Last updated on November 4th, 2022 at 11:17 pm
Are you a basketball player like me who wants to hone his dunking skills at home? Best portable basketball goals hoop made from strong and sturdy material along with user-friendly and portable design, or adjustable height offer enhanced game.
Or,
You happen to have a kid who is interested in Basketball and you are looking to fulfil his dreams by buying him/her a portable basketball hoop at home? Or you have already bought the best pair of basketball shoes and now looking for an outdoor basketball hoop?
Well, then you have come to the right place!
We have asked scores of customers who have used these products and I have also reviewed a couple of portable basketball hoops myself to ensure that you get the best of the best information before buying the product.
Here we have gathered a list of top best portable basketball goals hoop for your driveway; thus saving you from the tiresome effort of searching through the online stores for the best product.
I was in the same condition as you when I wanted to buy the best portable basketball goals hoop for my driveway. Not much information was available at that time. So I had to manually search through the store and ask the customers myself about the product. And only then I was able to buy a “Lifetime 1529“. I thought why not give away my knowledge to help others and save their crucial time. Hence, I started writing this piece of content.
Whether you are a teenager who wants to buy a portable basketball hoop to get better at shooting hoops, or a parent, who wants to buy a present for his/her kid, you should stop worrying now. Just go through the article and at the end, you will know the answer!
We have considered the following features in mind while reviewing each of the basketball hoops:
You should also consider the following features before buying.
- Size and Material of the Backboard
- Type of Rim
- Base
- Price
Here is a comparison table of the Top Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoops.
[wpsm_comparison_table id=”8″ class=””]
BUYER’S GUIDE | Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoop
There are certain features that you should look for in portable basketball goals. In the following guide, I have tried to explicitly explain and cover all the relevant aspects and details which you should keep in mind before buying the portable hoop.
1- Backboard:
First, comes the backboard.
Whether you want to work on your jump shots or even slam dunks, you always need a good supportive and wide Backboard. Here, I have explained the backboard according to its size and material. This should give an idea as to which type of backboard to look for.
Size of the backboard:
You might be aware of the fact the size of the backboard used in the NBA is 72” inches wide and 42 inches high. You might be longing for this size to be in the portable basketball hoop, but you will rarely see it. To make the hoop portable and easily adjustable, the best portable basketball goals are usually less in width and height.
Usually, these portable BB hoops start at 44”inches in width ideal for beginners or kids. For better playability, backboards starting from 54” inches are quite useful. However, If you have a better budget you should go for the 60” wide backboards as they provide better width allowing aggressive play and a professional feel while playing. 72” inches portable backboards are very very expensive and usually not in excess in the market. You can find the best portable basketball goals hoop in all the variable sizes to meet everyone’s needs.
Here you can a see 72” inch portable basketball hoop from “First Team”.
Material:
The next thing you would want to check in the backboard is the material of which it is made up of. Apart from Polyethylene, There are generally three types of materials that are used in the making of backboards. They are:
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic Basketball Backboards:
The backboards made of Polycarbonate material are usually the cheapest ones compared to other materials like acrylic and tempered glass. If you want to buy a portable basketball hoop that could stand the test of time and endure any harsh weather conditions and you are also on a low budget, then hoops made up of Polycarbonate backboards will best suit your needs.
Although, it is the cheapest materials of all yet it is the most durable of all and it won’t break easily. It provides great longevity and toughness. The only downside of Polycarbonate backboards is that the basketballs don’t tend to reflect so well. This might give you a dead feeling while playing and may impact your muscle memory adversely.
If you are buying the basketball hoop for your kid or just for fun purposes and not for professional training, then you might consider going for the Polycarbonate backboard hoops as it will save you hundreds of bucks!
Acrylic is yet another material that is used to make Backboards. They are a bit expensive as compared to Polycarbonate material backboards but better in overall performance and rebounding effect. The ball tends to reflect more and it provides a great professional feel while playing. Obviously, less durable than the Polyethylene or Polycarbonate materials, as it will get scratched over time but better in quality. The transparency adds a nice look to the hoop. They cost more than Polycarbonate but less than the premium quality Tempered Glass backboards. They also require a less sturdy support structure, thus more provide more portability than Tempered Glass which are heavy and require much sturdier support.
Tempered Glass Backboards:
If you are after premium quality and best performance portable basketball hoops, then be ready to spend hundreds of dollars as some of the best outdoor basketball hoops are the ones having Tempered Glass Backboards.
They are quite pricey as compared to Polycarbonate and Acrylic materials but provides a more rebounding effect and a professional feel. In every basketball event like NBA or NCAA, tempered glass backboards are used. They are much heavier in nature and require a sturdy base and strong pole. Unlike Acrylic backboards, Tempered Glass retains its true quality and doesn’t get scraped. Due to its durability, you can practice out your slam dunks or layups without any worries of damaging the basketball hoop
If you want to go full pro, then You might consider buying basketball hoops with Tempered Glass, as it will give you true and professional basketball feels!
2- Rim:
The upper circular ring is known as “Rim”. A net is attached to the ends of the Rim. The standard rim diameter of every hoop is 18” inches wide. The size is same however the configuration of the Rim to the backboard varies from hoop to hoop. Following are the three most common ways how Rims are attached to the backboards.
Standard Rim:
This is the type of Rim where you should think twice or thrice before making a slam dunk.
Yes, because in this “Standard” type, the rim is directly attached to the lower end of the backboard with the help of screws. This causes all the force to be transferred directly to the backboard which can damage the hoop itself. Moreover, you are in constant danger of injuring your hands. They are not bouncy at all and I would refrain you from rim hanging.
Compression Breakaway Rim:
The next type is the Compression Breakaway Rim. In this type of rim, compression springs are used along with tightened screws to attach the rim to the backboard. This enhances the bounciness of the rim while decreasing the bounce of the shots and allows for slam dunking without damaging the backboard.
If you are going to use it in rainy weather then we would advise you to cover the Rim yourself with special tape or go for the hoop which has its rim covered. That may cost you a bit more.
Professional Compression Breakaway Rim:
These are the types of rims that are used in the NBA and NCAA. In this type of configuration, the compression springs are covered from usually plastic (higher quality). Some of the portable hoops also come equipped with covered springs. This saves the springs from getting rusty over time and enhances the overall age of the rim.
These types of rims are a lot sturdier than the others and you can practice more slam dunks than ever. These rims also make the ball bounce much less than the other cheaper rims thus giving you a more professional feel while playing.
3- Net:
Around the rim, is attached a Net usually made up of metal wires or nylon. Most of the professional basketball players and also the wannabes always like a net in place. This gives you the real basketball feel. Without it, you can play but you won’t be satisfied :). I still remember I had a hoop without a net and I never loved it.
Thus, a nylon-made net is always a better choice to look for.
4- Base:
Most of the customers we have asked about the portable hoops complain about their base being broken. This is one of the most important features to look before deciding to buy any portable hoop. The cheap portable basketball hoops come with a base of 27 gallons of space for sand or water. I would not advise buying the hoop having 27 gallons of the base if you live in an area where there are more chances of heavy rainfall and winds. Also, these types of bases are not so great for much heavier and professional players because they may tip over.
A bit more expensive portable basketball hoops come with a base of 35 to 40 gallons. These types of bases provide much more stability than the cheaper 27-gallon ones. The most expensive portable basketball hoops have their bases in which around 50+ gallons of space is available. These beasts provide enough stability for any player to practice slam dunks and intense shooting. They will also endure extreme weather conditions but provides bad portability.
[su_note note_color=”#ebc2a1″ radius=”1″]If by any chance you had any experience of getting the hoop’s base broken, you may use Base Gel as has the ability to create a firm gel all over the base even when it is cracked from aside. Using Base Gel with water also prevents water leakage and cracking of the base. We advise using sand in cold water.[/su_note]
One more important thing that you should consider is the ‘wheels’ on the base. Wheels provide you better portability plus you would not have to empty or unassemble the components every time you want to move it around. A piece of good news for you is that nowadays almost every basketball hoop comes with wheels attached to its base thus saving you from all the hassle of moving it around.
5- Pole Supporting System:
Apart from a good base, rim, and a robust backboard, another thing you might wanna consider is the supporting pole of the basketball hoop. Without proper supporting pole, your hoop is just like a house of cards. You should see if a loop’s height is adjustable or not, it is important because it will allow everybody to have fun; may it be your kids or adults. With the adjustable pole, you can set the height to your liking.
In the past, usually, the cheap portable basketball hoops did not have an adjustable pole. But now even most of the cheaper hoops come with this system. Different hoops have different pole supporting mechanisms. Cheaper models usually have a telescoping pole fixed by a knob which can enhance the height by 6” inches. Most of the expensive hoops usually have screw-jack adjustment, which is a lot easier and allows you to have a height between 7.5” to 10” inches.
6- Offset:
The offset is basically the distance between the supporting pole and the backboard. You may want to check this distance because the larger the distance the easier it becomes to dunk without disturbing the hoop from its position. Usually, in portable basketball hoops, the distance ranges from 0 to 4” inches depending upon the quality and price of the hoop.
Before going into tedious details of a portable basketball hoop, Let’s clear some basic questions.
What is a Portable Basketball Hoop?
As the name suggests, a Portable Basketball Hoop is a basketball goal that can easily be installed in your driveway or backyard. Moreover, it is portable so you can move or adjust it easily. These portable basketball hoops will provide you a professional basketball court feeling while at home. These also come in handy when you want to get better at the game and don’t want to go to the courts every day. So you can stay at home and practice.
Why should you buy a Portable Basketball Goals Hoop for your home or driveway?
As stated above, you should consider buying a portable basketball hoop if you want to enjoy your leisure time with your friends or neighbors. Moreover, if your kid is really interested in basketball, before throwing him into professional basketball training, you should buy him a portable basketball hoop at home. This will further equip him/her to get better at the game overall.
Without further ado, let’s check out the hoops one by one.
Top Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoop
1- Lifetime 1221 Pro Court – [su_label type=”success”]Cheap Portable Basketball Hoop[/su_label]:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?k=Lifetime+1221+Pro+Court+Height+Adjustable+Portable+Basketball+System,+44+Inch+Backboard&linkCode=sl2&tag=kiyas-20&linkId=ecc22e125c1a9bd5773531ebb5447f41&language=en_US” target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Lifetime is another great basketball hoops manufacturing company along with Spalding and others. Lifetime Pro Court 1221 is one of the cheapest portable basketball hoops, yet it does offer what it is made for i.e for beginners who are just starting out to play basketball.
It has a 44” inches wide impact backboard and is virtually unbreakable. It is made from Polycarbonate which offers great durability but lacks true rebounding.
The rim is just a Standard Rim without springs, which performs really good. It is better than the cheap standard rims on other cheaper basketball hoops. I would not recommend hanging on the rim because that may break the rim altogether.
The base can hold up to 27 gallons of water, which is really small and is susceptible to tipping. Certainly not recommended for slam dunks because that would unbalance the hoop. The base also has wheels which makes it quite easier to move around.
The hoop also has a telescope height adjustment mechanism using which you can adjust the height of the hoop from 7.5 to 10 feet, with 6” inches increments. The size of the pole is 2.75 inches round and provides a good if not best, support.
Lifetime claims that this hoops is all-weather resistant and also gives a 5-year warranty with it.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion, you should buy this hoop if you are just starting to play basketball or trying to get good at it and also short on a budget. This hoop will work just fine for you as it also comes with a 5-year warranty which most of the other cheaper hoops do not provide.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime 1221:
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Reasonable Price
- Virtually Unbreakable Backboard
- 5-year Warranty
- Assembling instructions are clear
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Base is thin
- Backboard is light and small
- Unstable
- Poor Rebounding
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[/mks_col]
2- Lifetime 1529 Courtside Portable Basketball System:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G62SDU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000G62SDU&linkId=2f3fcef9fdb74a43ef9b6c690b637443″ target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Lifetime 1529 Courtside is yet another mid-range portable basketball hoop. It features a 50” inches wide impact backboard made with high-quality Makrolon Polycarbonate material and a molded frame pad makes it virtually unbreakable. The backboard is wide enough to give you a professional feel and a good rebounding, unlike the cheaper Polycarbonate backboards. The bottom of the backboard comes with board track and fusion material of 3.5 mm thickness which provides protection and stability to the backboard.
Lifetime 1529 features a Slam-it Rim with double compression springs providing a spring-back performance. It comes with a durable all-weather nylon net.
For ultimate stability and keeping portability in mind, Lifetime 1529 also comes with a 27-gallon base just like its younger brother Lifetime 1221. Moreover, the base is mounted with wheels allowing for easy movements. The base can either be filled with water or sand.
Another great feature of this hoop is also the Speed Shift height adjustment mechanism – a simple yet fast way to change the height from 8 feet to 10 feet with 6” inch increments. The offset of the hoop is about 6” inches when the height is adjusted at 10 feet. When the height is lower, you get more offset.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion, this is one of the Best portable basketball goals hoop for the driveway. It can be used by beginners as well as intermediate players. If you are low on the budget I would advise you to go for Lifetime 1221 but if you have another hundred bucks in your pocket, then I would recommend going for this elder brother here.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime 1529 Courtside Portable Basketball System:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Shatter Proof backboard
- Quick height-adjustment mechanism
- Rim provides true bounce
- 5-year Warranty
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Thin Plastic Base
- Prone to tipping in harsh weather
- Customers found difficulties in assembling it
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[/mks_col]
3- Lifetime 51544 Front Court :
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004112FMA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004112FMA&linkId=dbb19dad17159cab6f9e8b6ffbf25ba0″ target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Lifetime Front Court is one step ahead of its other counterpart Lifetime 1529. To give users a wide range of choices and to help them use from the different choices, I will be comparing Lifetime Front Court with Lifetime 1529.
It features a shatter-proof 50-inch wide steel-framed backboard made from Polycarbonate just like Lifetime 1529. The backboard is sturdy enough to allow for strong alley-oops. Considering the price of just under $300, it surely gives a professional feel. The see-through backboard adds to the overall look of the backboard.
As with the case with Lifetime 1529, “Front Court” also features uncovered breakaway rim; great for dunking. There are springs on the rim but still hanging on it is not advised.
As far as the base is concerned, Lifetime Front Court comes with a 34-gallon high-quality base, 7 gallons of more space than Lifetime 1529. This tends to give this basketball hoop more stability and sturdiness. This also makes it heavier and a little harder to move but still it can easily be moved by an adult.
Lifetime Front Court also features a “speed-shift mechanism”, a term by used by Lifetime, to allow faster height-adjustment from 8 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. It is super easy to use and even your kids can do it themselves. Moreover, the hoops come with a 5-year manufacturing warranty.
Bottom Line:
The Lifetime Front Court is better than Lifetime 1529 in terms of stability, sturdiness, and rigidity of the backboard. It is a great basketball hoop for home and is also moderately priced. Thus, if you live in a windy area, then I would like to suggest Front Court over 1529 otherwise Lifetime 1529 as the Best portable basketball goals hoop to go!
Pros and Cons of Lifetime 51544 Front Court Basketball Hoop:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Shatter-proof backboard
- Quick height-adjustment mechanism
- Pole is rust-resistant
- 5-year Warranty
- Good quality for money
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Prone to tipping over in harsh weather
- Not so great build quality
- Only images instructions are provided – no written material
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
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4- Lifetime 1558 52-inch Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoop for Driveway:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G68GPE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000G68GPE&linkId=4c67fde28628b77c66c5bc3635ab5ff9″ target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Lifetime 1558 is bigger and better than Lifetime 51544 basketball hoop. With its 52-inch wide Makrolon Polycarbonate backboard (stronger than acrylic), it certainly provides a good experience while playing. As we know that Polycarbonate is one of the strongest materials, so this basketball hoop is going to last long without shattering or cracking. Almost all the materials are powder-coated and rust-resistant.
It also features a solid-steel uncovered compression breakaway rims. It provides soft bounces and is awesome for dunking. On stronger dunks, the rim can be seen to be bouncing from its usual position. I would not advise hanging on the rims as it may adversely affect the springs.
As far as the Base is concerned, it is made up of high-density polycarbonate material to provide enough rigidity to protect it from getting cracked. With 35-gallon of capacity, it certainly provides enough stability to protect it from getting tipped in strong winds. A 70-gram all-weather nylon net is also included.
Lifetime 1558 also features an “Action Grip” Handle to change the height of the hoop. Using this handle you can easily change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet by just moving the handle upward or downward with one hand.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion, this is one of the best portable hoops for the driveway considering the price, portability, height-adjustments, and a 5-year warranty. You may want to consider the Lifetime 51544 if you are a bit low on budget, but I would certainly recommend getting this hoop if you can arrange 20-30 bucks more!
Pros and Cons of Lifetime 1558 52-inch Best portable basketball goals hoop for Driveway:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Makrolon Polycarbonate backboard
- Rust-resistant steel parts
- Provides good rebounding than cheap Polycarbonate
- 5-year Warranty
- Durable
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Prone to tipping over in harsh weather
- Not so efficient height-adjustment mechanism
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[/mks_col]
5- Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GJ9OYMU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GJ9OYMU&linkId=2bef8b4557f032942ede1ed59730029d” target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
In terms of clean look and good looking design, if you want to buy the best portable hoop under $500, then I would genuinely recommend this piece from Silverback – The Silverback NXT.
Silverback is undoubtedly one of the best basketball goals manufacturing company. It has never disappointed in the past and yet again with Silverback NXT, they have taken their game to the next level. It basically comes in two designs, one with 50” inches backboard and other with more wide 54” inches backboard. The backboard is made from high-quality see-through Polycarbonate, thus it provides better rebounding than other cheaper basketball hoops with Polycarbonate material. Moreover, the backboard is foldable in backward which increases the rigidity.
Silverback NXT features a covered breakaway rim which can be easily joined to the backboard when assembling it. The rim produces bounce just as expected from professional basketball goals. The hoop is engineered to last long, and it is relatively easier to assemble it, usually takes less than 2 hours. Check out more in the video below.
Just like many of the other portable basketball hoops, Silverback NXT also features a very simple height-adjustment system using which you can change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. It also provides a 30” inches overhang under the goal. Moreover, with ERGOMOVE technology, it has been engineered in such a way that it makes it a lot easier to move it. Although, kids will find difficulty in moving it themselves.
The base is exceptionally designed. Along with having a capacity of 25 to 30’ish gallons, it has a steel sub-structure referred to as “STABILI-FRAME” by Silverback. This steel sub-structure provides immense strength and stability. This also allows you to dunk or even hang at the rim without even worrying about the hoop getting tipped. It also features two big wheels underneath the base, allowing you to move the hoop by tilting the pole a little bit and then moving it.
Bottom Line:
Overall, in my opinion, the build quality of Silverback NXT is exceptional. Combined with its uniquely designed base and pole, and a shatterproof backboard – it’s going to last you ages. If you are looking for a good looking and best quality portable basketball hoop for your driveway, then I would certainly recommend going for Silverback NXT. It would cost you, but unlike cheaper hoops, it will prove its price.
Pros and Cons of Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Sturdy backboard
- Super-easy to change height
- Fast assembly
- Easy Portability
- Great Design
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Price is a bit high for the quality
- Lack of drain plug
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[/mks_col]
6- Spalding 66291 Pro Slam Portable Basketball System:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Spalding-Portable-Angled-Backboard-Basketball/dp/B07BTXYWSK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=kiyas-20&linkId=b91c5a23a084498001fb6a1372b7c6f5&language=en_US” target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Another basketball hoop that I have personally used myself is Spalding Pro Slam. I was not going to add this in the list here but I couldn’t resist and I had to add it here along with other mid-range priced hoops from Lifetime to give you wide range of choices.
Spalding Pro Slam features a 54-inch wide steel-framed Acrylic backboard with steel board pads on the sides. The Acrylic material provides rebounding experience close to professional basketball hoops. One more thing that you should notice is the NBA logo. Being the official sponsor of the NBA, Spalding is allowed to print this logo. Almost every hoop you will find will have the NBA logo printed on it. It certainly adds to the feel if you are a true basketball fan and to enjoy it in your own driveway!
Spalding Pro Slam features a good quality breakaway rim with an all-weather nylon net. It is gently attached to the backboard with the help of screws. It is certainly sturdy and stable rim allowing enough bounciness for pro feels.
Talking about the base, Spalding 66291 Pro Slam features a 34-gallon base that can be either filled with water or sand. We would recommend adding a base gel to it as it provides more stability for the hoop.
Just like all the other portable basketball hoops, Pro Slam also features a super easy to use height-adjustment mechanism from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. When my friend called me over for assembling it, I thought it would be an easier experience but believe me, it was really really hard. They didn’t label the pieces well that’s why it took us around 3 hours to put it together. Although it is a one-time experience and you can enjoy it ever after.
Bottom Line:
This is certainly a great choice as the best portable basketball goals hoop because of its top-notch quality. Although, it is quite difficult to assemble it still it offers a great acrylic backboard which gives a good feeling, unlike other Polycarbonate backboards which are present in other hoops in this price range.
Pros and Cons of Spalding 66291 Pro Slam Basketball Hoop:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Steel-framed acrylic backboard
- Covered rims
- Backboard offers true bounce
- Sturdy
- Build-quality is great
- Price is reasonable for the quality offered
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- A bit bulkier – difficulty to move when base is filled
- Plastic base may get cracked
- Ball-return plastic in front of the pole is not of good quality
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[/mks_col]
7- Spalding NBA Portable Basketball Hoop:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q5R57K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000Q5R57K&linkId=cf515856eb7720cde6408cf4041b1819″ target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Just like the professional indoor basketball hoops, Spalding NBA has a high-quality 54″ inches wide Tempered Glass Backboard which gives you an amazing rebounding effect which is absent in other cheaper hoops made up of Polycarbonate. Moreover, the backboard is 0.25” inches thick, which is less as compared to the professional standard of 0.75” but still it offers a good rebound effect. This hoop offers phenomenal stability and can endure a lot of force.
The base has a total space of about 40 gallons, provides necessary weight to endure heavy wind and avoid being tipped over. It has a robust breakaway rim made of solid steel, strong enough to withstand your slam dunks.
It also features an adjustable height system giving you a range between 7.5’ to 10’ feet in height. This is really useful if you have small children who play basketball. Moreover, the screw jack mechanism is super easy to use. Even the kids can adjust the height themselves and you would not have to worry about it.
Bottom Line:
If I had to rate the Spalding NBA System, I would give it a 9/10! This is super easy to use, sturdy and solid enough to withstand harsh play or weather, 54” inches wide Tempered Glass backboard and a balanced 40-gallon base, What more do you want?!
Pros and Cons of Spalding NBA Portable Basketball Hoop:
[mks_col]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Professional rebounding effect
- Quite stable due to large base
- Durable
[/su_box][/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Quite heavier to move
- Assembling instructions are difficult to understand
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8-Lifetime 71524 XL Basketball System:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G66GV0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000G66GV0&linkId=b4c2c5c2e4bea0021fbf4b096d91b817″ target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
Lifetime 71524 XL – another portable hoop that comes in the 54-inch backboard list. Lifetime 71524 features a shatterproof backboard made of high-quality Polycarbonate. The build quality is better than its other counterparts. The backboard also has some screen printed graphics with added protection from UV so that the ink may retain its color and last as many seasons it can without affecting the look of the backboard.
Lifetime XL comes with the trademark Slam-it Pro covered breakaway rims along with an all-weather nylon net. It consists of the double compression springs to handle your severe slam dunks. Customers have never reported broken rims or backboards issues. Hence, overall it is sturdy and stable enough to handle any kind of momentum.
This portable basketball hoop features a 3.5” inches round pole made of pure powder-coated steel and is treated with rust-resistant finish. It also features a Power Lift mechanism to change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, which can easily be done using only one hand.
Lifetime XL also comes with a 35-gallon base which is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions as it provides the best stability to the hoop. The base also has hoops attached to for easy portability. This hoop also comes with a 5-year warranty.
Bottom Line:
If you ask me, I have not found any special elements in Lifetime 71524 XL, although it still provides a better build quality that comes at the expense of around $100-$200 more. I would recommend you to arrange a hundred bucks more and buy Silverback NXT instead. Reason?
Well, because Silverback NXT is a really good looking basketball hoop and certainly provides a better base and hence better stability. Plus, in my opinion, Silverback NXT’s build quality is much better than this hoop. I leave it for you to decide!
Pros and Cons of Lifetime 71524 XL:
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Shatter-proof backboard
- Easy to adjust height
- 5-year Warranty
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Weak parts overall
- Ambiguous instructions
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9- Spalding NBA “The Beast” 74560 Portable Basketball System:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AQUBR0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001AQUBR0&linkId=9013049abe05c6ebea3c0ce9322b006f” target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
This portable basketball hoop is not called “The Beast” just by name but it also lives up to the expectations. Spalding “The Beast” is almost identical to the professional basketball hoops used in NBA. Because of its design and extra-stability, it is one of the expensive yet a professional of all hoops.
The backboard of “The Beast” is made from high-quality Tempered Glass and is 60” inches wide. This beast of the backboard provides an impressive rebounding and is also great for alley-oops and slam dunks.
Spalding NBA 74560 also features a pro-style compression breakaway spring which provides pure bouncy effect all around the hoop avoiding the unnecessary huge bounce present in other cheaper rims. This hoop doesn’t even shake even after long shots and stands firm as a rock! You can even hang on the rim without even worrying about the hoop getting tipped.
The base has a capacity of over 50 gallons that you can fill with either water or sand. It provides awesome stability to the hoop. Just like other basketball hoops, you can adjust the height of this hoop from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with a screw jack adjustment system. The hoop is pretty comfortable to move around using a gray inset cover and multi-wheeled castors.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this “BEAST” of a hoop is made for more professional basketball players. You may find difficulties in moving the hoop when the base is filled, but that comes on the cost of better stability and robust design. If you are a good and professional basketball player with a good budget in hand then you must go for this hoop. It provides better stability, durability, and professional feel.
Pros and Cons of Spalding The Beast:
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Exceptional build-quality
- Awesome stability
- Large Tempered Glass backboard provides true rebounding
- Hanging from the rim is not a problem at all
- Provides Professional experience
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Less portable due to heavy size and weight
- You may find difficulties in assembling it
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10- Lifetime Pool Side Basketball:
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FW20BU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kiyas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000FW20BU&linkId=9b2595a8b1201a31ad2083d8c518871e” target=”blank” background=”#FF9900″ size=”10″ center=”yes” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″]Check Price On Amazon[/su_button]
Features:
As you can see I have reviewed around nine best portable hoops till now. To change the things a little, I had to add this Pool Side Portable Basketball Hoop from Lifetime for the people who want a good hoop for playing in their pool.
Lifetime Poolside Basketball system comes in three variants: i- Blue Fusion, ii- White Fusion, iii- White Impact.
All of these features a 44” inches wide shatterproof backboard equipped with a polycarbonate surface for more durability and good look. The graphics are screen printed also having UV-protected ink for better color and protection against other elements.
The hoop is marketed as being rust-resistant but in reality, it is not. I would advise you to paint the pole and other areas to save it from getting rusty.
All the three variants offer the same 27-gallon base with wheels, which can be filled with either water or sand. The hoops also feature a telescoping height-adjustment that adjusts from 4 feet to 6.5 feet in 6-inch increments which is quite easy to use and handle. The 2-piece steel pole is protected with a powder-coated finish which makes it weather-resistant as well.
It has a simple rim attached to the backboard using the screws only not advised to put a lot of pressure on it although it is quite sturdy.
Bottom Line:
In short, this is a great portable basketball hoop for poolside playing. It offers, not more or less than it is made for. You would need to buy the ball for yourself which you can buy from here.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Pool Side Basketball:
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#00bf08″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Shatterproof backboard
- Easy to adjust height
- Super easy to move
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[mks_one_half][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#bf000a” title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]
- Cheap build quality
- Marketed as Rust-resistant but in reality it is not
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How to Assemble a Portable Basketball Hoop System?
Sometimes assembling a portable basketball system can get really tough and painful. Most of the instructions assembling instructions provided by the manufacturers are outdated. Hence, you have to figure out everything yourself. It becomes very hard and you may need the help of someone.
Here is a small video that will prove to be really helpful to you before assembling the hoop yourself!
OTHER CONSIDERATION | Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoop
Budget:
After considering out the different aspects which I have told above, you should have a better idea now as to what are you looking for according to your needs and have a better idea as to what it’s going to cost you. Hence, considering all the above-mentioned features you should also consider your budget. How much you can spend on the hoop.
One advice I can give is that if you are buying it for training purposes then you should go for an expensive basketball hoop. If you are buying it just for having fun in the evenings then even the cheaper models around $70-$140 will do the work.
Warranty:
Nowadays most of the portable basketball hoops come with a warranty. Some cheaper models have a one-year warranty while the better and expensive ones come with a 5-year warranty. Lifetime offers a 5-year warranty on almost every hoop it sells.
Learn more about warranty time on Lifetime – Official Website.
The weather where you live:
Another thing you might wanna consider is the weather of the place where do you live. If it usually stays moderate, you can go for the hoops having 27 gallons of the base. But if the weather is always rainy and windy you might wanna consider other heavier hoops.
Evaluate Your Needs:
I would like to emphasize on this point here. You have to analyze your needs. You have to ask yourself: “For what purpose am I going to buy the hoop?”. After analyzing your needs, you will be able to decide which type of basketball goal do you want!
Conclusion | Best Portable Basketball Goals Hoop
From the above-mentioned list of best portable basketball goals hoop, I would like to recommend you my liking just based on my opinions solely. I really liked the Silverback NXT and obviously Spalding The Beast. In the end, it always comes down to budget and your needs. If you are buying just for the sole purpose of having a fun time then the cheaper versions like Lifetime 1221 or Lifetime 51544 would work just fine. But if you need purely professional experience and you are looking to get better at basketball then I would surely suggest you going for the more premium, and better option like Spalding The Beast.
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If you happen to buy a hoop from our list, do let us know in the comment section below!
