Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball System Combines Sand and Water for Improved Stability

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Spalding Hybrid Portable Hoop Rating:

Assembly         7.0/10

Rim                    8.0/10

Backboard       8.5/10

Fill Base             10/10

Support Pole      7/10

Overall                 8.5/10

 

 

Being that I review basketballs, basketball hoops, and other basketball-related products for a living it goes without saying that I take the game seriously.  So, when it was time for me to pick up a basketball hoop for my home you can bet I did a fair amount of research.

At the end of the day I ended up buying the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop.  In this review I am going to give you insights on why I picked the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop, tips for installation, and my commentary on how this basketball system performs.

Why The Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball System?

Given that I review and research basketball hoops regularly it is fair to ask why I went with this hoop.  Going into the buying process I knew I wanted a portable basketball hoop.  That alone eliminated all the in-ground basketball hoops that are available for sale.

Next was deciding which portable basketball hoop was right for me and my needs.  I went about checking out some portable basketball hoops at the local sports store and at the end of the day it came down to either the Silverback NXT and the Spalding Hybrid.  I went with the Spalding because the reviews of those who purchased were exceedingly positive (except for one purchaser), and the Spalding Hybrid has more bulk and heavy-duty features when compared to the NXT.

Lastly, I like the idea of the hybrid base.  While it may seem like a gimmick at first, I’ve read many stories of hoop owners who have bases that have leaked over time basically making the hoop useless.  With the hybrid base I can always add as much sand as I need even if a leak develops in the future.

Assembling the Spalding Hybrid Basketball Hoop

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Initial Thoughts

I received my Spalding Hybrid Basketball Hoop via home delivery and the guys delivering were nice enough to place the hoop in my garage so that I could begin the assembly process.

When I initially pulled out all the parts and materials I was a bit overwhelmed.  Admittedly, I am not the most handy individual, but have improved over the last few years.

Either Get Help or Clone Yourself

Assembly was certainly time consuming but not overly difficult.  I will say that you will need at least two people to assemble this hoop.  There were probably 3-5 instances where I needed the extra help during assembly, so for the most part you can do it on your own, but some steps will be impossible without the extra hands.

Some of these steps where extra help will be needed include when you fit the three support pole pieces to each other, attaching the backboard to the support braces, and when you install the screw jack lift system.

Time Frame

I do not have an exact time frame for how long the Spalding Hybrid Portable Hoop takes to assemble because I did it over the course of two days.  However, I’d say that if you are reasonably handy like me (certainly not exceptional) and don’t make some of the boneheaded mistakes I made, then you should be hooping in no more than four hours.

Main Assembly Tips

Having gone through the assembly process with the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball System I have a few tips to use to make your assembly process as painless as possible.

1. As I mentioned above plan to have at least one extra person available for those assembly steps that require more help
   1. This is especially true when you connect the three support pole pieces, you only have one shot to get these right
2. The rim is actually held up by the breakaway spring, which is not clearly shown in the directions.  I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to attach the rim to the backboard before my wife clued me in to how it actually worked
3. You will need a wrench set and hammer to assemble this hoop, if you don’t have these get them or consider hiring a professional to assemble the hoop for you
4. Once you’ve got the backboard attached be sure to place some sort of weight into the base where the sand will eventually go to avoid the chance of tipping the hoop while you are assembling
5. Make sure to read the directions for securing the bolts.  On several assembly steps you do not want to tighten the bolts completely.
6. My experience was that the glossary of bolts, nuts, and washers was not completely accurate in terms of both numbers of each item listed and pictures.  Do your best to use the right bolts.  It gets easier to identify the correct items as you go along.
   1. Side note: it appears that Spalding uses some generic pages in their manual which causes this issue.  I’d like to see them create completely custom assembly manuals for each hoop model they sell.

Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball System Performance Review

Now that I’ve gone over the good and bad points of the assembly process let’s get into the meat of this review.  This includes how the Spalding Hybrid performs, both good and bad.  I’ve used the hoop several times now and feel confident that I can offer anyone considering buying this hoop a good idea of what they will get with their purchase.

Rim Quality

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Overall I’ve been impressed with the rim quality on the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop.  I will be the first to admit that the rim on this hoop is not up to par with a gym quality breakaway rim, but you should not expect this when spending $500-$700 on a hoop.  If you do have this expectation then I suggest seriously considering a top of the line in-ground basketball hoop that generally start in the $1500 price range.

When shooting the rim performs best on shots that hit the back of the rim, which makes sense because this is closer to where the rim connects to backboard.  Shots that hit the front of the rim tend to make the rim perform in a more flimsy manner.  Performance on shots as a whole has been slightly better than I expected.

A common question I get is if the rim can handle dunking.  I would not recommend hanging on this rim, especially from the front for fear of damaging the rim or potentially tipping the hoop.  It can likely handle some dunking but it will probably shorten the life of your hoop if you dunk on it regularly.

That being said the rim on the Spalding Hybrid impresses me when considering the cost.  I certainly feel like it meets my needs and will meet the needs of most families.

Backboard

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Spalding offers several different backboard models for the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop.  These include 54 inch and 60 inch acrylic backboards which are good mid level backboards.  On the expensive end there is a 54 inch tempered glass backboard version that will cost you a couple hundred dollars more.

I picked up the cheapest option, the 54 inch acrylic backboard.  I must say that the backboard has surpassed my expectations.  The ball comes off the backboard with velocity, with bank shots and layups performing in a similar fashion to tempered glass backboards.

The only thing I will say is that with a 54 inch backboard you don’t have as much room to operate when executing a reverse layup.  Sometimes the ball will hit the side of the backboard on the 54 inch version, when on a larger backboard the ball could very well end up in the hoop.

However, this is a small price to pay.  If you feel like that would bother you then consider moving up to the 60 inch acrylic backboard.  With the quality of the acrylic backboard I don’t see it being worth the extra $200 for the 54 inch tempered glass version.

Fill Base

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Most fill bases found on portable basketball hoops are only filled with water.  These can range in size from 25 gallons all the way up to 60 gallons for the Spalding Beast Portable Basketball Hoop.

The Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball System really changed the game in terms of the fill base.  On the Spalding Hybrid you have two main compartments.  The first compartment is the actual base and can be filled with up to 19 gallons of water.  The second compartment is actually a space that has been “cut out” of the base so that you can put up to four 50 pound bags of play sand in the base.

At first this didn’t seem like a big deal to me.  But now I see the advantages.  Most portable basketball hoops are hard to move when the base is full of water.  This means you have to empty the base somewhat to be able to transport your hoop to another location.

With the Spalding Hybrid Hoop you only need to remove the bags of sand and the hoop can be moved with the 19 gallons of water still in the base.  Having this options makes the Spalding Hybrid more versatile than most other portable hoops.

Support Pole

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Featured on the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop is a three piece support pole.  Three piece means that there are literally three pieces that are attached together to make the support pole system.  Three piece support poles are found on most portable basketball systems.

In fact, I believe the Spalding Beast is the only portable basketball system that has a two-piece support pole.  For those who are wondering, one-piece support poles are the best, but they are only found on higher-end in-ground hoops.

I must say that going into the purchase I thought that the three-piece support pole would be the cause of a lot of vibrations with the hoop.  Thankfully I’ve found that my worries were unfounded.  For having the cheapest support pole design the Spalding Hybrid is a durable basketball system.

Summary

What I Like About This Hoop

• The Spalding Hybrid feels durable, especially considering it has a three-piece support pole
• Raising and lowering the hoop is easy with the screw-jack system
• The hybrid fill base is more versatile than other portable systems
• Rim offers really good performance at this price point

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Rim does get a bit flimsy when shots hit the front of the rim
• Directions for assembly were unclear at points and the bolt/nut glossary is inaccurate

Hopefully this review has given you a thorough idea of what it is like to assemble and use the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop.  I’m really glad I bought this hoop and I am satisfied with the performance.

As I mentioned earlier, I would not spend the extra money for the tempered glass version.  I just can’t imagine it making a big enough difference.  Not only that but tempered glass is much more likely to break.

If you feel that the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop would not be up to your expectations, but want a portable system, then I recommend the Spalding Beast Portable Basketball Hoop.

Review of the Spalding 79564 Backboard and Rim Combo

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Spalding 79564 Backboard and Rim Combo: [usr 7.25]

Today the majority of the hoops sold are in ground systems or portable basketball hoops.  For those who are looking for a simple rim and backboard unit to attach to a wall or garage the number of options have become more limited.  One really solid option if you want a rim and backboard system is the Spalding 79564 Backboard and Rim Combo.  It works great for those who have a garage or indoor environment where you want to hang the hoop from.  One strength of these systems is the simplistic assembly compared to portable and in ground systems.

The Spalding Backboard and Rim Combo has a great number of features that make it a great option for your home. The system has a medium sized backboard of 54 inches, which is made of acrylic. Acrylic is a nice middle of the road material that is higher quality than polycarbonate, and not as expensive as tempered glass.  The bottom of the backboard is aligned with padding that will protect any players who go up for a layup or dunk.  Another feature of this hoop is the arena slam breakaway rim.  This rim has a covered spring mechanism that allows for breakaway flexibility when dunking.  On the rim there is an all-weather net so that outside it will not wear down due to the elements.

One thing that we really like about wall-mounted hoops is that they tend to provide strong backboard support so that rebounds come off with velocity unlike some portable basketball systems.  With the Spalding 79564 Backboard and Rim Combo this reputation for strong backboard performance continues.  This system comes ready to be mounted to an existing pole, but will require a wall-mount bracket if you are going to hang it from a wall.

What We Like About This Hoop

• Because it is comes without the base or pole it is a cheaper hoop option
• The rim is top notch and has a good breakaway mechanism
• Backboard padding offers enhanced safety
• Spalding is the official basketball provider of the NBA and this hoop features the NBA logo on the backboard

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• It would be nice if the wall-mount hardware came with the hoop
• May be better off going with an all-in-one in ground system if you are going to install a support pole
• Acrylic backboard may not have desired performance for those wanting top quality tempered glass

The Spalding 79564 Backboard and Rim Combo is a great option for those with a garage or other building to mount the hoop to. If you want a similar quality Spalding hoop that is portable then we suggest the Spalding 60″ Portable Basketball System, and for in ground the Spalding 60″ In Ground Basketball System.

Is the Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball Hoop Right for You?

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Main Features

• Comes in two color schemes (black with blue trim or black with green trim/base)
• Height adjustment from 7.5 feet to 10 feet via the Exacta-lift system
• The base can hold up to 39 gallons of water to help keep the hoop stable and upright
• 50″ backboard made of acrylic material to for maximum durability
• Three piece vertical support pole that is round and 3″ in diameter

Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball System:   6.9/10

The Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball Hoop is one of the newer portable basketball systems offered by Spalding.  As you may already know, Spalding has been a leader in manufacturing some of the highest quality basketball hoops and basketballs for many years now which has led them to be the official basketball of the NBA.  Knowing this we are very excited to give you an in depth rundown of the Hercules basketball hoop including what we like and what could be better about the system.  The rim of the Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball Hoop is Pro-Slam style which we have seen before on the Spalding Pro-Slam Basketball Hoop.  The Pro-Slam rim does have a breakaway mechanism, but would not be suitable for rough dunking or hanging.

The acrylic backboard is 3.5 mm thick and will have some mild to moderate vibrations when impacted.  As we have stated previously, acrylic backboards are generally better than polycarbonate, but do not perform as well as backboards made of tempered glass.  The Hercules Basketball Hoop from Spalding has a three-piece support pole that has a 3.5″ diameter.  We consider this three-piece support system a weakness as one or two-piece support systems are significantly more sturdy and durable.

The base of this hoop can hold up to 39 gallons of water to keep the Spalding Hercules Basketball System from tipping over.  During the Winter months you may want to drain some of the water out to avoid damage from ice expanding in the base.  There are two wheels that are attached to the base that can used to help make transportation easier, however, do not expect to be able to move this hoop without first draining the water from the base.

As far as assembly goes, you will most definitely want to have at least two adults working as a team to get this hoop put together.  If you have two people working on assembly, then expect this hoop to take anywhere from 3-6 hours to be set up.  Be sure to follow the directions closely and not assume you know the next step.  If you follow these suggestions assembly should not be too difficult.

What We Like About The Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball Hoop

• We like the relatively large base that can hold up to 39 gallons of water to keep the hoop in place
• The Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball Hoop has some padding that lines the bottom of the backboard which enhances safety
• Comes in two different color scheme choices–one of the only hoops we’ve seen that offers this option
• Acrylic backboard material is superior to polycarbonate

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Three piece support pole system is less stable than basketball systems that feature one or two-piece support systems
• 50 Inch backboard is smaller than the 54 Inch backboard that is featured on the Spalding Pro-Slam Hoop

Overall, the Spalding Hercules Portable Basketball System is a quality addition to the Spalding basketball hoop lineup.  If you are interested in another hoop that has similar features we would suggest you see our review of the Spalding Pro-Slam.  However, if you want a hoop that has more features and higher quality materials then consider looking into “The Beast” Basketball Hoop from Spalding.

 

Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System:   8.9/10

Main Features

• Breakaway rim with double springs that recreates look and feel of indoor quality rim
• Features a 2′ offset from the backboard to the support pole offering space for reverse layups
• Comes with a ground sleeve anchor system which makes installation easier than other in-ground systems
• 60″ tempered glass backboard that features aluminum trim to keep the board intact and performing optimally
• U-Turn Lift setup to allow for the most minute height adjustments

Spalding has been a leader in the game of basketball for many decades and continues to set a course which many other basketball brands follow.  They arguably offer the greatest variety of basketball hoops at different price points, features, and quality.  The Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System is a mid-priced hoop that finds itself positioned between less expensive portable hoops like the Pro Slam and higher-end in-ground systems like the Spalding 888 system.  So, if you want to take a step up from some of the more common value hoops but may not have the budget for a hoop that will set you back one or two grand, then the Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System is likely to be right up your alley.

The value of this hoop cannot be understated.  It features a 60″ tempered glass backboard while keeping a price point under $600, a rare feat in the basketball hoop market.  Tempered glass offers the best rebounding experience when compared to backboards made of acrylic or polycarbonate.  The backboard also has a better more supportive design than what is more commonly seen with lower priced hoops.  The rim that comes with this hoop is also a step up from other systems and is more capable of handling dunks and competitive game play.  Installation of this hoop is made more simple with the ground sleeve anchor system that is included with this hoop.

We see the Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System as a good entry into the premium hoop game without some of the bells and whistles that are included with more expensive systems.  Most notably, this hoop comes with no padding on either the support pole or the backboard.  While the 2″ offset from the backboard to pole does help to keep players from getting injured, it may be worthwhile to invest in a pole pad if you decide to purchase this hoop.

What We Like About This Hoop

• One of the best values if you are specifically looking for a backboard that is made of tempered glass.  The performance of this backboard off of rebounds will blow away other boards made of acrylic and polycarbonate
• Two vertical steel supports make sure the hoop is stable and minimizes vibrations
• Breakaway rim is high quality and will impress with it’s performance
• The ground sleeve will save you from any angry out bursts that may scare your neighbors during the installation process

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• While only a concern during intense game situations, the lack of support pole and backboard padding could be an issue for safety conscious buyers
• A 2 foot offset from the backboard to the pole is less than the 4 foot offset seen featured on more premium basketball systems

The Spalding 60″ In-Ground Basketball System is a great value that comes with features not matched by many hoops at its price point.  This characteristic is what helped drive our rating of this hoop.  We would generally recommend this hoop for families as well as those who are serious about the game of basketball and their budget.  For those wanting the features of a higher priced hoop (padding, larger backboard, etc.) we suggest looking into the Goalrilla GLR GS-I and the Spalding Arena View Hoop.

 

Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System:   7.0/10

Main Features

• Arena slam rim that is high quality and made of solid steel
• Screw Jack adjustable height system allows system’s height to adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in infinite increments
• Four-inch square pole that features a three piece design and four arms that attach to the backboard for enhanced support
• 54 inch tempered glass backboard
• Includes recreational quality backboard padding and a plastic guard at the base for added protection

Spalding is a major player in the manufacturing of recreational and professional level basketball hoops and has a great reputation for putting together good products.  Because of this we work to review as many hoops they produce as possible so that you can make an informed decision.  We would like to take a closer look at the Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System with tempered glass and break down its strengths and weaknesses.  Let’s take a look at the strong points of this hoop first.  The Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System comes equipped with a high quality breakaway rim that is spring loaded, and while it is not quite gym quality it will work great for the vast majority of homes.  This hoop also features a tempered glass backboard, which is the highest quality backboard material allowing for the basketball to come of the backboard consistently and with appropriate force.  Lastly, we really like that there are four support arms that attach the support pole to the backboard which will significantly reduce backboard vibrations when compared to hoops that have less support for the backboard.

While this hoop does have some strengths it also has some serious weaknesses as well which led to our lower rating for this hoop.  Our biggest concern is that the design of the Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System lends itself to tipping, especially during assembly, which as a result has caused the tempered glass backboard, which is weaker than acrylic, to shatter.  We believe this is related to the vertical nature in which the support pole is set on this system when compared to hoops like the Spalding Beast.

It has also been reported that normal shots have caused the backboard to shatter as well.  However, there are plastic spacers that are supposed to be placed between the backboard and goal which are crucial to keep this type of thing to happening to you.  Spalding has begun to pre-attach these spacers, but it is recommended by us that if you do not see these spacers on your system or in the shipping box to contact Spalding to ask for them before beginning any assembly.

What We Like About This Hoop

• The Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball System is a decent value when you consider the tempered glass backboard with support braces and breakaway rim
• Offers backboard padding which enhances the overall safety of this hoop
• The infinite height adjustments provided by the screw jack system is great for families wanting to teach their children proper shooting technique on a hoop that is accessible to little ones

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• As we discussed in our review this hoop has a tendency to tip, especially during installation.  We believe this is likely due to the heavier tempered glass backboard coupled with a vertically positioned support pole.
• The directions provided for installation could be presented more clearly

As a final note on the Spalding 54 Inch Portable Basketball Hoop, we feel that this hoop is good as it stands, however, it could be significantly better with a few minor adjustments.  In particular, we believe that if the support pole was positioned at an angle that it would help stabilize the system.  Because of this flaw, we feel most buyers would be better suited selecting the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System and the Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System which are both at a similar price point.

 

Spalding Arena View Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding Arena View Basketball System Review:   9.7/10

Main Features

• Breakaway rim that is of professional quality
• Hoop has a 4 foot offset from the support pole providing maximum space under the hoop as seen on indoor regulation hoops
• Has a one piece 8 inch square steel support system which provides the greatest stability available
• Comes with a ground tube anchor kit with hinging base plate to simplify assembly
• Regulation sized 72″ steel framed acrylic or glass backboard with aluminum trim
• U-Turn Pro lift system allows for easy and custom height adjustments ranging from 7 feet to 10 feet
• Stadium quality padding included on the support pole and backboard for maximum safety

Wow, if you are crazy serious about the game of basketball and want to own the ultimate recreational basketball system for your home then look no further than the hoop we are reviewing today, the Spalding Arena View Basketball System.  Spalding pulled out all the stops with this premium priced hoop and it is easy to see why this beast will put you back more than two grand.  The Arena View is the top basketball hoop option from Spalding and places itself at the top of the mountain compared to some other basketball systems from Spalding such as The Beast and the 60″ portable basketball system.

This hoop comes with many different options. Spalding offers Arena View hoops with either acrylic or tempered glass.  While acrylic will be more durable than tempered glass, we recommend the superior performing tempered glass when investing this much in a hoop as the performance simply cannot be matched.  Stability is a primary focus for the Arena View as it features Z-arms that extend from the support pole to the edges of the backboard which minimize vibrations and work to prevent the backboard from breaking.  The four foot offset between the hoop and the support pole is important to keep players safe as well as recreating the feel of playing in a gym environment.  The padding provided by the Arena View Basketball System is by far the best and most supportive of all the hoops we have reviewed.  The support pole padding extends from the bottom of the unit while high quality padding lines the bottom of the backboard.  If you put a high value on safety then you may want to take a closer look at this hoop as an option for you home.

What We Like About This Hoop

• The Spalding Arena View Basketball System is one of the few outdoor hoops that can match up in quality to regulation gym systems.
• We like that you have the choice between a 60″ or 72″ backboard made of either acrylic or tempered glass.  It allows the buyer to pick and choose the features that they value most.
• Padding on this hoop is awesome and will allow parents to feel good about allowing their little ones play on this system
• One-piece steel support poles like the one featured on the Arena View are the best option for minimizing vibrations and maximizing performance
• The rim on this hoop is of high quality and allows for hanging on the rim during dunks and consistent bounces off the rim from three point land

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• The cost of this hoop will put it outside of the price range of many buyers
• Installation will require three or four people and significant time due to the sheer size of this basketball system.  For most, this will be more than a one day job.

To summarize, if you are a basketball fanatic or an advanced player looking for optimum performance in a hoop then the high price tag should not scare you away.  You will get your money’s worth with the Arena View Basketball System.  However, if you want a hoop for the kids to play on or for regular recreational games then we suggest looking at hoops like the Silverback SB-60 and the Spalding Beast that are less expensive yet still provide high quality performance.

 

 

Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Spalding is the sanctioned basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the sanctioned backboard of the NBA and NCAA.

If you are an ardent basketball player, then, the Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System is a good choice for your home. This enormous hoop features a regulation sized 72″ glass backboard. It also comes in a 62″ glass backboard. The backboard is reinforced with a solid steel H-frame. A Positive Lock breakaway rim will stretch and snap back into position. The heavy duty Z-arms bolt through the backboard frame increases steadiness and levelling. The Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System is an adjustable basketball system with a rim that adjusts height from 7′ – 10′. The hardware includes plastic bushings to reduce metal contact and prevent rusting. With an interior safety stop, the board is prevented from being lowered below 6’6″. With NBA regulation size and performance, this Spalding basketball system will meet your expectations.

Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding H Frame In-Ground Basketball System:  9.0/10

Pros

Positive Lock Breakaway rim and a durable Spalding/NBA pole pad is included for professional level performance

One Piece, 6″ Square steel pole allows for maximum firmness. Ground tube anchor kit with hinging base plate allows for easy assembly.

Cons

Does not have backboard padding that other similarly priced basketball systems include

Features and Specifications

72″ Glass Backboard

• Spalding 86724HGP Arena View H 72″ Glass In-Ground Basketball System:
• Positive Lock Breakaway rim with all-weather net.
• One-piece solid steel 6″ square pole. High-quality pole pad included.
• 72″ x 42″ steel framed glass backboard with aluminium trim. 3/8″ thick tempered glass backboard for superior rebound.
• U-Turn? Pro lift system provides infinite height adjustment from 7′ to 10′.
• Backboard has 4′ offset from pole

60″ Glass Backboard

• 60″ x 38″ steel framed glass backboard with aluminium trim. 3/8″ thick tempered glass backboard for superior rebound.
• U-Turn Pro lift mechanism delivers infinite height adjustment from 7′ to 10′
• One Piece, 6″ Square steel pole allows for maximum stability. Ground tube anchor kit with hinging base plate allows for easy assembly.
• Backboard has 3′ offset from pole

Spalding 48 Inch Basketball System Review

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Spalding has for many years been a leader in the basketball manufacturing industry and that is why many folks have chosen to purchase the Spalding 48 inch Portable Basketball Hoop. Based on the reviews this hoop is not perfect, but for a more affordable hoop it is a solid choice. Here is our opinion on the what we like about this system as well as things that could be improved to make this hoop even better.

The first feature worth mentioning is that the Spalding 48 inch Portable Basketball Hoop can be lowered to 7.5’ and up to the regulation 10′. This is an advantage when you buying for young basketball players. The hoop’s base is big enough to support 37 gallons of water which will keep this system upright. There have been some reviewers who have mentioned that the base is susceptible to leaking and this is a cause for concern. Now you do have the option to avoid this problem by choosing to fill the base with sand rather than water. Also, the polycarbonate material they used on the backboard very thin and will vibrate a fair amount when a shot hits the rim or backboard.

While for most the assembly will be quite simple, the directions at times are vague which may cause you to miss a step or complete a step incorrectly.  Because of this vagueness,  some users resort to trial and error. We recommend you find a friend or family member when putting the Spalding 48 inch Portable Basketball Hoop together to make the process more efficient. Children will love being able to play on this hoop and we feel that it is a great selection for recreational use.  All of Spalding’s basketball hoops provide a sleek look and durable feel, and the Spalding 48 inch portable basketball hoop is no exception.

Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System:  7.7/10

Main Features

• Has an Arena Slam Heavy Duty steel rim
• Stays in place using a 40 gallon tank that can be filled with either sand or water
• Height on the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System can be adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet using a screw jack lift system
• 60 Inch backboard made from acrylic material

The Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System finds itself marketed as a solid middle priced portable unit between the less expensive Spalding Pro Slam and the premium Spalding The Beast Basketball Hoop.  This is a really nice choice for anyone who wants to have a high quality portable hoop for their home but does not have +$1000 to spend on a system.  We would recommend this hoop for those who take the game seriously or for families who have a child who is into the game and wants to take their interest to the next level.

At this middle level price you will find that the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System has a mix of higher end features with some other cheaper materials as well.  On the higher end side this hoop does feature a professional performing rim that has a quality breakaway mechanism so that it can take on dunks and other rough play.  It also has the added bonus of padding that lines the bottom of the backboard which enhances safety.  Another safety feature found only on high end portable systems is the pole guard that helps to keep players from running into the pole and base.  On the flip side, here are some features of the hoop that tend to be found on cheaper units.  The Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System has a 3 piece pole and support system.  This is generally the least stable design on portable basketball hoops.  Two piece poles are generally more secure, and one-piece poles are the most stable and are featured on the highest quality premium hoops.  The acrylic backboard is better than the polycarbonate found on the cheapest basketball systems, but does not perform at the level seen from basketball hoops that have a tempered glass backboard.  With an acrylic backboard this system will have some mild shaking when the basketball hits the rim or backboard, but it will still be superior to most portable basketball systems out there.

If you purchase this basketball hoop be prepared to find a friend or adult family member to help you with the assembly process.  This will generally take somewhere between 3-5 hours depending on your assembly experience and assuming things go smoothly.

What We Like About This Hoop

• Pro Style Arena Slam Rim which allows for moderate dunking (we still would not recommend hanging on this rim as over a long period of time it could cause warping and damage).
• The backboard padding and pole guard are a plus so that you can feel confident about the safety of the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball Hoop
• Two support braces align the back of the backboard which do work to minimize shaking and enhances stability

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• The three piece support pole design leaves this hoop susceptible to shaking.  If you want a hoop with a two or one piece system be prepared to spend more money.
• The base can hold up to a solid 40 gallons, however, we have never seen a base that is too big.  Making this a 50 gallon base would only work to keep the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball System more stable and less likely to tip.

Overall, the Spalding 60 Inch Portable Basketball Hoop is a wise investment that should last many years when used responsibly.  While the hoop does have some features that leave a little to be desired, at it’s price point it performs quite nicely.  If you are able to spend more and want a hoop at the next level we would suggest considering the Spalding The Beast Basketball Hoop.

 

Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System:  8.2/10

Main Features

• Three piece support pole with 3.5 inch diameter is rust resistant
• Front cover rebounder feature
• Screw-jack lift system adjusts in height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet
• Arena Slam breakaway rim
• Attaches to 40 gallon plastic base which can be filled with sand or water
• Portable basketball system for easy movement

In the market for a portable basketball system for your driveway or backyard? Finding the right hoop is important so that you have the features you desire at the price you want, along with a product that is made to last depending on your level and frequency of use. Spalding is a manufacturer of hoops that is time-tested and well-respected, and the Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System is a great option if you are looking for something moderately priced, but a solid addition to your yard or driveway with some great features.

The Spalding 68564 hoop offers an array of solid features for the baller in your life, be they young and beginning, or a veteran of the game; the hoop would be best for those looking to play recreationally and practice drills and shots on a regular basis. It features a large 54 inch acrylic backboard made for frequent play and practice. There is a heavy duty steel frame lining the backboard, giving you extra strength and durability as you go up for layups and slam dunks. Acrylic backboards are a great option for those looking for a quality, strong backboard for bank shots and layups, without the high price of tempered glass; a great middle ground option.

When it comes to adjusting the hoop height, the Spalding 68564 Basketball System makes things pretty easy. Thanks to the Screw Jack lift system, the hoop can raise from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in a smooth, one-handed motion. The hoop can lift in infinite increments making it able to be personalized to the height that works best for the player. It also has a removable handle so that once you have found your desired height, it cannot be tampered with. The Spalding 68564 has a 3 piece, 3.5 inch pole, which is set at a 20 degree angle from the base, with a plastic cover on the front gives you a built in rebounder when you play.

The foundation of the Spalding 68564 Portable Basketball System is one of the larger models on the market, with a 40 gallon plastic base; the large size allows for a sturdy and strong foundation, minimizing shaking that can come with weaker or smaller bases on other models. You can fill the base with water, sand, or a polymer gel product to allow for little movement in your neighborhood basketball games and free throw work. Reviewers of this hoop found the base to be adequate and found it durable enough to withstand cracks and weaknesses in the plastic, where sometimes other hoops do not measure up.

For those players who love to perfect their slam dunk, or even just complete their first one, the Spalding 68564 offers a great platform for such a goal; it features an Arena Slam breakaway rim with solid steel support braces. The smooth spring associated with the rim allows for it to give way when going up for that amazing dunk or layup, and minimizes pressure on the backboard, allowing for a stronger and longer lasting product.

While this hoop has a lot of great points, one thing to consider is assembly. Many reviewers have found the assembly of this hoop to be time-consuming and difficult, with improper instructions or missing pieces. However, other found the hoop easy to assemble and did so with little help or time on their hands.  Assembly can vary, but this is just one factor to consider when purchasing the hoop that is best for your lifestyle.

What We Like About This Hoop

• Arena Slam rim minimizes pressure on the backboard
• 54 inch backboard offers great acrylic finish with wide range
• Steel framed backboard provides strong support for vigorous games
• Support pole system is coated with a rust resistant material that helps to keep the hoop lasting longer
• Angled support pole makes tipping less likely
• Extra-large 40 gallon base provides a solid foundation

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Easier assembly instructions would aide in the time consuming assembly process
• Further cushioning around the backboard would aide in protection when going up for close to the basket shots
• Padding on the support pole could be better