Buying guide for best basketball hoops
If you’re looking to get a basketball hoop for your driveway, before anything else, you’ll need to decide if you want an in-ground or a portable basketball hoop. In-ground hoops are significantly more stable, can support tempered glass backboards and offer a gymnasium-like experience, but installation can be complicated and costly.
Portable hoops aren’t nearly as stable and don’t offer the same quality or performance as in-ground hoops (we’re not going to consider mini-hoops here, which are fun for smaller kids, but far less stable than full-size portable models). Portable hoops are generally cheaper than in-ground options, and there’s far less installation required since all you need to do is fill the base with water or sand. Best of all, you can easily move them around, so you can grab your ball and start hooping anywhere.
You should also consider backboard size, which varies from 44 to 72 inches. A larger backboard gives you more space for hitting bank shots, so one that’s at least 54 inches wide is recommended. The backboard material is also an important consideration, with tempered glass being the most durable choice while also providing the most consistent bounce.
We checked out a wide range of basketball hoops, and our absolute favorite model is the Silverback 60-Inch In-Ground Basketball Hoop. It offers pro-level performance, quick and easy height adjustability, and it’s made with premium materials for superior stability. But there are many great options available to meet the needs of a variety of users.
Expert Tip
If you leave your basketball hoop outdoors and are able to adjust the height, lower the hoop as much as possible when not using it. This will help prevent any damage due to windy conditions.
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Best basketball hoops
Those who want a basketball hoop offering gymnasium-quality performance will not be disappointed with Silverback’s in-ground 60-incher. This top-of-the-line basketball hoop is made with durable, high-quality materials.
It offers a tempered-glass backboard, a pro-style breakaway rim that flexes under pressure and a padded pole made of powdered-coated steel that can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet high with a crank adjustor. One of the best things about this hoop is that the anchor mount creates concrete-like strength and support, and it comes with an easy-to-use anchor kit to unbolt and move it around.
Although this basketball hoop doesn’t offer the same support and durability as some of our other favorite models, it’s a solid value pick and offers portable versatility. It has wheels for moving it around, and all you need to do to set it up is fill the base with sand or water for support.
It has a shatterproof polycarbonate backboard featuring graphics with UV-protected inks and a three-piece powder-coated pole with a water-resistant finish. The pole height can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet high in 6-inch increments, and the solid-steel ring has a weather-resistant nylon net.
The price tag of this basketball hoop will be a turn-off for many, but we have to recommend it since it’s hands-down one of the best ones you can buy. However, at $2,000, we must say it’s worth it only for athletes serious about developing their craft.
This basketball hoop is adjustable from 6 to 10 feet, with an easy-to-use height-changing crank mechanism. The backboard is made from fully tempered glass, and unlike some budget models, you won’t find any dead spots, giving you pro-level performance. The rounded edges and corners increase safety on drives and layups, and the pole is advanced-engineered to reduce vibration.
This basketball hoop is a solid mid-tier option and a bargain pick, considering it’s an in-ground hoop. This hoop has everything you need, including a durable Slam It rim, tempered glass backboard and an all-weather net. But we love it primarily for its quality build and outstanding stability, which provide superior rebounding for competitive play.
The powder-coated steel pole is resistant to rusting and fading and is height-adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet. However, the standout feature of this basketball hoop is the Pump Adjust system, which lets you change pole height effortlessly, unlike others, where it can be tedious.
This is another high-end basketball hoop with a state-of-the-art construction offering elite performance. It’s an arena-style goal with a tempered glass backboard and components with tough, powdered coating for excellent durability and quality.
It features a one-piece pole with an anchor system, so you don’t have to use cement to stabilize it, and a pro-style rim that flexes under pressure. Premium welded construction means this basketball hoop is meant to last, and you can easily adjust the pole from 7.5 to 10 feet using the height-adjustment actuator.
This portable basketball hoop is durable and suitable for any driveway or yard. The polycarbonate backboard folds backward for increased rigidity, which improves rebounding. The intuitive wheelbarrow design features wheels located at the back rather than the front, which makes it easier to move around than other portable goals.
It takes less than 90 minutes to assemble, and the pole is height-adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. Also, there’s a 26-inch overhang for added safety during layups, and the base can be filled with sand or water, but water is preferable since it can be more easily drained to move the goal around if need be.
In-ground basketball hoops are usually more expensive than portable ones, but this one is a steal, as you can get it for under $500. It has a 52-inch steel-framed shatterproof polycarbonate backboard, which is virtually unbreakable, making it suitable for competitive play and experienced players.
It has a durable Slam It rim that minimizes vibrations for improved rebounding and a net suitable for all weather conditions. It can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet high, and the Power Lift mechanism makes it easy for anyone to do so, as all you need to do is gently squeeze the lever and move it up or down.
Those who want a high-quality in-ground basketball hoop will be impressed with the elite performance of this hoop. It has a tempered glass backboard with a regulation-sized shot square, which can help players develop their skills, and a pro-style flex rim for consistent rebounding.
The low board arms and pole lock technology gives this hoop increased stability and durability, and the all-steel precise height adjustment lets you change the backboard height from 7.5 to 10 feet high. The powder-coated steel pole provides excellent UV protection and resistance to corrosion, and the pole is padded for increased player protection.
Although it’s described as an entry-level hoop for beginners, this basketball hoop offers premium construction and provides excellent performance for players of all skill levels. It features a fully tempered glass backboard, a square steel anchor and a four-inch square pole. The hoop height can be adjusted between 7 to 10 feet using the crank height adjustment mechanism.
The rounded corners and edges make it safe for competitive play, and the pole is designed to minimize vibration for consistent ball response and improved stability. Plus, there are no dead spots anywhere on the backboard.
Expert Tip
You should clean your basketball hoop regularly, especially the post. Glass cleaner works perfectly on the post.
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What to consider before buying a basketball hoop
Size and materials
Although most rims are regulation size and can be raised to 10 feet when required, backboards vary greatly in size. There are also different materials for the frame and base, each significantly impacting rigidity and durability.
Tempered glass: Far and away the best material for a backboard, tempered glass is the choice of the NBA. The material is glass that has been strengthened through a thermal and chemical process. As the one the pros use, it is the most expensive option available.
Acrylic: A highly regarded backboard material known for its true rebounding effect and durability, this synthetic polymer is expensive.
Polycarbonate: Backboards made of this material have many of the same qualities as backboards made of acrylic fiber, but they’re even more durable than other synthetic materials. Prices are approximately the same as acrylic backboards, but polycarbonate provides the truest rebound and is suited for highly competitive games.
Playability
When shopping for a basketball hoop, ask yourself what you hope for. Do you want a bit of backyard fun, or are you looking to create a nearly professional experience for yourself or your young star?
The purchase of a basketball hoop, as well as its installation, can be costly. You undoubtedly want one that will last you many years, and if the player’s talent grows and develops, you’ll want something that can grow with them.
Expert Tip
To protect your basketball hoop, avoid hanging on it.
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Assembly
Assembling a basketball hoop is daunting, but many for-hire installation technicians would be happy to assist you if you don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself. However, if you decide to assemble your basketball hoop without the aid of a professional installer, follow these tips:
- Because of the hoop’s size and weight, it’s best to have at least two adults to help with assembly.
- Assemble the unit either outside or in a garage. Your chosen area will need at least 11 feet of overhead clearance to get the system completely upright.
- Read the instructions for each step carefully.
Installation costs
Installation of an in-ground system could cost $450 or more, which can include several visits from your technician, labor, and materials. Certain factors can impact your total bill when hiring a professional installer:
- If the technician must use a jackhammer to break down existing concrete, this can increase the price.
- If the technician must take down an existing hoop, this can increase the price.
If you go the DIY route, one of your most considerable costs will be the price of concrete. The instructional manual will tell you how much concrete you need. Tools needed for DIY hoop installation include the following:
Expert Tip
Proper footwear when playing basketball outside is very important since your footwear will provide support, comfort, and durability when playing on hard surfaces.
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FAQ
Q. How much does a basketball hoop cost?
A. You can find a solid basketball hoop from $200 to $800. Hoops in this range will vary in the size of the shatterproof backboard and feature easily adjustable heights up to 10 feet, which is regulation height. For over $1,000, you will find options as close as possible to an NBA or college setup. These high-end models feature larger pro-style backboards and rust-proof steel poles with safety pads to protect players.
Q. How do I maintain my basketball hoop?
A. To prevent rusting, keep lawn trimmings and other unnecessary materials away from the in-ground pole. Occasionally clean the backboard with a damp cloth or, if the backboard is clear, with a glass cleaner. If rust forms on any parts, carefully sand and paint that area with outdoor gloss paint.
Q. What is a basketball net made of?
A. The official NBA net, also used by the NCAA, is made of 100% polyester with polypropylene in the tips for extra strength. Nets also can be made of chain-link metal or braided nylon material.
