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(More customer reviews)This basketball goal and base by Lifetime is economical, relatively simple to put together, and pretty sturdy. The instructions are easy to follow, and no drilling or special tools are required. Because of possible liability concerns, safety is stressed. Although at a couple of steps, it states that two adults are required to complete the task, one adult with moderate strength and weight, exercising care, can safety get the job done. I put it together by myself, however if another person is available, it would certainly be advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
The hollow plastic base can be filled with either water or sand to provide the required counterweight to support the pole and rim. It will cost more, but I recommend using sand rather than water, especially if you live in a cold weather area. The instructions state that 319 pounds of sand are required. Not sure about that, but it probably takes between 3 and 4 cubic feet of sand to fill the base.
The base has a pair of small plastic wheels that help you to move or position it. Once in place, you fill up the base to about half capacity, raise the goal upright, and then fill the base to capacity. Unless you are capable of moving a football blocking sled, don't' plan on moving the system very far, after it is filled. The pole and backboard will bend back and wobble during normal play. This is to be expected, as the system will not be as rigid as a regulation goal. The plastic backboard is smaller than regulation, so your angles for bank shots are tighter, but at least it is rectangular rather than rounded at the top. If you can dunk, take it easy or you could take the hoop down. The rim is black rather than orange. The net is low quality, and does not slow the ball down after a goal.
Although the system is pretty sturdy, long term life is an open question. There are exposed bolts and metallic parts, and the top of the pole is open, so if exposed to rain, corrosion is inevitable. The rim height is adjustable in six inch increments from 7.5 to 10 feet. Once you set the rim height, painting any unfinished metal parts might be a good idea.
Overall, this is a very good product for the price, especially if you get it on sale with Super Saver shipping. Hopefully it will hold up well under the elements. So far, I am loving it! My shot is improving, and I am also saving gas because I don't have to drive to the neighborhood park.
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Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Portable Basketball System with 44" Acrylic Fusion BackboardEnjoy years of recreational basketball fun in your backyard with this Lifetime Pro Court Portable Basketball System (model 1269). It features a Pro Court base--which can be filled with sand or water for weighting--and a 44-inch sturdy acrylic fusion backboard, giving you the confidence to go up strong without fear of breaking it. The backboard also offers screen-printed graphics with UV-protected inks, and fade-resistant color. The classic rim comes with a nylon net. The three-piece, 2.75-inch round telescoping pole joins the solid base and backboard, and it adjusts from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments.
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.
Key Features:
Break-resistant acrylic playing surface
High-impact, molded polyethylene frame
Fade-resistant graphics
Classic rim with welded steel net hooks
Nylon net included
Telescoping height adjustment allows you to adjust from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments
No tools required for assembly
Powder coated rust-resistant finish
27-gallon portable base
Fills with sand or water
Rolls to desired location
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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