if left in the sun and weather.
There are several sizes available depending on the location of the hoop. There are regulation sizes for competitions and there are more appropriate sizes for a neighborhood board.
You also want to have a strong and heavy enough base to assure that there are no injuries that could be prevented.
In Ground Hoops
If you are serious about your basketball playing, you may want to go with a permanent hoop as it is going to save you money and headaches in the long run.
Placing it at a height that allows you to have a good competition as well as a game as close to regulation as possible, this may be the answer for you.
Price is another consideration that may force your choice. It is more expensive to have an in ground hoop, but there will be positive aspects of this as well.
It will be sturdier and stronger, especially in rough weather.
Wall Mounted Hoops
There are many options that are available when it comes to the wall-mounted hoops. You need to consider the space issue and decide if you want the hoop to fold up and be stored when not in use.
There are also stationary models that are great options as well. The great thing about this is there are many places to do your research for what is best for you.
Roof Mounted
This may be a good choice if you know that you will be remaining at the property for a long period of time as there will need to be some way to keep the hoop up.
Whether or not it is screwed into the building or not is another concern that you need to weigh with this project.
Ceiling Mounted
This is probably one of, if not, the best approach if you have the room, time, money and commitment to basketball.
This will work only in very few situations when looking to install one in your home, but it is worthy of notice as it may be something to work towards in time.
Portable vs. Fixed: Which Basketball Hoop Type Is Better?
When it comes down to deciding which type of basketball hoop is better–fixed or portable–the deciding factor may be your available space, and whether or not players and hoop need to be more “adaptable”.
What this means is, “Is a moveable hoop more of an asset than a fixed location, to improve traffic flow in your home location?”
Many portable hoop lovers enjoy the fact that they can move their hoop into the street, to the other side of the driveway, or even to another location like a neighbor’s house, if they like. This is, arguably, the best “pro” about portable basketball hoops.
The drawbacks may include: more effort involved in situating and steadying them; are less secure, and can even be stolen.
Fixed hoops, on the other hand, offer the user a far lower-maintenance prospect, and a generally steadier one at that.
Whether cemented into the ground at parks and playgrounds, or bolted in atop garage eaves, fixed hoop enthusiasts know that their hoop will stay put, steady, and always be there. On the other hand, you can’t unbolt a fixed hoop and take it down to the street, or to a friend’s house.
The component parts of a hoop also need to be weighed–rims, poles, backboards, bases, and nets–all need to be carefully considered before purchase. Some people choose fixed backboards in order to simplify all that decision-making about the various parts.
But, beyond the seemingly obvious attributes of fixed and portable hoops, are there other deciding factors involved which may only be known to manufacturers, insiders or experts?
1. Building material. Whether they are portable or fixed, one key deciding factor is building material. Do you want a cheaper steel or plastic composite material, or a more durable, fiberglass or straight glass hoop?
If you can spend it, get the more durable type of hoop, the experts would tell you.
2. Moving residence frequency. How often the hoop owner changes residence is another factor. A portable hoop can move with you from place to place.
3. Game types played. Another factor is what kind of basketball games are going to be played most of the time? With two portable hoops, you’ve got a full court and perhaps more game options–with a fixed board atop a garage, you may be limiting your game types, depending on the driveway width or play area.
4. Who is playing? Kids and adolescents almost invariably prefer portable basketball hoops. They like the neighborhood interaction with other kids that the portable hoops offer them.
Fixed hoops kind of say, “You’re playing here and only here,” which is a drawback if you have kids. Adults and pro players generally prefer fixed hoops–pros even fixing them on poles into concrete on backyard play surfaces.
Adults are also bigger, and can do slam-dunking, which almost always demands a fixed hoop with spring-loaded rim.
5. Cost One major factor is budget: fixed hoops tend to be much more expensive than “youth hoops” or portable types, especially the in-ground types, which can run well into the thousands per hoop.
6. Adjustable-height vs. fixed-height. The difference here is simple: If smaller players and kids will be using the hoop, the adjustable-height one is what you want. If heights will stay the same, get the hoop that stays the same!
Beyond these key points, the individual hoop buyer will have to weigh what they value, in terms of playability, structure, material, style, and budget.
One cannot really say that one type of hoop is better than another per se, but rather, must weigh all of the attributes they are seeking in a hoop, and if the list comes out longer on one side or another, choose that type.
And remember the most important factor when choosing a basketball hoop: have fun!
Choosing a Rim
There are two possibilities when choosing a rim: fixed and break-away. A fixed rim is generally used for casual or youth playing where there won’t be someone hanging from the hoop or the net.
A break-away rim will assure that there won’t be damage done to the hoop or to the backboard and if it is a glass one, it won’t shatter.
There are different products available depending on the specific concerns and playing habits of the players. Some rims can break-away at any angle assuring that a terrible accident will be less likely to happen.
The rim needs to be 18″ around so that the ball can easily fit through it. You also want nothing less than 5/8″ for the thickness of the hoop.
There are more choices available depending on the company you decide to use. Your budget, personal space, needs and plans are a great place to start.
Again, taking careful measurements of the area is very helpful to your athletic salesman who will be helping you make the best choice for your home. SWOOSH!
Still need a good basketball? Read our guide on shopping for the best basketball for the money.
