Basketball Hoop Review

Specifications

• Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 13 inches
• Weight: 45 pounds
• Height: 7.5 to 10 feet
• 4” square pole
• Polycarbonate backboard
• Solid steel rim
• Base capacity: 40 gallons
• Model number: 68395-R

Pros

• Price
• Light
• Solid
• Screw Jack for height adjustment
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Flimsy parts
• Thin backboard
• Need to strip pole paint
• Difficult to move with base filled

Review

The Spalding NBA 68395 Portable Basketball Hoop with 54 Inch Polycarbonate Backboard comes with a 3-piece 4 inch square pole, plastic base, Arena Slam rim and a net. It is light when the based is not filled up. It weighs 45 pounds and the dimensions are 54.5 x 35 x 13 inches.

This portable basketball system has wheels on its base for portability. However, once setup with the base filled, it can be very difficult to move it.

The different parts

The 54 inch polycarbonate backboard is quite durable with its aluminum frame. However, it is thin. Due to this, the backboard tends to reverberate and shake when shooting hoops. There are some people who prefer to put foam lining behind it to lessen the shaking.

The Arena Slam breakaway basketball rim is made of heavy duty solid steel. Although it is good for dunking, more stable wall mounted or in-ground systems are better suited for that.

The whole portable basketball system is held up with a 3 piece square pole that is 4 inches thick. This metal pole is coated with paint for rust-resistance.

The plastic base with wheels is made of plastic. It has a 40 gallon capacity. This is meant to be filled with sand or water with anti-freeze. Once the base is filled, it is not recommended to move it. It risks breaking the plastic material. In addition, it is much heavier.

Easy to assemble

This basketball hoop is relatively easy to assemble. It will definitely need some tools. One person can do the job. Still, a helping hand can make it go faster. The entire portable basketball system can be assembled in two hours. The instruction manual should be followed step by step.

It can be difficult to put the 3 pole pieces together. Primarily because it needs a certain amount of force to “bounce” it. In case it is too difficult, using a lubricant and sandpaper might do the trick. Removing part of the paint can make it much easier to put it together.

Filling the base should be the last step. Before filling up the base, it is best to place the unit in its destined location. Moving it after filling it up is not a good idea. It is much heavier and it can cause the plastic base to break.

Once assembled, it is very easy to adjust the height using the Screw Jack system. Even children can adjust this portable basketball system’s height.

Bottom line: The Spalding NBA 68395 Portable Basketball Hoop with 54 Inch Polycarbonate Backboard is affordable, solid and has an easy to use height adjustment mechanism. It may not be made of the best material, but it can last for years.