Basketball backboards are made from different materials. For each of them, you should ideally know the pros and cons. Some of the common types you should evaluate and consider are highlighted below.
Glass Backboards: Portable basketball glass boards have been embraced wholly in professional leagues because of their unique style. They are also strong and suitable for such leagues where players are notorious for their aggressiveness in dunking. Their popularity in professional leagues stems from the fact that they give the best ball rebounds. The only major downside to this kind of portable basketball blackboard material is that it is a high risk material and so breakages are not uncommon.
Tempered backboards: Produce fantastic rebounds because of reduced vibration. Consequently, by minimizing the drum effect this material produces longer and straighter rebounds. Also, the color of tempered glass sticks longer than materials such as acrylic whose lustre pales with time. Unlike steel, tempered glass offers one a more professional look and allows players to enjoy the best play.
Acrylic backboards: The majority of home users seem to prefer acrylic portable basketball backboard over fiberglass or graphite because acrylic is more durable and resilient than the former two materials. Acrylic backboards also stand out as the most affordable in the market and they come in 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch sizes. Nevertheless, they require a metallic framework to support and stiffen them which may cause them to have uneven surface. The inch size comes as a good option here because it doesn't require a support framework.
Steel and Aluminium: You should also consider the suitability of portable basketball backboards which incorporate steel. Evidently, steel offers the combined benefits of strength and durability. Although they might be quite expensive than their glass and acrylic counterparts, they certainly offer you good value for your money. Steel and aluminium offer the combined benefits of durability and strength and therefore, they are commonly abused in games.
Backboard Shapes
Backboards are available in two popular shapes, fan-shaped and rectangular. If you are looking for streamlined appearance, then the fan-shaped backboards will suffice. They are also cheaper than their rectangular counterparts. The downside of this shape is that you will have a hard time when making shots especially, if the ball has to hit the board before dropping falling into the net. On the other hand, the rectangular backboards are cost effective because they allow more room for players to make shots.
Standard Sizes of Basketball Backboards
Backboards are available in different standard sizes starting with 42 inch, 44 inch, and 48 inch. You can also find the large 54, 60, and 72-inch versions. Also note that backboards on home systems are in the range of 40- 60-inch and they measure 5/16-1/2-inch thick. Fan shaped and rectangular backboard can measure from 36-72 inches in height.
On the same note, regulation glass backboards have a width of 72 and measure 42 inches in height, and these are 1/2-inch thick. A larger and easier to hit portable basketball backboard offers better bounce and make a good choice for beginners. Remember that the size of the backboard should match the strength that the system requires.
