Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is a cement-footer job, so it takes days to do right.
The build quality is not bad, but you get what you pay for. This is about 1/5th the cost of many in-ground backboards, so that is a huge plus.
The pole comes in three sections, and it took some serious wailing on them to get them to seat down as far as the instructions call for. Definitely do-able, but you'd better be in shape, and have your wits and a good sledge hammer. The final result seems sturdy though.
One bracket was omitted entirely. The manufacturer answered the phone during regular business hours, no trouble, and agreed right away to send the missing part. Still, it was a week's delay.
Certain holes were also not the right inside diameter. They may have been close before the powder-coated finish was applied in factory, but there was no way in he11 they would fit the provided bolts as delivered. I had to buy an over sized drill bit to fix that glitch. Then I had to grease those points heavily afterward as insurance against this freshly bared metal surface becoming a rust in-road.
I went the in-ground sleeve route (sold separately), thinking I might want to change the installation location someday, ... or maybe take it out entirely for severe weather. Both ideas seem silly now. You won't be pulling this baby up for any old high winds warning. Too heavy, and all the weight is up top. (And I expect the main pole to rust-seal to the ground sleeve within the first year.) Also, moving it to another spot would leave a nasty concrete footer behind. The main pole can spin in the ground sleeve, despite the provided tab and nut, but that seemed mostly to happen when I was moving it via the backboard (via a ladder), whereas a month of modest normal use hasn't spun it noticeably. And you can always tap a new hole in the main pole to secure it against rotation.
The height adjustment mechanism is well-designed and works easily enough. The highest position takes a little effort (leverage works against you), so your 10-year-old might struggle a little. But overall, that part gets an "A". (There are springs that act as a suitable "counter-weight" against the weight of the backboard itself.)
The finish seems good so far, the net good, the backboard seems durable and comes plastic-filmed to prevent scratches in factory/warehouse (be sure to peel it off).
It does seem to wobble just a bit when the ball hits it. Not like a kid's toy or anything. Just maybe not as solid as those rectangular beam models that run $1400.
And despite my most meticulous efforts, it does seem to lean just a little. Judging by my level, the problem is not the pole but the amount of play in the mechanisms that allow you to change the backboard's height. But it's a pretty minor tilt. A perfectionist sees it; a kid shooting hoops probably does not.
Would I buy it again? Yeah. It's NOT an eye-sore (can't stand those sand or water-weighted things), I expect we'll get years of use from it, and the price was very right.
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Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball System with 50-Inch Shatter Guard BackboardHone your jumpshot in your spare moments or perform a backyard dunking drill with the Lifetime 71799 in-ground basketball goal. Designed for permanent installations in cemented driveways, the 71799 includes such features as a Shatter Guard backboard, a spring-back Slam-It Rim, and an Action Grip pole mechanism for speedy height changes.
The goal's sturdiness stems from the cement-ready base, which is more rigid and takes up less space than portable basketball goals (it does require roughly 72 hours of cement drying time, however). The clear 50-inch Shatter Guard backboard, meanwhile, is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic. As a result, broken backboards are a thing of the past, even from errant rocks and other non-basketball threats. In addition, the board offers a UV coating that prevents yellowing over time, a high-impact polyethylene frame, and screen-printed inks for fade-resistant color.
Lifetime knows that dunking and above-the-rim play are a huge part of modern basketball, which is why the 71799 also comes with both a height adjustment mechanism and a spring-back rim. The three-piece, 3.5-inch Action Grip pole includes counter-balance springs that make it easy to raise or lower the rim from 7-1/2 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments without requiring a broomstick, crank, or other tool. Thanks to the Action Grip technology, players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game on their own terms, while aspiring dunkers can gradually raise the level 6 inches at a time as their vertical improves. The orange Slam-It Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The orange solid-steel rim features double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. The rim is also supported by 1/2-inch braces, with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net.
The 71799, which is protected by a powder-coated, weather-resistant finish, comes with a five-year warranty.
Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.
In-Ground Systems In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.
Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.
Wall-Mount Systems Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.
Portable Systems Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.
Backboard Considerations Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.
The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.
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