Goalrilla GLR GS 54 System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Goalrilla GLR GS 54 Basketball System Review:   9.0/10

Main Features

• The size of the Goalrilla GLR GS 54 makes it versatile so that it can fit driveways and basketball courts of all sizes
• Anchor bolt mounting makes leveling and assembly easier
• Top of line one piece steel support pole offering maximum stability
• Backboard made of tempered glass that is three eights of an inch thick
• Backboard measurements are 54 inches by 34 inches

For those visiting BestBasketballHoops.org who are looking for a top of line hoop that will also give you the most bang for your buck space wise, then we recommend you take a look at the Goalrilla GLR GS 54 In Ground Basketball System.  This basketball hoop is

the most compact offering from Goalrilla that will accommodate smaller driveways and courts while retaining the quality that a Goalrilla hoop provides. The Goalrilla GLR GS 54 is one of the most affordable offerings from Goalrilla.  For those who want a larger Goalrilla hoop we recommend you take a look at the Goalrilla GLR GS-1 hoop that offers a full size 72 inch backboard.

For a smaller sized hoop it comes with a great deal of top quality features. The tempered glass material featured on the backboard is usually reserved for more expensive, larger basketball systems.  You simply will not find another 54 inch backboard on the market that performs like this Goalrilla.  Another great aspect of this basketball system is that the Goallrilla GLR GS 54 also has a one piece steel support pole design.  This the mecca for

basketball hoop stability and enhances the performance of this system.  The support pole measures at 5 inches by 5 inches giving a heavy duty feel to this hoop.  Also, you will not have to worry about this system’s support pole rusting out for many years as it is powder coated to last.  While the 2 and a half foot offset from support pole to hoop is not as large as other high end hoops, simply buying a support pole pad will minimize the risk of injury for any players driving to the hole.  The crank adjustment system on this hoop allows you to adjust the height from 7 feet to 10 feet in infinite increments.  This allows for more dunking opportunities as well as assists youngsters in gaining proper shooting form.

What We Like About This Hoop

• It is the best small sized basketball hoop on the market today.  If you are looking for a quality hoop that does not take up too much space, then look no further than the Goalrilla GLR GS 54
• The tempered glass material on this basketball hoop is top notch and performs similar to more expensive hoops
• One of the few 54 inch backboard basketball systems with a one-piece support pole design
• The breakaway rim on this hoop plays like regulation hoops at your local high school gym

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Would like to see padding included with this hoop for the backboard and support pole
• Likely not a good choice for those buyers have a regulation sized court at their home due to smaller size

To wrap things ups, you simply will not find a better 54 inch backboard basketball system than the Goalrilla GLR GS 54.  This hoop is a higher price range than similarly sized options, but in this case you get what you pay for.  We highly recommend that if you buy this hoop to go ahead and get the padding for the support pole for extra protection.  If you are looking for a larger top quality hoop we suggest that you consider the Goalrilla GLR GS-I or the Spalding Arena View Basketball Hoop.

 

 

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.

 

Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System:   7.4/10

Main Features

• Features a Power Lift system that works to adjust the height of the hoop from 7.5 feet to 10 feet at any increment
• An all-weather nylon net
• A double compression spring “Pro Slam It” rim to protect the backboard during dunks
• 5 Year Warranty
• 54 Inch backboard that is comprised of Makrolon polycarbonate which is much stronger than tempered glass

We see Lifetime as a brand that works to bring quality basketball systems to many homes by making hoops that are a good value and in the price range of the masses (except in the case of their premium Mammoth Hoops).  The Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System continues this tradition as an in-ground unit that gives you good bang for your buck.  This is a mid-level hoop in the Lifetime product line and comparable to the Lifetime 71566 Portable Basketball Hoop and the Lifetime 71522 Portable Hoop, which are in a similar price range and have similar features.

Speaking of features, let’s take a moment to dig deeper into the Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System.  The first thing you will notice is that the rim on this hoop is high quality compared to the price of this system.  It comes with a double spring rim with a cover over the spring box to reduce rusting.  While this is a spring loaded rim that will give when dunking, we would not recommend hanging on the rim of this hoop as it is designed more for recreational play rather than a gym quality system that is heavy-duty.

We see the most prominent feature for the Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Hoop being the Power Lift pole system.  Just grip the handle and move the hoop up or down, it really is that simple.  This Pro Lift set up surpasses the screw-jack system in simplicity, which is more common in higher priced hoops.

The hoop also includes a 54 inch backboard made of Makrolon Polycarbonate material.  The positive of this type of material is that it is extremely durable and is much harder to break than tempered glass or acrylic.  However, performance of a backboard made of this material leaves a little to be desired as it tends flex and come off as flimsy.  There is also little backboard support as there are two steel attachments to the backboard which are focused on the rim.  The main support pole is fairly standard and should suffice for the vast majority of homes looking for a good quality recreational hoop.

What We Like About This Hoop

• The Pro Lift system makes height adjustments a snap for the Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System
• Double Spring Pro Slam It Rim is of relatively high quality for the price of this hoop
• The Backboard is very durable and unlikely to break under any normal usage situations
• Five year warranty is provided by Lifetime for this hoop so that you can buy with confidence
• Made in USA
• This hoop is generally price between $300-$400 making it a good value purchase

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Better backboard support would enhance the system’s overvall performance especially in terms of shots coming off the backboard
• While the Makrolon polycarbonate backboard is very durable, acrylic and tempered glass boards as seen on higher priced hoops are superior in performance

To wrap up our review of the Lifetime 71525 Hoop, we feel that this system is perfect for families who are looking for an in-ground hoop that will provide years of recreational level performance.  If you are looking for a more premium in ground option we would suggest looking at the Silverback SB-54ig or the Silverback SB-60, which are a step above in quality and price.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Silverback SB-54iG In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Silverback SB-54iG Basketball System:  9.5/10

Main Features

• The all steel height adjustment system provides accurate adjustments ranging from 7.5′ to 10′
• The DuPont Powder Coated pole is 4″x4″ and is made up of two pieces.  This pole works to mimic the performance of single piece pole basketball hoops
• Escalade and their Silverback brand has been in the business of making products for home use since 1927, and because of this truly impressive feat, you can count on the highest quality basketball hoop at a decent price point
• 2.5 Ft Overhang Increased Playing Area Under Board
• Comes with a 54 inch tempered glass backboard: Glass backboards are the best performing backboards available
• Mounted with 18″ that also includes Dupont powder coating which protects the pole underground from developing rust and corrosion
• Breakaway rim provides support and stability when dunking

This is our second review of a Silverback hoop, our first being the SB-60.  Today, we take a closer look at the Silverback SB-54iG in-ground basketball system.  The folks at Escalade seem to have a knack for producing great hoops and this system is no different.  The Silverback SB-54iG in-ground basketball system finds its place as the little brother to the SB-60, but that by no means indicates this hoop can’t hold up in its own right.

We like that the hoop provides 2″ of overhang clearance so that it plays more like a gym quality hoop.  This also helps to provides protection and safety making it less likely for players to hit the pole when driving to the hoop or jumping to block a shot.  Speaking of safety, the Silverback SB-54iG in-ground basketball system comes with some great features meant to keep your games safe.  Some of these features include a pole pad, which generally cost $50 to $200 on their own, as well as a backboard pad to keep you from getting hurt by hitting the bottom of the backboard with your hand when going for a layup.

What We Like About This Hoop

• The included pole and backboard padding are a nice touch
• We love the Dupont Powder Coating which will allow this hoop to last while its competitors begin to rust out and show wear
• The high quality breakaway rim imitates that performance of a gym quality basketball hoop
• While two-piece support poles are not ideal, Silverback manufactures some of the best two-piece support poles available
• 5 year limited warranty

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• A single piece support pole is always the best option when looking to purchase a basketball system, but this option increases cost
• For some more particular basketball lovers the backboard may come off as a bit small.  In this case we would recommend hoops with either 60″ or 72″ backboards.

The vast majority of folks looking for a great recreational quality hoop will find the Silverback SB-54iG In-ground Basketball System will certainly meet your expectations.  While the hoop is not quite on par with more expensive hoop options, it is quiet a good value for the money.  The major strength of this hoop is the safety pads that are included as well as the tempered glass backboard material.  Overall, a really nice hoop at the mid range in-ground basketball system price point.

Goalrilla GLR GS I In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Goalrilla GLR GS I In-Ground Basketball Hoop:  9.1/10

Main Features

• Includes rebar steel rods to strengthen concrete install
• The welded arms present a 4’ clearance between the pole and backboard for added safety, and the pole itself mounts to a bolt down anchor system
• Anchor bolt mounting system allows for easy leveling
• Fully adjustable hoop settings, the height is easily adjusted with a durable turn crank system to ensure that players of all levels, expertise, and intensity can play a fun yet competitive game at the appropriate level

Advanced basketballers will enjoy the top grade quality provided with the Goalrilla GLR GS I In-Ground Basketball Hoop. This durable system has all the features in order that you would expect from a superior recreational basketball hoop. There are multiple characteristics that assist this hoop in standing out from the other hoop options, and in this post we will explain these features in greater detail.

This Goalrilla system features a massive 72” shatter resistant glass backboard, which is designed to handle play at the highest levels. The entire hoop itself is completely rust resistant due to a DuPont powder coating that will hold up when winds blow and the rains come down.

The Goalrilla GLR GS-I In-Ground Basketball System was designed for those with the purest of strokes and the highest of hops, and because of this it has been set up to be shock resistant so it can handle your patented tomahawk jams.

What We Like About This Hoop

1. Professional high quality equipment designed for players of all levels and intensity
2. Easy to use turn crank system for easy to use height adjustments

What Would Make This Hoop Better

1. Because of the superior quality, you get what you pay for. The price may be steep for any families that are on a tight budget
2. No backboard padding

This is on our short list for the best recreational hoop on the market. And because of this it is no surprise that this hoop will cost you a pretty penny. It’s recommended that the Goalrilla GLR GS I In-Ground Basketball Hoop be purchased and used by athletes and families who are very serious about sports and the quality of their equipment.

Mammoth 98862 In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Mammoth 98862 In-Ground Basketball Hoop:  8.5/10

Main Features:

• The goal’s sturdiness stems from its 5-inch-square steel pole and its 9-by-9-inch bolt-down pattern, which is more rigid and takes up less space than portable basketball goals.
• Backboad is 3/8  Board includes a huge steel frame and a professional-quality foam frame pad.
• Heavy-duty Spring Flex rim
• Rapid Cam one-handed height adjustment mechanism for speedy height changes.
• Real tempered glass backboard

 

 

Are you ready to take basketball to your home at a professional level? If so you should consider purchasing the Mammoth 98862 In Ground Basketball Hoop. The Mammoth basketball system is a quality designed hoop that is made up of some great materials which will hold up even in those barn burners that come down to the final shot.

The backboard is ready for permanent installation, which means that vibrations from shots are almost not existent. This hoop’s height adjustment system is easily worked with the one handed rapid cam operating system. The adjustment range is seven and a half to the regulation ten feet.  There is also a key lock system that will keep the hoop at it’s current height and minimize the chances of your hoop being vandalized.

The Lifetime Mammoth in ground models include an anti vibration/flex system and a bolt system that attaches to the concrete making transporting easier.  The hoop is one hundred percent weather resistant, so it will hold up even in the cold winter months giving years of use. The powder coating on the steel components means the hoop will not rust. Excluding the backboard, the hoop itself is backed by a lifetime warranty in both the United States and Canada.

The Mammoth 98862 In-Ground System comes with a Spring Flex rim, which is prepared to handled rim rocking slams. The 5/8-inch solid-steel rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. The rim is also supported by 1/2-inch braces, with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net.

What We Like About This Hoop

1. Tempered glass backboard is a step up from boards made of acrylic  or polycarbonate materials
2. Spring Flex rim is professional gymnasium quality
3. Key lock system helps to protect hoop from vandalism from trespassers

What Would Make This Hoop Better

1. If pole padding were included with the hoop

Silverback SB-60 In-Ground Basketball System Review

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Best Basketball Hoops Rating

Main Features

• The rim is easily adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet allowing for a free range of motion and ideal hoop height in regards to age, experience, and overall level of play
• Escalade and their Silverback brand has been in the business of making products for home use since 1927, and because of this truly impressive feat, you can count on the highest quality basketball hoop at a decent price point
• 2.5 Ft Overhang Increased Playing Area Under Board
• Backboard size is 60 x 33-Inch with 8mm Tempered Glass and 3/4 x 1 3/8-Inch Frame Aluminum Trim
• Professional quality breakaway rim

Silverback SB-60 In-Ground Basketball System:  8.5/10

Once again the manufacturers at Escalade deliver a high quality basketball system at an affordable price. This system is ideal for recreational use, and perfect for any family looking to install a hoop into their driveway or backyard. Durable weather resistant DuPont paint covers the pole, and zinc coated hardware, along with powder coating 18” up the base mean that you will have some serious competitive fun for years to come.

The swedged two piece pole systems give near identical stability, shock absorption, and safety to that of other pricey single pole systems. Professional grade 8 millimeter thick glass adds to the safety of an already ideal home basketball system. Besides the breakaway rim and shatter resistant glass, Escalade Sports has also added a piece of thick padding along the pole to assure you that any hits will be cushioned and safe.

What We Like About This Hoop

• Swedged Pole design offers great support and safety that reflects most single pole systems
• Weather resistant hardware and pole add to the life of the product
• Backboard padding included
• Several added features add to the safety of the system and the players involved, making this one of the best hoops for any typical American family.

What Would Make This Hoop Better

• Two and a half feet overhang is less than some other more premium hoop options that feature four feet of overhang

For most American families, the Silverback SB-60 In-Ground Basketball Hoop is one of the best available hoops on the market. The price is extremely fair for the quality of product you will get, and due to Escalade Sports long lasting history as a source of trusted and reliable sports equipment; you know that you are getting what you pay for. The safety features and weather resistance all add to making this a solid in-ground home basketball system for your family.