Best Basketball Hoop for Your Home Court
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Lifetime Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop -
Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop -
Spalding NBA Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop -
Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop -
Buyer's Guide
Finding the right basketball hoop depends on your needs, your preferences, and your budget. You can purchase a backboard and hoop that will mount to your garage or you can get a portable system that can be moved around anytime you want. Prices can range from under $100 for a simple backboard and hoop to a few thousand dollars for the finest portable basketball system. Most people don’t mind spending a few hundred bucks to get a decent backboard and hoop that will last for several years. There are many differences and features to be considered when purchasing backboards, hoops, and portable systems, but the most common are backboard materials, the size and stability of the pole and base, the range of heights, and the type of rim (breakaway or standard). The following lists will give you a good idea of what backboards and portable systems you will find on the market and which ones are considered the top choices. Checkout our top picks for best basketball hoops in 2022.
Compare The Best Basketball Hoops Of 2022
Lifetime Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop - Best Basketball Hoop Overall
The Lifetime 1558 XL Base Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System comes with a 52 inch Makrolon polycarbonate backboard to allow play without any hesitation. Known as the "Shatter Guard Backboard", the chances of this model breaking are slim to none. The pole system comes with an Action Grip height mechanism for one-handed height adjustments between 7.5 to 10 feet; this allows players at different skill levels to use the same system with ease. The portable base has a 35 gallon capacity which provides a very stable foundation so the chances of this portable hoop falling over are virtually impossible.
Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop - Runner Up
The Lifetime 71566 XL Portable Basketball System comes from the same line of systems as the 1558 basketball system does. It has the Shatter Guard backboard for intense play without the worry of any breaks or chips by a basketball, and also comes with an action grip height mechanism for easy height adjustment between 7.5 to 10 feet. What sets this product apart is the size of the backboard. This backboard is 50 inches while the Lifetime 1558 is 52 inches. Any other time I would say having a smaller backboard is a bad thing, but because this is a portable system, having a smaller backboard allows for easier packing and transportation.
Spalding NBA Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop - Honorable Mention
With its 54 inch acrylic frame, you'll be able to pound the basketball against the Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System for years without making a dent. It also comes with a heavy-duty steel frame and an arena slam breakaway rim so players can hang onto the rim without the worry of the system tipping over or folding under its own weight. The screw jack lift system will adjust the height of the hoop anywhere from 7.5 to 10 feet in infinite increments, which gives the player free access to put the hoop to whatever height they please. Lastly, with a 40 gallon base and maneuverable wheels, this system will easily counterbalance any kind of weight put upon it.
Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop - Consider
Offering a height range from 5.5 to 7.5 feet, the Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball System shows players exactly how it's like to play on a regulation hoop. Clearly a step below the Lifetime 1221 series hoop, the youth portable basketball system still gives the player every advantage needed to learn and progress.
With a polyethylene and powder coated steel backboard, you'll be sure to get every last ounce of life out of the hoop. Also the telescoping mechanism to change the height grants the player the option to change the height when they're ready to tackle a higher setting. As it is with every Lifetime product, this basketball system comes with a five year warranty.
Buyer's Guide
Face it, no matter how many basketball courts you have in your city; people will always fill them up. But luckily, you can now bring the court to your home by purchasing basketball hoops.
Depending on the model you get, basketball hoops can come with a lot more features than just shooting hoops. Whether you want to groom your little ‘LeBron’ or enjoy family time with some free throws, having the right basketball hoops can go a long way in making the home a happy place for you and your kids.
Now, the problem is finding the right one for you. There are just too many options out there. Where do you start from? What model is the best fitting for your needs? We know there are a lot of things to consider when making a choice. Lucky you! We are here to help you find just the right one for you. So, let’s take that shot, shall we?
What Should I consider before purchasing a Basketball Hoop?
The best basketball hoop is the right basketball hoop for you. You need to find the model that suits all your needs and demands. Before making your purchase, you need to consider important factors such as your available space, the adjustability of the hoop, and the kind of backboard used. Having a clear-cut idea of what you want from all of these factors would bring you three steps closer to making the right choice.
Consider Your Available Space
You cannot set up a basketball hoop in your living room. So, you might have to make space for it outdoors. One of the most common options is the driveway. If you have enough space for this, you can also set up your hoops there. However, if you live in a neighborhood that doesn’t prohibit the installation of basketball hoops in public spaces, then the sidewalk is a much spacious option. You should have this figured out before you even think of making the purchase.
If you have a large backyard space, then you are in luck! You can create your very own basketball court right there. With this investment, you can go for a high-quality in-ground basketball hoop of at least 60-inches.
Backboard Type
One of the greatest determiners of the durability of a hoop is the kind of material used in creating its blackboard. A good backboard would also influence how well the ball bounces back. Here are some of the best blackboard materials you should consider.
Tempered Glass
This is an elite-level backboard. It is what you would find in most gyms and courts.
Acrylic
It looks like glass, but it’s cheaper. It might not offer as good bounce and spin as the tempered glass, but it is lightweight. That would help in movement and installation.
Polycarbonate
Extremely durable, these backboards offer the kind of bounce and spin that you’d enjoy from an acrylic backboard.
Adjustability and Flexibility
If you are getting basketball hoops for your kids, here is one feature that you don’t want to pass on. Some of the best basketball hoops offer highly adjustable height options. This means that you can easily resize it for your kids and yourself as you like. However, not all basketball hoops are highly adjustable. Some models can only be adjusted between 6-inches. At the same time, there are some others with “infinity” settings. In other words, they can be adjusted to any height between a threshold. It would have a minimum height and a maximum height.
So, before making a choice, you should know how much adjustment you would require.
What are the different types of basketball hoops?
Once you have all of those previous factors sort out, the next thing you should consider are the available types of hoops you can purchase.
In-Ground Hoops
As the name implies, these types of hoops are built into the ground and held down by cement. They are a great option for families who expect to stay in their home for some more years. These hoops are often built with height adjustment, allowing them to accommodate different kinds of players.
Portable Hoops
These are probably the most common kind of hoops. And we understand why. They come with built-in wheels which allows them to be movable. However, they vary in size and height. Portable hoops also vary in base. It is a great option for parents with young players.
Mounted Hoops
This is a combination of a hoop and a backboard mounted on a particular outdoor structure such as a wall. It’s super durable but can only be fixed at one height.
How much should you budget for a basketball hoop?
The price of a basketball hoop is largely dependent on the kind of hoop you want to purchase. In-ground hoops are often considered the premium hoops and they can cost around $200 to $500. If you cannot afford that much, you can consider other options that would also suit your needs.
FAQs
Q: What should I fill my basketball hoop with?
A: You can either fill it up with sand or water. However, due to evaporation and deterioration, water might not be the best option. We recommend that you fill it up with a dry material like sand. Not only does it preserve it, and also provides better stability and a firm stance for the hoop.
Q: How safe are portable basketball hoops?
A: As long as you do not expose them to extreme conditions such as heavy downpours or powerful shots, they should be fine. Although they may fall when large sized people dunk, they can still allow you to enjoy a good game without fear.
Q: How good is a polycarbonate backboard?
A: Polycarbonate backboards are highly durable and extremely sturdy. They can take a beating and withstand powerful shots too. It also offers a similar bounce as glass backboards. However, you should ensure that they are not overly exposed to UV sun rays at all times. This makes them a better option for indoor play.
