Lifetime 71525 In-Ground Basketball System Review
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.
The Pro-Lift Pole System Makes Adjusting Hoop Height Simple
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.
