If you are thinking of improving your basketball skills, then you need to have the right tools. One of the top equipment you need is an in-ground basketball system. This system is cemented in the ground which means the poles are more rigid and the board gives a better rebound. The system can also carry brackets that are sturdier compared to their portable counterparts.
With so many best in-ground hoops on the market, you need to find one that suits your needs and helps you improve your skills. We have put together this guide to help you navigate to find the perfect hoops for your needs.
Contents
- What Is It
- What to Look For: Best In Ground Basketball Hoop For the Money
- In Ground Basketball Hoop Reviews
- Conclusion
What Is It
This is a heavy duty hoop that is installed into the ground. The installation offers more stability to the players since the pole that supports the whole system is connected to the concrete base that is installed in the ground. The type of installation is achieved by bolting the post to various anchor bolts that are embedded in the concrete base.
The type of installation isn’t as permanent as you think though – you can easily unbolt the post and take the whole system to another location. This is a great choice for those individuals who want to experience the best of basketball training at home.
What to Look For: Best In Ground Basketball Hoop For the Money
Now that you know what it is, how do you get the best system for your needs? First, you need to look at the backboard. Backboard specifications come in different sizes, ranging from 44 inches wide to 72 inches wide. The size that you choose depends on your budget and the need for more space to spring the ball against. At the end of it all, don't get so much hung on the size of the backboard, you can still work with a small backboard as long as you know what you are looking for in terms of skill.
Once you choose the backboard, the next thing to look at is the backboard support system. The support system is necessary for the longevity of the whole system. If you are looking at durability, then an ironclad frame is the best one that you can choose. The strongest on the market are H-frame supports, which use a steel H-frame that is set behind the shooters square. If you are a fan of dunking and hanging on the rim, then go for this type of support.
You also need to look at the material used to make the backboard. You have the option of choosing acrylic or tempered glass.
Acrylic is light and ideal for starters who don’t need a lot of bounce on the ball, while tempered glass is denser and prevents movement during the play.
Other factors that come into play include:
- The thickness of the backboard is ideal because of the thicker the backboard, the better the bounce.
- A high-end system ought to come with a rim that is heavy duty, and that can withstand the weight.
- The net ought to be made of a material that will withstand harsh weather such as rain and snow.
- The hoop pole also determines the stability of the system. Round poles don’t provide the same stability as square poles. Pole thickness also comes into play.
Also Read: Swimming Pool Basketball Hoops
In Ground Basketball Hoop Reviews
Now that we have checked out the buying guide lets narrow down to the top 5 systems that you can select for your needs.
#5: Pro Dunk Gold with Rust Armor
This hoop comes with a lot of great features. The breakaway rim is able to handle full weight dunks, while the responsiveness of the rim to shots gives a good balance between rigidity and some forgiveness. The springs in the breakaway rim are protected using a steel cover that helps to minimize the rust. The rim can withstand regular use without showing wear and tear.
The height adjustment allows you to vary the height anywhere from 5 to 10 feet, meaning this hop grows with the family. Having such a wide adjustable range means that the hoop is also ideal for young players who are seeking to develop proper shooting skills.
It features a tempered glass backboard whose performance is unmatched compared to acrylic. The board is 54 inches wide and half an inch thick, which helps keep the system rigid when you hit the backboard, giving you a consistent and realistic shooting experience.
What We Liked About The Hoop
What We Didn't Like About The Hoop
#4: Lifetime 71281 In-ground Power Lift Basketball System
This hoop features a 52-inch shatterproof backboard that is made of high-quality polyethylene to give you superior strength and make it durable. You can use the hoop for various years without worrying of the wear and tear that is evident in conventional hoops.
The system comes with a height adjustment mechanism that allows you to easily vary the height of the hoop between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. This makes it ideal for a wide variety of players of different heights, and it is a system that can grow with your family.
This unit uses a 3-piece round pole complete with a friction-weld joint to safeguard against vibrations and other unwanted movements. Better yet, the system utilizes UV-protection and powder-coated steel to guarantee against discoloration and rust.
What We Liked About The Hoop
What We Didn't Like About The Hoop
#3: Goalrilla GS54 Basketball Hoop
If you are looking at a hoop to give you the ultimate performance, then this system from Goalrilla is all you need. It gives you a 54-inch tempered glass that has a perfect and consistent rebound, making sure you practice your shots the right way with a professional-grade system.
The pole is supported by the strength of the concrete anchor system that gives you the option to bolt and unbolt and relocate the goal to a new location each time. And if you want to adjust the height, all you need is to crank it up a notch depending on the height you want to achieve from 7.5 feet to 10 feet.
For durability, you have the capability of the powder coated pole construction that is all weather, so don’t fear the rust.
What We Liked About The Hoop
What We Didn't Like About The Hoop
#2: Lifetime 71799 Height Adjustable In-ground Basketball System
This is an inground basketball hoop system that features a 50-inch backboard. This gives you a wide surface to use to bounce shots off. The backboard is shatterproof, meaning it consistently endures shots day in day out without giving way.
The hoop features a Slam-it rim that will withstand those rim-rattling dunks that are your signature. The rim will hold a variety of weights, making sure that you don’t fall with the rim when you decide to hand on it.
The system comes with installation instructions, a process that can take a few hours and involves two people. The parts of the system are easy to identify as well, making the whole process fast an effortless.
With the Action Grip mechanism, you can adjust the height of the hoop using one hand. You can adjust the system from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in increments of 6 inches.
What We Liked About The Hoop
What We Didn't Like About The Hoop
#1: Ryval C660 Basketball Hoop
With this hoop, you get a whole 60 inches wide of a surface to bounce the ball against. This means you are getting a grade like that of most professional basketball courts. This makes it ideal for those basketball players who are looking to improve their skills to a professional level. You can use it in the gym or a professional court.
The top finish is composed of powder coat paint that is of premium quality. It also uses a hot dip galvanized undercoat that provides superior protection against rust and wear and tear.
The design uses a superior in-ground one-piece pole design. You can adjust the height of the pole from 5 to 10 feet, and you get a 3-foot overhang clearance for that extra safety you need.
What We Liked About The Hoop
What We Didn't Like About The Hoop
The best system allows all family members to use it effortlessly.
Video on how to install your hoop
Conclusion
In-ground hoops are meant to be sturdier and hold more weight, meaning you need to find one that is well-built and rust free. Since it will be set up in the outdoors, it needs to be built to last. Make sure you understand what you need in terms of the height adjustment, the width of the board as well as the strength of the rim. Don’t forget that these hoops come in different sizes, and have different features, which mean the cost is different. Choose the one that suits your budget so that you don’t break the bank buying a system. Take time to pick the right one.