Outdoor Basketball Hoops - Top 5 Features You Cannot Live Without

If you're buying an outdoor basketball goal system you NEED these 6 things. I created the list below along with explanation and things to watch out for. If you follow these guidelines I guarantee you'll love your new outdoor basketball hoop.

1. Tempered Glass Backboard - The most important part of an outdoor basketball goal is the backboard. Tempered glass is harder making it more durable over time and heavier allowing it perform better than acrylic which is your other option. You can find them in all sizes ranging from 48 to 72 inches wide. If you're looking true gym quality play so you can practice like you compete, make sure sure to get a 72" x 42" x 1/2" board. Take special note of the 1/2" thickness as many manufactures only offer 3/8" thick tempered glass backboards. Many people express concern about putting a glass backboard on an OUTDOOR basketball system. The short answer is, unless somebody puts a brick through it, you have no reason to be concerned. Tempered glass holds up well in severe weather conditions and actually remains clear for the lifetime of the basketball goal unlike acrylic which clouds.


2. Adjustable - Let the dunk contest begin! Lets be honest, shooting free throws for a few hours can get boring. Getting an adjustable systems ensures your new outdoor basketball hoop investment will get used, a lot. Also, young competitors can get in on the action and get a leg up on the competition with an early start. A few things to watch for include how low the system will adjust to. Some goals will go all the way down to 5' while others only make it to 7.5'. I'd recommend a system that will go down to at least 6' as even the youngest players can shoot at this height. Also, if you have young ones, get a system that is easy to adjust so you don't have to go out and lower it every 10 minutes. Look for what's called a lift-assist. This will neutralize the weight of the backboard making it effortless to adjust. Lastly, check the warranty. If your going to be dunking and hanging you'll very likely void your warranty on most systems as they are not designed to handle that kind of play.


3. Heavy-duty Flex / Break-away Rim - This one goes hand in hand with the dunk contest from above. This will keep players safe and not injure their hands when dunking. Also, it's a nice professional look and feel.


4. In-Ground - These systems have the best price to performance ratio. If you start looking at portables that perform as well as an in-ground system, you'll end up paying 10 times as much. If your HOA prohibits permanent outdoor basketball systems, you might consider spinning the pier and sleeve mounted system as portable. Technically, these hoops can be removed at the base and moved into your garage. It's not something you would want to do every day but after a little PR spin, you might be able to sell it. My last point on in-ground outdoor systems is that this is that these are by far the most popular premium hoops so your options are vast and fierce competition has lowered prices.


5. Corrosion Protection - Everybody has that one goal (sometimes 5 or 6) that rusted away leaving a corroded shell of itself and a dangerous eye-sore on your driveway. Make your next outdoor basketball hoop your last. First, check the thickness of the main pole. This is a good indicator of overall build quality. Also the thicker it is, the longer it will take for the elements to eat through. A good pole will be 7 gauge (3/16") thick. Note that the lower the gauge is the thicker the metal (i.e. 11 gauge steel is thinner than 7 gauge steel). Next look for stainless steel fasteners. Another great feature is galvanization. This adds a layer zinc protecting the steel. Lastly, look for a corrosion warranty. If the manufacturer will not back their system up, don't trust it!

Shop outdoor basketball goals

Ryan Tate has been in the premium basketball goal industry for 15 years participating in all aspects including design, manufacturing, sales, marketing and installation. Ryan currently works with Hoops Inc., manufacturer of the popular Pro Dunk basketball goal systems. He specializes in the adjustable outdoor in-ground basketball hoops for home and institutional applications.

By Ryan J Tate