PROS AND CONS OF BASKETBALL HOOPS
For anyone who loves to shoot hoops, there’s nothing better than to step outside of your house and into your backyard or driveway and start throwing up some shots. And you don’t even need anyone else to play with. Sure it would be fun to play a little one on one or three on three, but you can have fun even if it’s just you and the hoop.
So if you’re ready to make an investment in a basketball hoop that fits your needs, there are some things you should know about the different types that are available to choose from. Here are some pros and cons and also some valuable information of hoops that we’ve researched.
Portable
Portable hoops are popular in that they can be moved when needed and are much easier to install. The base in normally filled with liquid or sand to keep the hoop stable. However, on the negative side, the unit has a tendency to shake and vibrate more than a type that is more solidly installed.
In-Ground
These hoop types are placed into the ground and typically secured with concrete. That makes them much more stable than a portable system. Installation is a bit more difficult since you will need to make sure the system is level before the cement dries. Also, because it is a more permanent install, it may not be the best choice for someone who may be moving out of that location within a short time.
Wall-Mount
Becoming less popular due to the portable systems, a wall-mount system is still an option if you have a wall or garage next to a driveway where you can play. They are fairly stable but if placed on an attached garage may cause noise for those in the house when you are playing.
Backboard Types
Polycarbonate or Plastic
These types of backboards tend to come with the less expensive systems sold today. On the plus side, they are durable and hold up well to weather conditions. However, from a performance standpoint, these backboards do not perform well as the ball will not come off the board with much force and can shake.
Acrylic
These backboards are also known for their sturdiness. Cast acrylic backboards are a cut above their plastic counterparts and are priced in the mid-tier range. But you will still not get the true rebound off the this board that you would on a glass backboard and you will still see some shake in the board as well. They are also prone to scratches and are still not quite as durable as the glass backboard would be.
Tempered Glass
Although this is the most costly type available, the tempered glass backboard is the best on the market and is used in gyms around the country. Players will find this provides the truest performance of any backboard and is recommended for serious basketball players who want to simulate real conditions with their home basketball hoop. Cost would be the only real downside.
Backboard Sizes
Another thing to consider when shopping for a basketball hoop system is the size of the backboard you want. Backboards come in a variety of sizes. They can range anywhere from 44” inches wide up to 72” inches wide. Regulation size NBA backboards are 72” wide and 42” high.
For most portable, driveway or backyard systems, you won’t need an NBA size backboard. Anything 48” or below would only be something you would want for small children to use. Backboards that measure 50” to 54” will be good for most driveways and are not to big or small for that space.
But if you’re a serious player and have the budget for it, consider a 60” backyard. This size will really give you the feel of playing on a regulation size basketball goal.
Adjustable Hoops
Most of today’s basketball hoop systems, whether in-ground or portable, will offer some type of adjustable height feature. Many of them have ranges anywhere from 7 to 10 feet in height, although there are some systems available that will allow to set the range as low as five feet.
You will want to look for a system that makes it easy to adjust the height of your hoop. You will want a system with an easy to use handle that adjusts the height within minutes. Many allow the handle to be removed for more parental control.
Benefits of Adjustable Hoops
There are several key benefits to using the adjustable basketball hoops. It allows you to adjust the height of your hoop to correspond to the age and size of your child. As they grow, the height can be increased so they also get a realistic feel for how a full-size hoop will be when they get to that point.
In addition, it can be more fun for players who want to experience the joy of dunking a basketball, something most can only dream of. Why not have a dunk contest with your friends. Now that would be a lot of fun!
But regardless of which type of basketball hoop or backboard you choose, the goal is to enjoy yourself while incorporating some good old fashioned exercise at the same time. Basketball is fun activity and the more you practice the better you’ll get.
Think about the fun you can have playing with friends, challenging your dad to a game or just knocking down shots on your own with the clock winding down.
So what are you waiting for?
WHY YOU NEED A TEMPERED GLASS BACKBOARD FOR YOUR HOME BASKETBALL COURT
WHY YOU NEED A TEMPERED GLASS BACKBOARD FOR YOUR HOME BASKETBALL COURT
When you decide to build your own custom backyard basketball court, there are many decisions that need to be made. The size, the court surface, the design and many other factors go into creating the dream court right outside your door.
One factor that shouldn’t be up for discussion, however, is the type of backboard that you are going to install. While most people that play recreationally on their driveway opt for an inexpensive acrylic hoop, if you truly want an authentic basketball experience you need its tempered glass counterpart.
Although tempered glass may require a larger initial investment due to its higher cost, the quality of both its build and playability make it the only choice for real basketball players. As you will see below, if you are going to take the step to build an amazing basketball court for you and your family, you need to opt for the tempered glass backboard.
The Truth is in the Bounce
The biggest issue with acrylic backboards are that they are not well-built, thus they do not offer the strength and backboard support of a pro hoop. While this may seem like a minor detail to the recreational player simply shooting hoops for fun, if you want a true basketball experience, you won’t find it with the flimsy acrylic offerings.
Because they are not sturdy, the backboard and rim give way too much, meaning that shots and rebounds are much different than when playing on an official basket. Bank shots and layups are much more likely to go in, as the backboard gives way to the ball and softens the bounce. This means that when you attempt a bank shot on an official basketball net, your touch will be much too strong and the ball will bounce powerfully off the backboard. While in your driveway this may not seem like a big deal, but when your child goes to play anywhere else and comes home with a disappointed look on their face, it starts to take on greater importance and meaning.
The next problem is rebounding and player positioning. Since the backboard softens the ball’s bounce, rebounds always come off much shorter than they would on a real basketball court. This negatively impacts anybody that is practicing their spacing and rebounding skills, as they will not be used to the high, strong bounces that come off of an official glass backboard.
By installing a tempered glass backboard, you will feel the difference from any driveway basketball court you have ever played on. The support from the professional hoop means that you can practice your rebounding, spacing and shooting with the exact same bounce that occurs in a professional basketball game. Never have a simple layup fly off the backboard again, as you practice your game on an official, tempered glass backboard.
Long-lasting, Professional Grade Durability
For anybody serious enough about basketball to build a custom backyard court, an acrylic backboard simply won’t be able to withstand your game for more than one season. While tempered glass backboards are solidly constructed using high quality materials that can withstand both constant play and the elements, acrylic hoops are poorly made and do not offer proper weather protection.
Just a walk through your neighborhood will quickly let you see the stains, scratches and overall wear that acrylic basketball backboards accumulate in a short time. Made from average-grade acrylic that does not include a scratch-resistant coating or any outdoor weather protection, they quickly become damaged from regular use. This affects the bounce, lessens the visual appeal of a custom court and simply means that you will need to replace the net every year. Also, you can forget about properly dunking on an acrylic backboard, as it has nowhere near enough support and can be dangerous if slammed upon hard.
Tempered glass backboards, on the other hand, are built to last even the most rigorous use. That is why every professional, amateur and practice court uses them, as they can take the abuse of everyday play. Coming with scratch resistant coating and a weather-repellant waterproof finish, the backboards maintain their composition and structural integrity, no matter how much you play! The durable net support and high quality construction of the entire unit means that even if you throw down some vicious dunks, your backboard will be perfectly fine.
Invest in Quality to Save Money Long-Term
Although acrylic backboards are less expensive to purchase and install, their lack of durability means that you will have to pay to maintain or replace them quite often. If you are playing basketball regularly, the wear and team that builds up on these cheaply-constructed backboards will eventually mean that they are unplayable and you will need to order another one.
On the other side, the tempered glass backboards do include a higher price tag, but the professional quality build and high-grade materials mean that you won’t need to be spending any additional money anytime soon. A better overall investment, the glass backboards not only offer long-lasting playability, but the quality of the games you will play with them is much better.
By investing in a professional hoop from the get-go, you will make every game or training session much closer to an official pro-basketball experience.
Professional Hoops for Industry Professionals
When you decide to create a tailor-made, authentic home basketball court and need help deciding on the best backboard, contacting a professional court builder is the best option. With experience in everything from the court design to selecting the perfect hoop to be installed, working with professionals will not only save you time and money, but ensure that your court is up to professional standards.
Basketball Backboard Cover
Details
Lead Time - Ships in 10-12 Work Days
Shipping - Free Shipping on orders over $150
Vinyl Warranty - 5 Years
600D Warranty - 3 Years
Common Questions
Which material should I choose?
If you are trying to choose between the 18oz and 12oz vinyl materials, please choose based on your environment. For regular weather conditions, 12 oz. vinyl is a great material at a slightly less expensive price. If you are going to experience heavy weather conditions such as heavy snow, heavy rain, and lots of wind, then please choose the 18 oz. vinyl material.
What is the most common material?
The 18 ounce vinyl is used to make 90% of the covers ALCO offers. Even though both materials are equally strong and look the same, the majority of customers pick the thicker material.
Are they easy to clean?
Yes. Contrary to other fabric covers that resemble canvas, vinyl is a material that is extremely slick and is therefore simple to clean. Canvas will capture and hold mold and stains that are difficult to remove, as opposed to the sleek ALCO Vinyl custom furniture covers.
How strong are the covers?
18oz vinyl is a very strong and long-lasting material, in fact, it is the same material that is used on the semi trailers to cover their cargo! The abuse the material can endure on the highway is nothing compared to your backyard so we guarantee it is one of the strongest covers that you can purchase.
My cover will be used indoors. Which material is ideal?
The 600D material is the perfect material for indoors or even outdoors if its mostly in the shade and not in harsh conditions.
Water-Resistant Seams
When buying custom furniture covers for your patio, you want to be sure they will keep your possessions safe, clean, and dry. But did you know that when you sew, the holes the needle creates in the fabric can leave your cover susceptible to leaks? Big box stores don't tell you their covers can leak at these stitching points in heavy rain. So, at the seams, you can get drip marks on your furniture. That is why ALCO offers water-resistant stitching sealing, which covers the stitching on the inside of the cover so rain and moisture can't get in and damage your furniture.
Our Covers Are Water-Resistant
While our covers use high-grade vinyl to stop water pools from penetrating them. While we can prevent water from getting inside, we cannot guarantee moisture from seeping in from under the covers. To completely avoid trapped moisture, it is advisable to choose a cover that has a tight fit and is a few inches shorter than the covered item (for air circulation).
Use Vinyl And Not Fabric Covers
The best protection against water is found in vinyl covers, which ALCO specializes in. Vinyl allows water droplets to bead up and slide down the furniture cover before they have time to soak through due to the slick surface. Polyester blends are also common, but their waterproofing treatment can wear off or end up becoming brittle and then cracking. This allows water that sits on the cover to drip through, so the cover stays wet after it rains. The resulting exposure could mean you spend even more on a new cover or replacing or fixing damaged furniture. Nearly every patio furniture cover on the market claims it is waterproof, but when put to the test, most people find that “waterproof” means it only stands up to a slight drizzle. When the rain really starts to fall, your furniture can get soaked. It is important that you pick a material that can withstand heavy rain. Alco offers only high-grade vinyl that holds up to the elements!
