This fifty-inch shatterproof portable basketball system is perfect for beginners due to its slightly larger backboard design. The hoop’s shatter-resistant fusion backboard consists of a polyethylene frame and polycarbonate playing surface that together make it impossible for players to cause any serious damage. So, if you’re searching for the best portable basketball hoop for beginners, your search stops here. For parents whose main priority is finding a basketball hoop that can survive rough use, this model by Lifetime is the perfect buy.
Overview and Features
This is the first portable basketball hoop that we reviewed that’s more designed for children and younger teens. In fact, serious players will quickly pass this model by.
But parents who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a basketball hoop a child may quickly become bored with can appreciate this model’s innovative design. The ability to adjust the height of the pole means your child will not quickly outgrow it.
Not only does this hoop system come with a shatter resistant backboard that’s reinforced with a heavy-duty polyethylene frame, but it’s also sporting a double compression spring Slam-It breakaway rim that’s made out of solid steel.
The manufacturer also covers this hoop system with a five-year warranty, which is a huge selling point for any parent.
Base
Just by looking at the base of this system you can tell that this model isn’t designed for adult use, however, the size is perfect for kids and young teens. The thirty-five-gallon polyethylene base can be filled with sand or water and helps to keep the system firmly in place during use. But the limited capacity of the base also makes it unsafe for larger players to dunk on.
Like other models of portable basketball hoops, this hoop system is equipped with a couple of wheels designed to make it easy to move the hoop to a new location or store it away when not in use. Given the lighter base, relocating the hoop is very easy.
There have been no reports regarding the base leaking, which is often an issue with lower-priced models.
Backboard Details
As we’ve mentioned, the backboard is made out of polycarbonate, which is a great material if you’re looking for a highly durable backboard. The backboard also features red and white graphics that are fade resistant.
Backboards made out of polycarbonate aren’t going to be as responsive as glass backboards, but for a portable basketball hoop designed for kids, this really isn’t an issue. This is the perfect model for practicing shooting drills and perfecting shots.
Pole Support Design
The Makrolon backboard is designed to last for life and is mount on a three-piece action grip support pole. The round support pole is highly adjustable, so it can be lowered or raised in heights ranging from seven and a half feet up to the regulation ten feet.
Rim
The Slam-it steel rim utilizes a couple of compression springs for increased durability. The rim is also equipped with an all-weather basketball net and steel net hooks that have been welded on. This setup is designed to outlast hardcore dunks, late-night practice sessions, and your typical neighborhood pickup game.
The manufacturer includes a large cover over the two compression springs to prevent rust formation if the hoop is left outdoors.
Assembly
Built from high-quality materials, this model is very easy to assemble, especially if you have experience. Some beginners may struggle with following the included instructions. Instead of guiding you through the entire assembly process, there are no words in the instruction manual, just images. However, Lifetime’s customer service team is available around the clock to help you troubleshoot any issues should you run into any problems during the assembly process.
To assemble you’ll need a ratchet set, Phillips screwdriver, rubber mallet, power drill, and wrench.
This is a one-person job and should take about three hours to complete.
Warranty
Lifetime currently offers a five-year warranty on the hoop system, which covers all components, in addition to ongoing customer service support.
Who Will Love this Hoop System?
This model is definitely designed for children and young teens. It doesn’t feature a heavier base which would provide more stability, making it unsafe for older teens and adults to dunk on.
If you’re looking for a more stable portable basketball hoop, we recommend the Spalding Pro Slam Portable Basketball System, which features a base with a higher capacity and a design that’s tough enough to accommodate adult players.
Pros
- The backboard is made out of shatterproof polycarbonate and features graphics that are fade resistant.
- The lightweight base and large wheels make moving the basketball system simple
- The rim’s spring cover prevents the springs from rusting.
- The round, three-inch pole is simple to adjust
- Priced affordably
- Five-year warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind their product
- The large backboard is perfect for beginners.
Cons
- The complex assembly instructions can make it difficult for beginners to assemble the hoop system.
- For some, the straight pole design was a downside, as an angled support pole can reduce the chances of players running into the pole during a layup or dunk.
- The polycarbonate backboard is not as responsive as a tempered glass backboard
Basketball Bug.com Product Rating:
The biggest issue consumers had with this model was the assembly process. On average it took people three hours to assemble, but for some beginners is took more than five. If you don’t have experience putting together a portable basketball system, then you’ll definitely need some help.
If you can get over the nightmare assembly process, then we guarantee you’ll be glad you bought this Lifetime model.
If you’re searching for a long-lasting, durable portable basketball system, then this model from Lifetime can easily meet your expectations. This height adjustable system complete with a shatterproof backboard and a durable base will be the perfect choice for kids and young teens. The model’s high-quality materials combined with the low cost, and helpful customer service team makes this portable basketball system the total package. We gave this hoop system a rating of four out of five stars.
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