Cost and Construction
Evidently, the quality of construction of the choice portable basketball hoop corresponds to the cost you incurred when acquiring any such unit. Remember, the higher quality of the basketball hoops, the greater the durability, in every way, like the conventional installations of basketball units in professional courts. The converse is also true; the lower the quality of the hoop systems, the shorter the lifespan and durability.
Base and Stability
The portable basketball systems have a hollow plastic shell which act as the base of the system and supports the hoops. Normally, the shell is either filled with water or sand to increase their weight and stability. Remember the weight of the unit affects your ability to move around your portable basketball system. If this is the case, then a lighter base filled with water (fill and drain base) would be more convenient and reasonable. On the other hand, sand will provide a sturdier base and a lasting solution for the portable basketball hoop system.
Setup and Installation
A typical unit is pretty much easy to set up if one follows some of the directions that are given, and this can't be easier if you have the right tools for installation. However, the successive tasks of configuring the rim, mounting it on the backboard and eventually setting up the adjustable pole system will certainly be a daunting task. Once the pole is attached to the hoop and inserted on the base unit, the completion will be much smoother than you had anticipated.
Types of Backboards
Generally, backboards are made of various materials such as plastic, acrylic, steel/aluminium and tempered or fibreglass. The type of material determines the ability of the blackboard to remain stiff when it gets hit by a basketball. Note that backboards which bend when hit give inconsistent rebounds. Some of the common materials you should consider include the following:
Tempered glass: This material is 5 times heavier than acrylic and because of its weight; it makes the system more stable thus, making it less prone to movements as you play.Tempered glass also boasts of being stiffer than its counterparts, acrylic and plastic.
Fibreglass backboards: These are some of the high-end backboards which are only used where cost is a major concern for the users. This material is neither transparent nor does it provide good and consistent rebounds.
Acrylic: These are equally good and cost-effective material for backboards for amateur players who just want to have a good time. When choosing them, you should pay close attention to the type of casting and the thickness of the boards. Note that portable basketball hoops which incorporate acrylic should be framed with either steel or aluminium to make them rigid.
Size and Shapes
Basketball backboard systems are heavily influenced by the kind of play one intends to engage in. The different types, shapes, sizes and categories of backboards cater for the diverse needs of the interested players.
Generally, the rectangular backboard emerges as the most popular shape. These types have one of either of the following two dimensions; 6 ft X 4 ft or 6 ft X 3.5 ft.
Fan shaped backboards are also quite common and they measure approximately 54 inches in width. Some home owners may modify their installations to fan shape so as to save space. The square backboard is also a reasonable item which measure 3.5 feet X 6 feet and hoisted approximately 10 feet above the ground.
Height of the Pole
The height of the pole varies depending on the kind of boards used and the nature of the play. If you are thinking of installing the system for your kids and family, then an adjustable height goal would be highly desirable for performance and fun. As the kids mature, the height can be adjusted accordingly to match their height.
Rims and Nets
These are essential components of any portable basketball hoop system and they are made of steel. Note that there are features which cut across the board at all levels of use. One of these is the height of the top rim which is hoisted at 10 feet above the ground at any level of play. Rims measure 18" in diameter and come in 3 different styles, standard, spring-loaded, and the break away.
Finally, nets are integral parts of any basketball hoops system. They slow down the ball as it enters the goal on its way down and raises the certainty of a shot when one shoots the ball. They are made of nylon, chain or coated cable which serves the same purpose as chain nets.
