Game Changer In-Ground Basketball System Review
Main Features
Rim
When it comes to basketball rims, us hoopers can be pretty particular. I’ve found myself complaining about rims being too stiff, too soft, and lacking durability.
If you’re picky about your rims like me, then the Game Changer In-Ground Hoop will not disappoint. The rim on this thing is the truth, like gym quality through and through. It offers a spring loaded breakaway mechanism that will allow for dunking and creates just the right amount of give when shots hit the rim. While you can dunk on the hoop, I don’t recommend hanging due to long-term wear and tear.
Backboard
I’ve often found myself a little let down by the performance of recreational basketball hoops in terms of backboard quality. Most are made of subpar materials like polycarbonate that are simply dead when a shot hits the board. This means that practicing bank shots accurately is not possible, since shooting the ball that hard on a real gym hoop would mean the ball will fire off the backboard like a cannon.
To get true backboard performance their really is no substitute for tempered glass. This ensures the backboard will be responsive and makes practicing bank shots possible in the comfort of your own driveway.
One thing to note about tempered glass is that it is fragile. If your hoop were to tip and the glass hit the pavement, it will shatter. So, while tempered glass is the best material for a backboard, for those of you living in windy environments it may be worth looking into hoops with a more durable backboard material.
Another great feature for the backboard is the padding that aligns the bottom. It can be easy for higher jumpers to hit their hand on the backboard, which could lead to injuries to fingers, hands, and wrists. With the padding, there is a soft surface that will keep players safe.
Support System
In-ground basketball hoops have an advantage when it comes to stability compared to their portable counterparts. In-ground hoops actually use the ground as their base making them much more resistant to forces like a basketball hitting the rim and dunking.
The Game Changer In-Ground Basketball Hoop takes this to a whole new level thanks to the 5 x 5 inch single piece support pole. Single piece support poles are the gold standard and are found only on the best quality basketball hoops. Protecting players from the support pole is a heavy-duty pad that covers the majority of the support pole surface. If a player happens to run into the pole during play this pole pad will minimize the chances of serious injury.
With this support system the support pole bolts into a cement base. This allows for the Game Changer In-Ground Basketball Hoop to be moved if needed. That being said, if you plan to move frequently we recommend that you consider purchasing a portable basketball hoop.
Last Second Shot
When it comes to spending your hard earned money on a basketball hoop, there are a lot of factors to consider. With a price point in the $1100 range, it is safe to say the Game Changer Basketball Hoop is not the cheapest option out there. But there is good reason for this when you consider all the features that come with the hoop not to mention the premium quality of the unit overall. Taken as a whole, this hoop is an above average value.
Strengths for this hoop really lie within its rim, backboard, and large support pole that works to keep the entire system stable. For those willing to spend some serious cheddar on their basketball system, then they should give the Game Changer In-Ground Basketball Hoop a serious look.
