How to Choose Basketball Goal Supplier?

As soon as you begin your search for a basketball hoop, you&#;ll soon realize there is no shortage of brands and models available. Whether you&#;re a first time buyer or or looking to replace an existing system, here are some key factors to keep in mind when buying a basketball hoop:

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Installation Type

This one of the primary factors to consider when purchasing a basketball hoop. There are 4 main basketball goal installation types.

Portable

Portable basketball hoops are generally cheaper and smaller than hoops that are cemented into the ground. These goals include a base that is stabilized with either water or sand. Because of this, these goals CANNOT be dunked on. Additionally, they may be at risk of damage from garbage collectors as well.  They are, however, a great solution for situations where mounting a goal in-ground simply isn&#;t possible (rental properties, for example).

Wall-Mount

Wall-mounted hoops are mounted to, you guess it- the wall. This type of hoop works well when space doesn&#;t allow for an in-ground goal. They should be installed by a qualified professional to ensure safety and structural integrity of the wall to which it is being mounted. If the goal is indoors, consider also adding wall-padding for player safety.  Wall mounts usually come in an adjustable version that allows you to change heights and fixed that keeps the hoop affixed and rigid.

Pro Tip: If you use water as a base-filler for your portable hoop, be sure to drain it or add an antifreeze to the water before Winter. Otherwise, the base can become damaged when the water freezes and expands.

Direct Burial (Permanent) In-Ground

Basketball hoops with the post cemented directly into the ground are known as direct-burial in-ground hoops. The goals provide much more stability than portable goals. The drawback to this type of goal is that it cannot be moved once it is installed. This type of goal is most commonly found in commercial applications such as parks, where height adjustment isn&#;t needed.

In-Ground Semi Portable

Semi-portable in-ground goals, on the other hand, are mounted onto a completely separate anchor system that is cemented into the ground. This provides the same stability of a direct-burial post while still allowing the goal to be moved to a new location (if you move to a new home, for example). Then, only a new anchor kit is needed, rather than an entirely new basketball system. Goalrilla and Goalsetter goals feature this type of installation.  Most residential high end hoops have moved to this system for both ease of installation and portability when moving.

The Backboard

Backboard Size

The size of the backboard is another important factor to consider when buying a basketball hoop. The most common sizes you&#;ll find are 54&#;, 60&#;, and 72&#;. This refers to the width of the backboard. The heights will vary also, depending on the model.

Regulation backboard size is 72&#;x42&#;. If you are purchasing a hoop for an aspiring high school or college athlete, or if you just want the most authentic, arena-like experience, the 72&#;x42&#; is the way to go. If you don&#;t need a goal quite that big, the 60&#; hoops are great mid-size hoops and the most popular choice for residential use. 54&#; goals are more common for smaller driveways that don&#;t have as much space to accommodate a larger hoop. For more info on finding a backboard size that fits your space, check out What Size Backboard Do I Need? 

Backboard Material

Along with backboard size, you&#;ll want to consider backboard material. You&#;ll typically find basketball hoop backboards in one of 3 materials: Polycarbonate, Acrylic, or Tempered Glass

Polycarbonate backboards are made from a clear plastic material. They are often used on cheaper hoops because while they are very strong, the polycarbonate material has one major drawback; after prolonged exposure to UV light (aka sunlight), these backboards begin to turn an unflattering shade of cloudy yellow and become brittle. This can happen in as little as 3-5 years.

Acrylic is similar to polycarbonate in that it is a strong, clear backboard material. Unlike polycarbonate, however, acrylic will not become cloudy, yellow, and brittle over time. Acrylic maintains its brilliance after 15-20 years of sun exposure. It&#;s also very strong and unlikely to chip or crack, even if someone were to throw stones at it.

Tempered glass backboards are what you&#;ll find on pro-style hoops and in high school, college, and NBA arenas. The backboards are made from a safety glass that is hardened in the production process, making it 5-10 times stronger than normal glass. Tempered glass provides the most rigidity and better, more consistent rebounding across the glass.

For more a detailed analysis, check out Tempered Glass Backboards VS. Acrylic Backboards.

The Rim

Rim Material

The rim of the basketball goal should be made of steel to ensure strength and stability. The rim should be at least 19mm thick. Thinner rims may seem more cost-effective initially, but are prone to bending and even breaking over time. This means a lower quality rim could also pose a safety hazard. For outdoor hoops, we recommend a rim that is finished with a weatherproof paint to reduce the risk of rust.

Pro Tip: For the best performance, look for a high-quality steel rim with an NBA official diameter of 18 inches.

Rim Suspension

In addition to rim material, you&#;ll also want to pay attention to the spring or suspension system of the rim when buying a basketball hoop. There are 3 basic types of rims: Static (or standard), Exposed Spring Breakaway, and Enclosed Spring Breakaway.

Static or standard rims have no spring, meaning the rim cannot flex. This puts added pressure on the backboard and is not ideal for dunking since the extra pressure can cause the backboard to shatter. The cheaper version of these rims are typically found on portable basketball goals which are not meant to be dunked on. Sometimes they are found on higher end goals, for example a commercial application where they are looking to deter dunking.  Goalsetter even offers a double ring static rim that is considered extremely durable for commercial applications.

A breakaway rim, on the other hand, contains a hinge and a super strong spring (or springs) at the point of attachment to the backboard. This allows the rim to bend downward and then snap back into place when a player dunks on the goal without affecting the backboard. Exposed spring breakaway rims are open underneath with the springs exposed (hence the name). This is not preferred for outdoor use since exposure can lead to rust.  Goalrilla carries both a medium weight and heavy weight flex rim.

Enclosed spring breakaway rims have the spring fully enclosed, making it the ideal choice for longevity of outdoor use. This is the type of rim found on pro-level hoops, and is what you&#;ll find on every Goalrilla goal.

Net Material

The net attached to the rim serves two primary functions. It provides a clear indication to players, referees, and spectators when a basket is made. It also slows the ball&#;s trajectory as it passes through the hoop and guides it back down toward the court (ideally straight underneath the rim).

Basketball nets can be found in a variety of materials. For outdoor play, we recommend a nylon net because they are incredibly durable and made to withstand the harsh weather elements of snow, rain, and wind.

Height Adjustability

Height adjustability is an important consideration, particularly when buying a basketball hoop with younger players in mind. Goals that can be adjusted lower make the hoop accessible for younger children, or players who simply desire a lowered rim. Look for a goal that includes a removable actuator handle so you can lock the height in place and prevent unwanted height adjustments.

ASTM standards dictate that a hoop should NOT lower beyond 7.5&#; for safety reasons. If 7.5&#; isn&#;t quite low enough for your little ones, consider an add-on like the Silverback Junior Basketball Hoop &#; a smaller backboard that mounts directly to the post of your full-size hoop. That way, everyone can get in on the fun while staying safe. For more info, check out our article that goes over the dangers of lowering below 7.5 feet in detail.

Warranty

Before purchasing a goal you&#;ll also want to research the type of warranty included. Is it a 1-year? 5-year? Lifetime? Pay attention to which parts are warrantied and for how long. This will give you a good indication of the quality of the goal and its intended longevity. Goalrilla goals, for example, include a limited lifetime warranty because the goals are intended to last for as long as you own them.

Manufacturer

What&#;s in a name? Well, a lot, as it turns out. The most well-known brands are household names for a reason. It takes years of product development and testing to build consumer trust. If your eye is caught by an ad for a basketball hoop from a brand you haven&#;t heard of, do a quick web search to see what (if anything) other people are saying about them. Remember the old rule of thumb &#; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If your eye is caught by an ad for a basketball hoop from a brand you haven&#;t heard of, do a quick web search to see what (if anything) other people are saying about them. And remember to be leery of reviews that are only from their website and not from an approved third party application like Shopper Approved, which is one of only a handful or merchant reviewers to be syndicated by Google&#;s trusted network of providers.

Here are a few quick tips to sum up:

Kangna are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Installation Type: A semi-portable hoop with a separate anchor is your best choice. A portable goal is also an option if in-ground mounting isn&#;t possible.

Rim: Breakaway or flex rims are the way to go, as they flex under pressure. Make sure the rim is regulation-size 18 inches in diameter.

Backboard Size: 60&#; backboards are the most popular. 72&#;x42&#; is regulation size. 54&#; hoops are great for smaller driveways.

Backboard Material: Acrylic or tempered glass are ideal for outdoor use. Tempered glass provides the most rigidity and consistent rebounding (this is used in professional settings).

Height Adjustability: look for a goal that can be easily adjusted (but not lower than the ASTM standard pf 7.5&#;)

Choosing the Right Basketball Hoop to Buy

If selecting the right basketball hoop seems like an overwhelming task, don&#;t panic! We&#;re here to help. The experts at BasketballGoalStore.com are standing by to answer all your questions about what to look for when looking for purchasing a basketball hoop. We carry the full line of Goalrilla and Goalsetter basketball hoops so we&#;ve got something for everyone. Give us a call or chat now (if it&#;s after hours, leave us a message and we&#;ll get back to you as soon as we can) and let us know how we can help.

If you&#;re looking to buy a basketball hoop there is no shortage of options to choose from which can make it tough to decide which type of basketball hoop is right for you.

With this in mind, we have created a comprehensive, illustrated basketball hoop buying guide that covers key information and features relating to installation types, backboards, rim types, and height adjustability.

After reading this guide you will be equipped with all the information you need to buy a basketball hoop with confidence.

BASKETBALL HOOP INSTALLATION TYPES

Firstly, we&#;ll look at the 3 different installation types for basketball hoops. This is one of, if not the most, important factor to consider as each basketball goal installation type is suited to different requirements and locations.

Portable Basketball Hoops

A portable hoop is freestanding and inserted into a stand on wheels for easy transportation. Portable basketball hoops are suitable for either indoor or outdoor use and are perfect for driveways and backyards as they can be moved anywhere.

The major selling points of portable hoops are they are easy to move and relatively budget friendly in comparison to more permanent solutions. They are also usually adjustable so the height of the hoops can be changed with minimal effort.

Once in position, portable stands can often be filled with sand or water to add extra stability. Although the sand/water helps keep freestanding hoops in place, they still can&#;t be dunked on as the structure may topple and potentially cause injury to the user.

 Wall-Mounted Basketball Hoops

As the name suggests, this type of basketball hoop is mounted to a wall either indoors or outside. Wall hoops are most commonly fixed to garage and outdoor house walls, but they are also popular with commercial venues.

Wall-mounted hoops are perfect for use where there is limited space, as they don&#;t take up as much room as portable or in-ground hoops. They are available a wide variety of models, covering different price ranges to cater for all ages and budgets. It&#;s also possible to buy wall mounted hoops that are adjustable so they can be used at different heights.

If you&#;re planning to dunk with a wall mounted hoop, you&#;ll need to check its suitability for dunking first to ensure it will withstand the impact of a dunk. It is also recommended that a qualified professional fits the goal so the structural integrity of the wall can be assessed prior to installation.

In-Ground Basketball Hoops

In-ground basketball hoops are available in two forms; permanent in-ground (direct burial) and semi portable in-ground. Both have their benefits and are great options for matches and practice.

Permanent in-ground basketball hoops are cemented directly into the ground. They are the most secure type of goal and are perfect for outdoor courts and parks. However, you need to ensure that you are happy with the positioning of the hoop, as once installed, the structure can&#;t be moved again. Like the wall-mounted hoops, ensure the in-ground hoop is fitted by a professional tradesperson to ensure the goal is fitted in an area where the ground is suitable to keep the basketball post upright and secure.

Semi portable in-ground goals are mounted onto a socketed/anchored system that is fitted into the ground. This still provides the same structural stability as the permanent in-ground hoops but allows you to move the goal if you move home or your team&#;s matches move locations. If you wish to move the structure, you will only need to have a new anchoring/socketed system installed rather than a whole new basketball hoop system.

BASKETBALL BACKBOARD MATERIALS

The material of the backboard is another factor to take into consideration when selecting your basketball goal. Typically, you&#;ll find basketball hoop backboards in either tempered glass, acrylic, polyethylene or plywood. Each board type will have their own specific qualities, such as resilience, weather resistance and rebound abilities.

 Tempered Glass Backboards

Tempered glass backboards are most common on high-school, college and NBA hoops. The glass is hardened during the production process, making it much stronger than normal glass. Tempered glass provides great rigidity, and it can withstand the impacts that come with regular use. Tempered glass backboards also typically deliver a more consistent rebound than other backboard materials.

Plywood Backboards

Plywood backboards are suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts due to their weatherproof properties. They are long lasting and are suited to constant ball impact, making plywood backboards a hugely popular option for schools, recreation centers and other facilities/complexes with basketball courts.

Acrylic Backboards

Acrylic backboards, also known as &#;imitation glass&#; are a cheaper substitute to tempered glass. Transparent, scratchproof and mould resistant, acrylic boards are a good option for driveways, as whilst the rebound factor isn&#;t as high as tempered glass, the bounce is still realistic enough and may prevent the ball from bouncing into a busy road. Acrylic boards are still a great choice for other locations such as recreation centres, parks and schools.

Polyethylene Backboards

High-density polyethylene backboards are a popular choice for children and players first starting out playing basketball. They are durable and have a lower rebound factor than tempered glass, preventing the ball from bouncing too far away on the court after a missed shot. Polyethylene backboards are the perfect choice for anyone that is looking for a strong backboard that is budget friendly.

Basketball Backboard Materials & Properties

Backboards will create different rebound trajectories dependent on the materials they are made from. Due to the rigidity of the tempered glass backboards, this material will provide the furthest and most consistent rebound making them perfect for competitive matches. A material with a lower rebound factor like polyethylene is more suited for hoops in areas where you won&#;t want the ball travelling a longer distance off the backboard; for example into a road next to a park or driveway, or backyards with limited space.

BASKETBALL RIM TYPES

All basketball rims should be made with steel to ensure the stability of the hoop. The steel rim should be thick enough to withstand regular impact and not bend or break over time. It is important that rims on outdoor hoops are finished with a weatherproof paint to prevent rusting of the steel.

The spring and suspension system of the rim needs to be considered when buying a basketball hoop. On many basketball hoop systems, including the majority of kids' hoops, the rim suspension type is a static rim. These systems have no springs, and the rims cannot flex. Static rims are fine for normal basketball shots, but they shouldn&#;t be used to dunk as the extra pressure on the backboard can lead to the hoop becoming damaged, which can result in significant injury to the user.

Hoops used for matches in the NBA, college and high school will use a double spring breakaway system. This means that the hoop and rim is flexible but sturdy, making the goal perfect for dunking. These breakaway systems are either exposed or enclosed, so the springs are not visible. Enclosed breakaway systems are ideal for outdoor hoops as they are protected from the weather and rusting. It&#;s possible to buy hoops that feature a breakaway system for home use, with both wall-mounted and in-ground options available for those who want to be able to dunk.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABILITY

Height adjustability is an important feature to consider when buying a basketball hoop. This is especially true if the hoop is going to be used by younger players who may need the hoop height increasing as they grow. Having the option to change the goal height removes the need to replace hoops or remove and relocate them if you have a wall-mounted hoop. Having adjustable brackets is also great for recreation centers, clubs and schools who have different age groups using their hoops, as the height can be adjusted accordingly.

Fixed height basketball hoops are still a great option for many, as a lot of the time there is no need for the hoop height to be adjusted. Public parks, high schools and plenty of other facilities will often use fixed height hoops as they have no need to adjust the height and it avoids the risk of damage from its users, who may not know how to adjust the height properly.

Now you've read our guide, you now have all the information you need to go ahead a choose a basketball hoop that is right for you! Be sure to check out our website to view our full range of basketball hoops; including all the installation types, backboard materials, rim types and height adjustability features mentioned in this guide!

At Net World Sports we carry a range of FORZA Basketball equipment including all types of hoops, nets, backboards, basketballs and RapidFire rebounders to suit all ages and requirements.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Basketball Goal Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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