Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This basketball goal is a good value for the money. It is sturdy and relatively easy to put together (my wife did it in under 2 hours, though I should mention she is mechanically inclined). With nothing in the base, I can carry it. It also has wheels on the base for portability. I filled the base up with a hose to anchor it. It was very easy to fill with a hose.
So far, the goal has stood up well to some rough play, including lots of dunks. Here are the three negatives:
1) the backboard is a little small.
2) As mentioned in the product description, the base takes up a lot of area. There is no getting around this. It's a tradeoff for making it portable.
3) Even at the lowest setting (7 ft), it's too high for my 7-year old daughter (even with one of the smaller basketballs). It takes almost all her strength to make a basket. I plan to get around the height problem by getting a soccer ball or something lighter for her to shoot with. She is not very strong so if you have a strong 7-year old, it should be fine.
If I had it to do over again, I would probably get one of the cheaper, smaller goals, but this one is made well enough so it will still be around when my daughter is strong enough to easily shoot at a 7 ft. goal.
Update 3/19/2009 - still going strong 3+ years later.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Lifetime 1225 Pro Court Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 44-Inch Backboard
Fun for the entire family, this portable basketball system can go anywhere you want to shoot hoops. This system features a 44-inch backboard, three pieces of 3-inch round black telescoping pole sections, a black classic rim, and a 27 gallon portable base. The backboard is constructed of high-density polyethylene, making it durable and rugged to withstand the elements. The rim features a 5/8-inch solid steel ring and is supported by 1/2-inch braces; the all-weather nylon net is long-lasting. The telescoping pole adjusts the rim height from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments without the use of tools. To stabilize the base, a 27-gallon capacity (about 234 pounds of water or 364 pounds of sand) allow for a stable foundation.
Portable basketball systems depend on a base filled with sand or water for stability. Although it will take up more space than an in-ground system, the portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location (and also allowing storage in a garage). Simply assemble, fill the base, and star shooting some hoops. There is no fussing with concrete.
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.
