In today’s guide, we’re going to break down the full lineup of the best portable basketball hoops for any budget. You are about to see the best movable basketball hoops for your driveway or backyard and all the info you need to find the perfect portable hoop for your situation.
Top Picks
BEST OVERALL PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
Spalding "The Beast"
This heavy duty hoop will last for years! Tempered glass provides pro style game-play.
BEST VALUE PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
Silverback NXT
This portable hoop assembles in 90 mins and provides a pro feel at an affordable price
BEST PORTABLE HOOP FOR KIDS
Lifetime Youth
Adjustable from 5.5′ to 7.5′ and will grow with your child during their early years
List Of The 8 Best Portable Basketball Hoops For 2022
Below we’ve listed the eight best portable basketball hoops on the market after a careful comparison of 100's of potential products. These were chosen based on genuine world reviews, price, availability, and features.
- 1BEST OVERALL PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP - Spalding "The Beast"
- 2BEST VALUE FOR MONEY PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP - Silverback NXT
- 3BEST CHEAP BASKETBALL HOOP FOR DRIVEWAYS - Lifetime 121 Procourt
- 4BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP FOR ROOM - SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop
- 5BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP FOR YOUTH/TEENAGERS - Lifetime Youth
- 6BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP KIDS/TODDLERS - Little Tikes Easy Score
- 7BEST PROFFESIONAL PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP - Super SAM 325 Pro
- 8BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP FOR POOL - KLB Sport Portable Hoop
What Is The Best Portable Basketball Hoop?
Portable basketball hoops have provided the opportunity for many epic basketball battles to take place in the driveways of suburban homes around the nation. As a teenager my friends and I spent countless hours playing ball on a modest adjustable portable basketball hoop.
We grabbed an outdoor basketball, set the hoop to the height of 8 ft and emulated the signature moves and dunks of our NBA heroes like Michael Jordan.
( WANNA DUNK - Try This Proven Program)
When reminiscing on my youth as an adult, it is obvious that my portable basketball hoop was my favorite, most used and most valuable gift that my parents ever gave me.
These days, a lot of neighborhoods don't allow permanent in-ground basketball hoops anymore.
Council regulations have become much more strict in allowing residents to erect a basketball hoop pole that is permanently set in cement.
Fortunately, if you don't want to miss out on the fun of shooting hoops in your driveway, there is an easy solution... buy a portable basketball hoop.
You can wheel a portable hoop around your yard or driveway with ease. We like to put our portable hoop beside the pool or next to the kids trampoline.
In this buyers guide I will take you through an in-depth look at the pros and cons of a range of portable basketball hoop systems for every budget, from small fry to big baller status.
We will also take a look at some cool portable hoop options for you room and office plus some portable hoops made specifically for kids.
Further down on this page you will find a range of helpful tips for buyers that will educate you on how to choose the best portable hoop system for your needs.
Ultimately, my goal is to teach you how to select the right portable basketball hoop system for you, so that you too can experience years of basketball fun and competition in your driveway or backyard.
We have collated the definitive list of basketball hoops that will allow your child to develop their game as they grow, but first here are a few things to consider before purchasing a hoop for your child.
Comparison Table Of The Best Portable Basketball Hoops For 2022
If you're not sure what to look for in a portable basketball hoop, we have compiled a summary list, comparison table and buyers guide (reviews) below that will help you make an informed decision.
Product Name > | Best For > | Features > | Price > | Best Deal > |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Spalding "The Beast" | Babies & Toddlers | Suction cups that stick on bath | $ | |
Silverback NXT | Toddlers | Adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet | $$ | |
Lifetime 121 Procourt | Kids Under 10 Years | 32" backboard with 15-Inch folding rim | $$$ | |
Sklz Pro Mini | Kids Over 10 Years | 60" pro backboard & rim | $$$$ | |
Lifetime Youth | Kids Room | Padded door mounts & spring hoop | $$ | |
Super Sam Pro | Fun Time | Includes 12 different game options | $$$$ | |
KLB Poolside Hoop | Fun Time | Includes 12 different game options | $$$$ |
5 Key Things You MUST Know Before Purchasing A Portable Basketball Hoop
There are a number of important things to consider before purchasing a portable basketball goal system online.Here are the main 5 topics that you should educate yourself on before buying a portable basketball hoop:
1) How To Choose The Perfect Backboard For Your Portable Hoop
Backboard Size Considerations For Portable Hoops
The standard backboard used in the NCAA and NBA is 72 inches wide and 46 inches high.
A backboard of this size is a little overkill for most driveway basketball hoop setups.
However, for those with the money to spend a full size backboard will deliver the ultimate gaming experience.
Nothing feels better than hitting a Tim Duncan style banked jump shot from the 45 off the tempered glass.
“When it comes to choosing a hoop for your needs and budget, it is usually the backboard which determines the price”
Backboards on the most popular cheap portable basketball hoop systems usually start at around 44 inches wide.
This size is great for beginners however this size makes it more difficult to utilise the backboard for bank shots and layups.
If you or your child plan on playing for many hours on end then you must be aware that this can hinder you game.
54" inches is the best size to go for optimal entry level play-ability. A backboard of this size provides a much more professional feel.
If you want a quality, yet great value for money 54 inch backboard on your system we recommend checking out the Silverback NXT.
On this size backboard your bank shots and layups will respond similar to professional hoops that you most likely play on at club or representative level.
For those who want the ultimate basketball experience the best choice is a 60"+ backboard such as the Spalding Beast.
Backboard Material Options For Portable Hoops
Most of the bestselling basketball backboards are commonly made of either one of Polyethylene, Acrylic or Tempered Glass.
Let’s take a closer look at each particular variety of portable hoop backboards that you can consider:
OPTION 1 - Plastic Portable Hoop Backboards: Great For Beginners!
Polyethylene (or Polycarbonate) is otherwise known as plastic. Plastic is commonly used to produce the cheapest portable basketball hoops on the market.
A major benefit of a plastic backboard is that they are extremely durable and will last for many years.
If you want an affordable quality plastic backboard on your system check out this Lifetime Unit
Unfortunately, by purchasing a plastic backboard you are sacrificing rebounding ability.
This is a very important aspect that should not be overlooked if you take game-play seriously.
OPTION 2- Acrylic Portable Hoop Backboards: The Perfect Combination Of Pro Feel & Affordability!
Acrylic backboards offer much better play-ability than plastic backboards.
These acrylic backboards are also usually transparent and therefore gives off that pro feel.
This is the sort of portable basketball hoop you will feel proud to show off in your driveway.
The Spalding Pro Slam is an example of a portable hoop with an acrylic backboard
Unfortunately these acrylic backboards tend to scuff and stain after a few years. They can also be scratched quite easily.
Acrylic is the best-selling variety of back board as it plays much more true than plastic and is much more affordable than tempered glass.
However, the lightweight structure of acrylic backboards also come with relatively light frames and rim structures.
This style of basketball hoop setup is usually fine for the majority of athletes, but for those of you who want to throw down some serious dunks and hang from the rim a tempered glass setup would be a better option.
OPTION 3- Tempered Glass Portable Hoop Backboards: Must Have For Serious Ballers Who Are Cashed Up!
Tempered glass is the gold standard material used by professional basketball hoops in most professional leagues around the world.
Tempered glass basketball systems are solid and durable with heavy base and support pole to support the weighty glass backboard.
Tempered glass offers the greatest playability out of all backboard material varieties.
Best yet it doesn’t scratch and is very easy to keep clean and tidy. If you can afford it this is definitely the option for you.
The Beast is our highest rated hoop system that ships with a tempered glass backboard
Backboard Design Considerations For Portable Basketball Hoops
It is very important to consider how the design of the portable goal system can affect your gameplay.
One of the most important design aspects to consider is the offset of the backboard.
The offset is simply the distance between the backboard and the support pole.
Many of the cheaper hoops only have a very small offset which makes it impossible to follow through under the rim when attempting a layup or dunk.
This is a major limiting factor of the cheaper units which greatly reduces game-play and can lead to collision injuries.
The basketball hoops used in the NBA feature an offset of around 4 ft.
Most portable hoops offer an offset considerably lower than this, however systems such as “THE BEAST” still provide enough clearance for optimal game-play and safety.
2) HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT RIM FOR YOUR PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
OPTION 1 - The Standard Rim
The standard rim diameter is 18 inches and is simply screwed into bottom of the backboard. This style of rim is usually supplied in the cheaper units.
These standard basketball rims are not made to withstand dunks.
Any pressure applied to the hoop through a dunk will be transferred to the backboard. This will result in cracks forming in the backboard or even worse the rim separating from the backboard.
Dunking on these hoops is prohibited as it can and has resulted in many deaths in the past.
OPTION 2 - The Breakaway/ Spring Loaded Rim
Breakaway or spring loaded basketball rims are a much more professional option than the standard rim.
These rims come with high grade tension compression springs which take the load off of the backboard when dunked on.
These rims also tend to give that soft feel to the rim much like pro hoops.
3) HOW TO CHOOSE A SUPPORT POLE FOR YOUR PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
Support Pole Considerations
A stable pole is a vital for the safety and game-play of a basketball hoop for home driveway.
Most hoops know come with the ability to adjust for varied heights.
This adjust-ability option is great for families with kids of various ages.
However, we must acknowledge that the adjustment mechanisms used in the design of the cheaper units are more cumbersome to operate than the quality devices integrated in the more expensive models.
Cheap basketball hoops often use a telescope pole which is adjusted by a knob in 6-8 inch increments.
Anyone who has used this adjustment system knows that it is an absolute nightmare operate. Often two relatively strong adults are needed to make a simple adjustment.
More expensive hoops like the Spalding Beast offer a screw jack adjustment system.The screw jack system is much easier to use for people of any age and definitely a better option if you are regularly raising the hoop up and down.
4) CHOOSING A BASE FOR YOUR PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
Base Considerations
It is very important to purchase a portable hoop system with as stable of a base as possible.
Hoop systems come with a range of different height adjustment setups which ultimately determines the base design and overall size. Obviously the larger the backboard the more heavy duty the base will need to be.
The position of the base can also hinder game-play on some models.
This is particularly true in the cheaper model basketball hoop setups that have a vertical pole.
5) PORTABLE HOOP REQUIREMENTS FOR SERIOUS PLAYERS
The serious baller essentials
Ensure the post has maximal off set to allow for follow through after layups and dunks
Ensure that the system has a breakaway (spring loaded )hoop.
Ensure the backboard is made from tempered glass for maximal responsiveness and gameplay
Individual Reviews Of The Top Basketball Hoops For Kids
BEST HOOP FOR KIDS OVER 10 YEARS OLD
Spalding Beast
The Spalding the Beast Portable Basketball System is our choice for the best basketball hoop for kids over ten years old. This is the perfect hoop for youngsters with hoop dreams of playing at the highest level. This hoop is an expensive option but will likely be the last hoop you will ever need to purchase. An excellent investment for family health and fitness!
The Beast has durable support poles, movable wheels, and a sturdy 40-gallon base. It features a tempered glass backboard and breakaway rim that provides your kids with a pro feel from an early age.
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD?
BEST BASKETBALL HOOP FOR KIDS UNDER 10 YEARS OLD
Lifetime Youth
The Lifetime Youth is an excellent hoop for growing children who love the game of basketball. This is an affordable option that can be adjusted in height as your child grows into their teenage years.
This hoop is very well made, sturdy, and perfect for both indoors and outdoors. Just fill the base with sand or water to ensure the unit does not tip. Your kids will love shooting on this hoop for hours!
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD?
BEST BASKETBALL HOOP FOR TODDLERS
Little Tikes Easy Score
Little Tikes' Easy Score basketball set is designed for children aged 18 months to five years. It introduces young children to basketball and competitive play. You can adjust the height to fit even the youngest hoop star.
The extra-large rim and small basketball make it easy for kids to shoot hoops and dunk. This is a great tool for developing your child's hand-eye coordination and provides an introduction to fun competition.
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD?
BEST BASKETBALL HOOP FOR BABIES
Bathtub Basketball Hoop
Encourage your young child to shoot hoops from the youngest of ages. The simple act of putting the ball in the hoop improves motor skills and coordination.
This hoop comes with suction cups that can conveniently stick on the side of a bath. Kids absolutely love this game. A great way for mums and dads to bond with their young children.
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
BEST BASKETBALL HOOP FOR KIDS ROOM
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Pro Mini Hoop
The SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop will provide hours of indoor fun for your basketball-loving kids. This hoop simply hangs over their door with padded foam mounts that ensure your door does not get damaged.
This door hoop includes a pro-grade, spring-action breakaway rim so your kids can dunk like a pro. This hoop provides the opportunity for hours of healthy fun during sleepovers. Alternatively, your child can kick back on their bed, relax and try to drain some shots.
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
BEST TOY & GAME BASKETBALL HOOP FOR KIDS
Lifetime 90648 Double Shot Deluxe
The Lifetime Double Shot Deluxe offers a double-shot arcade basketball system that will test your kids' skills in the most fun way possible. You can play 12 new games with family and friends, including four games for single players and four games for two kids'.
Double shot's infrared optical scoring system and fun sound effects will create an arcade atmosphere that will provide years of entertainment and enjoyment for your family. You can adjust the front lower bar to 35, 31, or 31. 5 or 28 depending upon the player's size. An excellent way for your young family to bond over the game of basketball.,
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
Kids Basketball Hoop Buyers Guide F.A.Q
It's fun to learn, play, and practice basketball from any age. Kids can start shooting hoops in their first years on small hoops designed for children. Simply placing the ball through the hoop develops hand eye coordination that will help them for the rest of their life.
As they get older your child will realise that basketball is a fun way to get fit. Eventually our child will become a better basketball player and may want to join a team.
To improve their skills, children should start practicing the game as soon as possible. Most children are learning to play basketball when they're around 6 years old. They are learning the basics. They can bounce a ball, throw the ball and catch it. They can practice throwing the ball in a smaller hoop but are too young for basketball drills.
As they get older, children can begin to learn how to dribble as well as the rules of the game. This usually takes place between 7 and 9 years of age. Children can form teams to practice with others in their age group. To learn the rules and drills as well as how to play basketball, children can take part in a clinic.
Strength training is safe and can be done at any age. It is impossible to assume that everyone can benefit from the same strength training exercises. With the right strength training exercises, children can increase their strength and coordination .
ESPN reports that basketball is the most loved sport by American youth (boys and girls), while football has fallen to third.
Parents can spend anywhere from $10 up to $1000's on their children's basketball hoop setup. You will get what you pay for when purchasing a hoop. If you can afford it, it is a smart idea to invest in a hoop that is adjustable and will grow with your child over the decades.
6-foot rims in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. 8-foot for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades (8-10 year olds). 9-foot for 5th graders. 10-foot for 6th and higher.
Which Hoop Should I Buy For My Child?
We hope you have found our comparison and reviews of the best portable basketball hoops currently available online helpful in empowering you to make an informed decision upon purchase.
Hopefully you know have better idea of the differences in the features and benefits that the more expensive hoops have over the cheaper options.
Be sure to check back to this page regularly as we frequently update the page with the latest and greatest portable basketball hoops on the market.
Overall, there are many great hoops on the market designed for kids of all ages and heights.
You can buy a small hoop and replace them with larger options over the years as your kids grow. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing an adjustable hoop that can grow with your child over the years. In this case, a hoop such as the Spalding Beast is a great option (our top pick for the best basketball hoop for kids this year!)
That’s it! We hope you found this review of the best kids basketball hoops on the market helpful. If you’re still having trouble deciding what basketball hoop is best for your child, don’t worry. Please use the comment form down below to ask your question.
Still can’t decide? Please use the comment form down below. We’d be happy to help!
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF THE BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOPS YOU CAN BUY IN 2019
Portable basketball hoops have provided the opportunity for many epic basketball battles to take place in the driveways of suburban homes around the nation. As a teenager my friends and I spent countless hours playing ball on a modest adjustable portable basketball hoop.
We grabbed an outdoor basketball, set the hoop to the height of 8 ft and emulated the signature moves and dunks of our NBA heroes like Michael Jordan.
( Wanna Dunk - Try This Proven Program)
When reminiscing on my youth as an adult, it is obvious that my portable basketball hoop was my favorite, most used and most valuable gift that my parents ever gave me.
Portable basketball hoops provide hours of fun for both kids and adults
These days, a lot of neighborhoods don't allow permanent in-ground basketball hoops anymore.
Council regulations have become much more strict in allowing residents to erect a basketball hoop pole that is permanently set in cement.
Fortunately, if you don't want to miss out on the fun of shooting hoops in your driveway, there is an easy solution... buy a portable basketball hoop.
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR 3 TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOPS OF 2019
BEST BUDGET PICK
Lifetime Portable Hoop with 44" Impact Backboard
OUR TOP PICK
Spalding "The Beast" Portable Basketball Hoop 60"
RUNNER-UP
Silverback NXT Portable Hoop (Easy Assembly)
Enjoying this buyers guide?
After you finish reading this guide be sure to check out all of our other awesome basketball equipment roundups!
You can wheel a portable hoop around your yard or driveway with ease. We like to put our portable hoop beside the pool or next to the kids trampoline.
In this buyers guide I will take you through an in-depth look at the pros and cons of a range of portable basketball hoop systems for every budget, from small fry to big baller status.
We will also take a look at some cool portable hoop options for you room and office plus some portable hoops made specifically for kids.
Further down on this page you will find a range of helpful tips for buyers that will educate you on how to choose the best portable hoop system for your needs.
Ultimately, my goal is to teach you how to select the right portable basketball hoop system for you, so that you too can experience years of basketball fun and competition in your driveway or backyard.
"Bored " by John Morgan is licensed under CC BY 2.0
HEY PARENTS! A basketball hoop may be just the perfect basketball themed gift to stop your kids from complaining about being bored. A portable hoop system provides a fun and healthy alternative to video games and other screen based activities.
When purchasing a portable basketball hoop system you are making a great investment into your child's basketball skill development and physical conditioning.
TOP 10 LIST OF THE BEST PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOPS 0F 2019
Searching all over the internet for the best basketball hoops and systems can be very time consuming.
We’ve saved you the time and energy by doing all of the investigative work for you.
Now all you have to do is read our easy to follow roundup reviews of the best 10 portable hoops below and make your decision on which movable basketball hoop system is right for you.
#1. Spalding "The Beast" Portable Basketball Hoop Review
The "Beast" is a premium portable basketball hoop option that offers professional feel and play-ability. It is easy to move and a very durable build. A must have for any cashed up dedicated basketball lover.
The beast comes with a heavy duty glass backboard that offers a pro feel and rebound. The backboard is made of tempered glass of the same quality used in NBA backboards.
The 5-inch two-piece squared pole and large base makes this unit very stable. The wheels are well designed and sturdy. The multi-wheel setup allows you to easily move the unit in any direction.
Unfortunately this portable hoop does take a while to put together. There are a huge number of parts and pages of instructions so be ready to invest 4-5 hrs on assembly.
If you are mechanically minded you will be fine. If you are not comfortable installing equipment you may be better off considering the Silverback NXT which you can assemble in only 90 minutes.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#2. Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop Review
The Silverback NXT is a high quality portable hoop that comes at an affordable price. The Silverback’s “Stabili-Frame” technology makes this unit much more stable than most hoops in the same price bracket.
Most comparable portable hoops around the price range of the NXT offer a sub par playing experience. Many portable hoops in this price range tend to make a thud sound and wobble when the ball makes contact with the backboard.
However, the play-ability of this rim and 54"backboard is comparable to a professional gym backboard.
The 200 pound base can be filled with water or sand and provides excellent stability. The pole on the NXT is very easy to adjust.
Overall the Silverback NXT is one of the best value for money portable basketball hoops you can buy today.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#3. Spalding Pro Slam Portable Basketball Hoop Review
This popular Pro Slam portable hoop from Spalding offers excellent value for money.
This portable hoop provides professional durability and can take a pounding unlike the cheaper models. This is as close as you can get to a pro feel backboard without having to spend the big bucks.
The Spalding Pro Slam 54" Angled Pole Backboard Basketball System allows for greater game-play and safety by providing more clearance for play around the hoop.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#4. Lifetime 51544 Portable Basketball System Review
This portable basketball system from Lifetime Products features a 50" Steel-Framed Shatter Proof backboard.
This unit has one of the best adjustment mechanisms out of all the portable hoops on this list. This hoop adjusts from 8 to 10 feet high in 6-inch increments with little effort required.
It also includes a Slam-It Rim with an all-weather nylon net and a 3" diameter round steel pole.
The system is supported by a 34-gallon heavy duty portable base and can easily be moved around your driveway or yard.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#5. Lifetime Pro Court 1221 Portable Basketball Hoop Review
The Lifetime 1221 Portable Basketball Hoop is a great beginner system. It is designed with a 44" high-density polyethylene plastic backboard which can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 ft with a telescoping height adjustment feature.
The Lifetime Pro Court 1221 provides excellent value for money.
If you have teenage kids who are interested in basketball and don't want to break the bank, this the perfect portable and adjustable hoop solution for you.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#6. Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop Review
This 32" Youth Impact backboard with 15-Inch rim easily adjusts from 5.5' to 7.5' in 6" increments. The system is rust and weather-resistant.
Best yet the system is Backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.
This is the perfect portable hoop option for kids aged between 5-12 yrs old.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#7. HANMUN Portable Basketball Hoop For Kids Review
The Hanmun adjustable portable basketball hoop can be adjusted to different heights to meet the children of different ages. The hoop is adjustable from 31 Inch to 67 Inch.
Adjustable heights play a huge role in the challenge and fun of a hoop. Being able to adjust the height of the rim allows you to set new challenges for your kids.
This hoop system is suitable for toddler up to kids around 13 years of age. It also comes with a ball and pump set.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
#8. Excellerations Oversized Rim, Easy Score Basketball Hoop Set for Toddlers Review
Start developing your toddlers basketball skills with this oversized hoop set.
This 15" portable floor hoop perfectly sized for toddlers!
This is a great hoop for allowing children to gain basketball specific co-ordination from a very young age.
The large base keeps it secure and locking snaps provide increased stability. No tools are required for assembly with this hoop.
Specifications
#9. SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Ball Review
The Pro Mini Hoop is the perfect portable hoop for around the office or bedroom. This hoop come sin 4 different sizes. It has a spring back hoop and the backboard is made of shatter proof material.
With the quick assembly and easy mounting of the Pro Mini Hoop, you can ball any time the impulse strikes you.
Specifications
#10. First Team Storm Arena Portable Basketball System Review
The First Team Storm unit is a professional portable basketball hoop system.
this hoop system can be found in many gyms across the country. This is a great option for schools and sporting clubs who are looking for a high quality hoop that they can move around with ease.
This is also great home option for those of you who have the money to invest in a premium portable hoop setup.
Just make sure you keep this unit indoors.
It is adjustable from 10' down to 6' are made easily with the Storm's spring-aided design.
The distance from the backboard to the base of the unit is variable from 54" to 66" allowing the Storm to fit into your facility
Specifications
THE 4 MAIN BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
1. No council permit needed.
2. You can move it around your driveway or yard relatively easily.
3. If you purchase an adjustable hoop you can lower it so that you can dunk.
4. The ability to lower the height of the hoop allows kids to develop correct shooting form from a young age.
5 IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
There are a number of important things to consider before purchasing a portable basketball goal system online.
Here are the main 5 topics that you should educate yourself on before buying a portable basketball hoop:
1) How To Choose The Perfect Backboard For Your Portable Hoop
Backboard Size Considerations For Portable Hoops
The standard backboard used in the NCAA and NBA is 72 inches wide and 46 inches high.
A backboard of this size is a little overkill for most driveway basketball hoop setups.
However, for those with the money to spend a full size backboard will deliver the ultimate gaming experience.
Nothing feels better than hitting a Tim Duncan style banked jump shot from the 45 off the tempered glass.
“When it comes to choosing a hoop for your needs and budget, it is usually the backboard which determines the price”
Backboards on the most popular cheap portable basketball hoop systems usually start at around 44 inches wide.
This size is great for beginners however this size makes it more difficult to utilise the backboard for bank shots and layups.
If you or your child plan on playing for many hours on end then you must be aware that this can hinder you game.
54" inches is the best size to go for optimal entry level play-ability. A backboard of this size provides a much more professional feel.
If you want a quality, yet great value for money 54 inch backboard on your system we recommend checking out the Silverback NXT.
On this size backboard your bank shots and layups will respond similar to professional hoops that you most likely play on at club or representative level.
For those who want the ultimate basketball experience the best choice is a 60"+ backboard such as the Spalding Beast.
Backboard Material Options For Portable Hoops
Most of the bestselling basketball backboards are commonly made of either one of Polyethylene, Acrylic or Tempered Glass.
Let’s take a closer look at each particular variety of portable hoop backboards that you can consider:
OPTION 1 - Plastic Portable Hoop Backboards: Great For Beginners!
Polyethylene (or Polycarbonate) is otherwise known as plastic. Plastic is commonly used to produce the cheapest portable basketball hoops on the market.
A major benefit of a plastic backboard is that they are extremely durable and will last for many years.
If you want an affordable quality plastic backboard on your system check out this Lifetime Unit
Unfortunately, by purchasing a plastic backboard you are sacrificing rebounding ability.
This is a very important aspect that should not be overlooked if you take game-play seriously.
OPTION 2- Acrylic Portable Hoop Backboards: The Perfect Combination Of Pro Feel & Affordability!
Acrylic backboards offer much better play-ability than plastic backboards.
These acrylic backboards are also usually transparent and therefore gives off that pro feel.
This is the sort of portable basketball hoop you will feel proud to show off in your driveway.
The Spalding Pro Slam is an example of a portable hoop with an acrylic backboard
Unfortunately these acrylic backboards tend to scuff and stain after a few years. They can also be scratched quite easily.
Acrylic is the best-selling variety of back board as it plays much more true than plastic and is much more affordable than tempered glass.
However, the lightweight structure of acrylic backboards also come with relatively light frames and rim structures.
This style of basketball hoop setup is usually fine for the majority of athletes, but for those of you who want to throw down some serious dunks and hang from the rim a tempered glass setup would be a better option.
OPTION 3- Tempered Glass Portable Hoop Backboards: Must Have For Serious Ballers Who Are Cashed Up!
Tempered glass is the gold standard material used by professional basketball hoops in most professional leagues around the world.
Tempered glass basketball systems are solid and durable with heavy base and support pole to support the weighty glass backboard.
Tempered glass offers the greatest playability out of all backboard material varieties.
Best yet it doesn’t scratch and is very easy to keep clean and tidy. If you can afford it this is definitely the option for you.
The Beast is our highest rated hoop system that ships with a tempered glass backboard
Backboard Design Considerations For Portable Basketball Hoops
It is very important to consider how the design of the portable goal system can affect your gameplay.
One of the most important design aspects to consider is the offset of the backboard.
The offset is simply the distance between the backboard and the support pole.
Many of the cheaper hoops only have a very small offset which makes it impossible to follow through under the rim when attempting a layup or dunk.
This is a major limiting factor of the cheaper units which greatly reduces game-play and can lead to collision injuries.
The basketball hoops used in the NBA feature an offset of around 4 ft.
Most portable hoops offer an offset considerably lower than this, however systems such as “THE BEAST” still provide enough clearance for optimal game-play and safety.
2) How To Choose The Perfect Rim For Your Portable Basketball Hoop
OPTION 1 - The Standard Rim
The standard rim diameter is 18 inches and is simply screwed into bottom of the backboard. This style of rim is usually supplied in the cheaper units.
These standard basketball rims are not made to withstand dunks.
Any pressure applied to the hoop through a dunk will be transferred to the backboard. This will result in cracks forming in the backboard or even worse the rim separating from the backboard.
Dunking on these hoops is prohibited as it can and has resulted in many deaths in the past.
OPTION 2 - The Breakaway/ Spring Loaded Rim
Breakaway or spring loaded basketball rims are a much more professional option than the standard rim.
These rims come with high grade tension compression springs which take the load off of the backboard when dunked on.
These rims also tend to give that soft feel to the rim much like pro hoops.
3) How To Choose A Support Pole For Your Portable Basketball Hoop
Support Pole Considerations
A stable pole is a vital for the safety and game-play of a basketball hoop for home driveway.
Most hoops know come with the ability to adjust for varied heights.
This adjust-ability option is great for families with kids of various ages.
However, we must acknowledge that the adjustment mechanisms used in the design of the cheaper units are more cumbersome to operate than the quality devices integrated in the more expensive models.
Cheap basketball hoops often use a telescope pole which is adjusted by a knob in 6-8 inch increments.
Anyone who has used this adjustment system knows that it is an absolute nightmare operate. Often two relatively strong adults are needed to make a simple adjustment.
More expensive hoops like the Spalding Beast offer a screw jack adjustment system.
The screw jack system is much easier to use for people of any age and definitely a better option if you are regularly raising the hoop up and down.
4) Choosing A Base For Your Portable Basketball Hoop
Base Considerations
It is very important to purchase a portable hoop system with as stable of a base as possible.
Hoop systems come with a range of different height adjustment setups which ultimately determines the base design and overall size. Obviously the larger the backboard the more heavy duty the base will need to be.
The position of the base can also hinder game-play on some models.
This is particularly true in the cheaper model basketball hoop setups that have a vertical pole.
5) Portable Hoop Requirements For Serious Players
3 Things Serious Ballers Must Have In Their Portable Hoop System
- Ensure the post has maximal off set to allow for follow through after layups and dunks
- Ensure that the system has a breakaway (spring loaded )hoop.
- Ensure the backboard is made from tempered glass for maximal responsiveness and gameplay
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We hope you have found our comparison and reviews of the best portable basketball hoops currently available online helpful in empowering you to make an informed decision upon purchase.
Hopefully you know have better idea of the differences in the features and benefits that the more expensive hoops have over the cheaper options.
Be sure to check back to this page regularly as we frequently update the page with the latest and greatest portable basketball hoops on the market.
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