Silverback offers a wide variety of mid-priced portable basketball hoops. While they can’t quite compete with major brands such as Spalding, they do have a knack for producing uniquely designed portable basketball hoops that offer a different take on functionality. In fact, players will have more space to move and work their way toward the hoop, while the popular Infinity backboard design offers the type of impressive support you don’t normally see with backboards made out of this material.
There are those rare models of portable basketball hoop systems that can compare to in-ground hoops, and the NXT is one of them. Usually, portability is the trade-off for stability and durability, but that couldn’t be further from the truth with this model from Silverback.
Overview and Features
We have to say, that despite the fact that this model isn’t considered gym-quality by some players, we love Silverback’s design, layout, and pricing. It may not come equipped with a tempered glass backboard and the rim design isn’t the greatest, but we can’t argue with the hoop’s durability.
The NXT is available with a fifty-four or fifty-inch backboard. The angled setup provides players with under the basket play thanks to a strong system that reduces movement and vibration.
In terms of strength, this model excels. This is due to the patented Stabili-frame technology used. Silverback uses steel on steel connections between the base of the unit and the main pole. This design effectively eliminates joint weakness that many lower priced portable basketball hoops tend to struggle with.
The hoop’s base is thirty-five gallons, which may be too light for dunking, however, this can also depend on the size of the player. A larger base capacity prevents the hoop from tipping over and increases the system’s overall stability. When it comes to dunking safety, most pros recommend a portable basketball hoop with a minimum base capacity of fifty gallons.
However, with a little digging, we found that the NXT is one of the most solid models on the market and the best portable basketball hoop you’ll find if you’re looking for a highly stable model in this price range. But what makes this moderately priced hoop system so special?
Under the base there are a couple of metal bars. Both bars run the length of the base and help to reinforce the structure for improved stability.
The design also allows for more room underneath the basket for work, thanks to the basketball’s goal which measures in at twenty-six inches.
Infinity Backboard
For some players, a polycarbonate backboard can be a deal breaker. While this type of backboard can’t measure up to the tempered glass backboards used in the NBA or at your local gym, this type of material is actually incredibly strong. Combined with the unique backboard design, you’ll be surprised at how responsive the surface really is.
The polycarbonate backboard features a wrap-around framing perimeter that adds to the hoop’s overall stability, so rebounds are more authentic. Most backboards feature a metal frame that the board will attach to. The NXT doesn’t attach to a metal frame, instead it wraps around at a ninety-degree angle. This technique is referred to as flanging. Flanging is used to increase stability and to strengthen the polycarbonate and the infinity backboard looks pretty amazing compared to traditional backboards. The design gives the hoop a streamlined, cleaner look.
Portability
Transporting this hoop system is very simple, thanks to the ergonomically designed base. The Ergo-Move base comes with a couple of large wheels and two hand grips placed on each side of the base, so players can easily get a stable grip when transporting the hoop.
Height Adjustment
The height adjustment feature has a range of seven and a half feet up to ten feet, which is average for portable basketball systems in this price range. The height can be adjusted in six-inch increments. This type of range adjustment is pretty standard, but higher priced models allow the hoop to be adjusted using smaller increments.
Assembly Process
One of the biggest downsides to any portable basketball hoop is the assembly process. Typically, this process can take two or three hours and requires at least two people to get the job done. The NXT only takes approximately an hour to assemble. The included instructions are very detailed and well written and include images of each step of the assembly process.
When you unbox the NXT, initially, you may feel a little overwhelmed considered the dozens of pieces that make up this system. But Silverback has made the entire process much easier by numbering each part and expertly walking you through the entire process.
Rim
The rim is a simple exposed one spring model. The exposed spring design can be a downside if you plan on leaving the hoop outdoors year-round. The exposed spring is vulnerable and can rust if not covered in inclement weather. You can purchase a portable basketball hoop cover or store the hoop in your garage to prevent the rim from rusting in the winter.
In terms of quality, the strength and bounce of the rim is nothing short of impressive.
The Choice is Yours
While the NXT a good choice for both teens and adults, it might be a little over the top if you’re simply looking for a portable basketball system for a younger child. If that’s the case, then we recommend bypassing this model and checking out the Lifetime 51544 shatterproof portable basketball hoop.
Pros
- The Infinity backboard features a unique design that enhances performance and improves stability.
- This model offers excellent balance and durability
- Looks professional
- Can withstand various weather conditions with ease
- The frame extends under the fill base, providing the hoop with a more stable profile.
Cons
- Exposed spring rim
- Polycarbonate backboard
- The bass features a low gallon capacity, which can affect the hoop’s stability when it comes to dunking.
Basketball Bug.com Product Rating:
The NXT is a great example of innovative engineering. The hoop’s frame is very stable, so the rim won’t rattle, and the base won’t move with every shot. The hoop’s twenty-six-inch overhang gives players plenty of space to move under the hoop. The NXT’s height adjustment system is simple to use and allows players to change the height using six-inch increments. This model is a great choice if you want to invest in the best portable basketball hoop that’s designed to last. We gave this model a rating of four out of five stars.
