Basketball Hoop Review

Specifications

• Weight: 56.2 pounds
• Height: 7.5 to 10 feet
• Base capacity: 27 gallons
• Molded plastic backboard
• Polyethylene base
• 18 inch solid steel rim
• Model number: 1221

Pros

• Price
• Light
• Parts bagged together
• Good starter hoop
• Stable
• 5 year warranty

Cons

• Difficult to assemble
• Difficult to adjust height
• Needs tools to assemble
• Flimsy base cap
• Missing parts
• Can’t withstand winds

Review

The Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 44-Inch Backboard is made of molded plastic. It is a basic portable basketball system which is good as a starter hoop. Most of the parts are made of molded plastic except for the solid steel rim and steel pole.

It features a Telescoping height adjustment mechanism that can adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6 inch increments. The entire system is light. It only weighs 56.2 pounds. The base has a 27 gallon capacity for better stability. Filling it with water makes it stable enough. Water is also much easier to remove. However, sand adds more weight.

The parts

The 18 inch rim that comes with this portable basketball system is not a breakaway rim. This means that it does not have any spring-back action, although, it is sturdy and has ½ inch steel braces.

The pole is made-up of 3 pieces. It is made of steel. It is painted black with powder coated making it rust-resistant.

The 44 inch backboard is made of UV-protected, high density polyethylene and it has fade-resist graphics. It resists chipping and cracking. That being said, one cannot expect it to give the best rebounds.

The materials are not the best. Most are thin and made of plastic. One should take care of screwing and attaching bolts too tight. It is easy to get loose threads and some parts can easily break.

Setting up the hoop

The Lifetime 1221 Pro Court can be difficult to assemble. Primarily, make sure all the parts are complete.

Second, it needs more than just one person for some of the steps. These steps are explained further by the instruction manual that comes with it. Also, the parts needed for certain steps are bagged together making it easier.

Third, it will require tools to assemble. Some found it easier to attach the pole parts using lubricants. A lot also preferred to use dry sand rather than water for the base. A funnel makes this task easier. A bottle of rubbing alcohol can be added to the water to prevent freezing and the growth of molds. The system is light even with the base filled. It cannot withstand 40 to 50 miles per hour winds.

The height is adjustable using the Telescoping mechanism takes more effort. The unit needs to be tipped, a bolt removed and placed. After adjusting the height, it is ready to use. The Lifetime 1221 Pro Court comes with a 5 year limited warranty.

Bottom line: The Lifetime 1221 Pro Court is cheap, sturdy and a good basic portable basketball system. Some of its parts can be flimsy, it is difficult to assemble and adjust. However, with care it can last for years and it has a 5 year warranty.