Spalding is a well-known name is the basketball industry. They’re known for their top of the line products for basketball, soccer, baseball, football, and volleyball.
You can commonly find Spalding products in any gym, mainly because their balls, nets, rims, and other sports equipment have a reputation for durability. But Spalding really outdid themselves with their latest portable basketball hoop.
The Beast by Spalding is currently rated as the best portable basketball hoop on the market. With just a glance you’ll take in the tempered glass backboard, large base, solid construction and high-quality wheel system, all of which indicates durability, quality, and class. There isn’t a portable basketball hoop out there that can compete with The Beast, so read on to find out why.
Overview and Features
One of the biggest issues players have with portable basketball hoops is stability. In fact, many lower-priced models are known to tip over if you dunk or play a rough game. Because of this, portable hoops have gotten a bad rap. The problem usually lies with a base that’s simply too small. The base of a portable model is filled with a type of liquid, sand, or even gravel, and it’s what holds the entire system down when players are dunking. So, it makes sense that a smaller base will have a major impact on how stable or unstable a hoop is. On average, bases are usually around twenty-five gallons, which can be too small for teen and adult players. But Spalding took this into consideration when designing a gym-quality portable hoop.
This model features a large fifty-gallon base, which is the perfect size for adult and teen use. The base can be filled with either sand or water.
The height of the basketball hoop can easily be adjusted from seven and a half feet up to ten feet, using the U-Turn height adjustment system.
This model also comes with a base cover and a movable handle, which makes transporting and moving the hoop much easier, and also works as a great rebounder.
The large sixty-inch temperature glass backboard is finished off with a durable aluminum trim and measures in at a quarter inch thick.
The breakaway rim is pro quality and is equipped with an all-weather net that’s designed to easily handle the elements. This net can be left on the hoop year-round and will need to be replaced once every three to four years, which is pretty impressive.
Support Pole Design
The Beast uses a two-piece five-inch thick support pole that’s angled in order to reduce the chance of the hoop system tipping over. The basketball hoop’s design also includes a couple of vertical steep struts, which work to improve stability and backboard performance.
Top of the Line Breakaway Rim
Considering the price of this portable model, it’s no surprise that The Beast comes with a breakaway rim. Standard rims can’t hang with dunking or rough use, but that’s where the breakaway rim truly shines. Designed to withstand heavy use, this is just another feature that makes this model stand out from the competition. This is truly a pro-quality portable basketball hoop.
This is a rim that’s designed to handle monster dunks, however, the manufacturer does not recommend hanging from the rim. Overall, you’ll quickly notice the difference between how this rim performs compared to hoops you’ll find at your local outdoor basketball court.
Solid Construction
Spalding took their design to the next level with The Beast. Their design has a heavy emphasis on stability. The massive five-inch square support pole is angled from the bottom of the backboard to the back of the base.
This type of angling is crucial for maximum stability, significantly limiting the possibility of the hoop tipping over by providing innovative weight distribution. The base mount consists of four struts, each of which helps stabilize this model in order to further reinforce the hoop.
The Beast also features one of the largest base systems we have ever come across on a recreational portable model, offering a fifty-gallon capacity.
The base is also equipped with a set of rollers, which makes transporting the hoop from place to place a cinch.
One thing this model lacks is backboard and support pole padding. While this won’t be an issue for most homes, especially due to the support pole’s angled design, it’s a nice extra safety feature to have. However, you can always purchase a Spalding brand support pole pad if you feel it’s needed.
Pros
- One of the most stable portable basketball hoops on the market
- The base handle and wheels make moving this model much easier compared to competing models.
- The large sixty-inch tempered glass backboard is one of the most heavy-duty backboards you’ll find on a portable basketball hoop.
- The large base features a fifty-gallon capacity.
- Includes an excellent gym-quality rim
- The manufacturer offers a five-year limited warranty
- The included all-weather net can last over three years before it needs replacing.
Cons
- The backboard and support pole are not padded
- While the two-piece support pole is high-quality, it can’t compete with a one-piece pole design.
- High price tag
Basketball Bug.com Product Rating:
This is a portable basketball hoop that deserves a standing ovation.
Now, you can see why The Beast by Spalding is our top pick for the best portable basketball hoop. It earns top marks due to several factors including the large base, support pole design, top of the line backboard and rim, ease of use, and overall stability.
Anyone searching for a premium portable basketball hoop that can take plenty of use and abuse should consider The Beast. This top of the line model is arguably the best portable model that money can buy. Compared to the Spalding NBA portable basketball system, it’s a little on the pricey side, but as you can see from the quality construction, tempered glass backboard, and larger base, this is a hoop that’s worth every penny. We gave this model a rating of five out of five stars.
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