I'm looking to buy a portable basketball system.
Spalding's 'The Beast' looks like a clear favourite as being the best on the market, being glass and a breakaway ring. However, it's price is around $1700 delivered.
Was wondering if anyone owns an acryllic backboard ring and their reviews on it - namely how sturdy it in when the ball hits it, bounce off the backboard and rim, sound, and if it shakes around a lot if dunked on.
Hoping a sale pops up soon around black Friday which I can take advantage of and any additional info I can find out before then will be great.
Thanks
Reviews on Portable Basketball Systems
CustardShot on 19/10/2020 - 08:54
Comments
I purchased the Spalding 60 inch system, NBA Stealth from Rebel about a year ago. I think it's pretty much the same.
I got it for $1499 less 30% on sale and paid with discounted gift cards, so got it for a bit over $1k.
It's a great sturdy system that will last for a number of years I hope. When I put it at 9ft, I can dunk and hang on the ring with no issues and I'm 100kg. Unfortunately can't do the same at full height any more.
Easily adjustable too for my kids.
Only issue i have is the bolts holding the ring on gradually come loose and I have to re-tighten them every couple of months.
Is the backboard and rim reaction solid and similar to the regulation stadium backboards? We have the 50" Hercules for a few years now and while it's been going great, there is a fair bit of movement when the ball hits the rim/backboard. The single rim also has a fair bit of give (I noticed the stealth also has a single rim only?) and allows more lucky bounce shots than the solid, double rim at the stadium.
Yes, it's similar to a stadium feel for sure. Maybe if a long 3 hits the very edge of the glass (whoops) it might get slightly more wobble than a stadium, but 98% as good in my view.
The rim is great and you can adjust the 'give' to make it harder or softer through an internal bolt that holds the spring (hidden by a cover).
oooh that's some good info there, thanks for the mini review. Might wait for the next sale on this one!
I have the Spalding glass hybrid system.
I was lucky enough to get it from Rebel during their 20% off sale.
I did try their acrylic backboards and they are not good. The bounce off the backboard is just so weak, you can forget about bank shots or proper rebounds.
The only benefit to them is they are light and easy to assemble, the glass one was near impossible to assemble (I did it solo).
Spend a bit more and get a proper backboard.
I took the view that over a 10 year period, spending a bit more for a much better experience was worth it.
That being said, getting it for 'member' price at Rebel minus 30% then with gift cards and cash back was awesome. I didn't want to pay $1800!
As I mentioned above, have a look at the NBA Stealth too as I think it's the same as the Beast.
Thanks for your answer man! Do you cover your back board up during bad weather? Such as hail etc?
LOL awesome stuff :)
Answers have been very helpful. Looks like paying up for glass is definitely the way to go. Hopefully rebel includes them in their sales soon!
FWIW I have the 50" Spalding Hercules that I picked up on special for $399 and the backboard has been great, no cracks and similar reaction to the stadium backboard. Been outdoors now since June 2016 and the only thing that had to be replaced is the rebounder (warranty)
Spaldings glass portables reign supreme, but really depends on your usage. If you’re just practicing jumper shots, any backboard will be fine. If you are planning on playing games with it, the Spalding Beast is as close aa you can get to a stationed backboard.
PS The Beast is usually excluded from sales. Will see how we go this Black Friday.