When I moved to the burbs 2 years ago, one of my requirements for a home was to have an area that would accommodate a basketball hoop. It would give me something to look forward to doing in my free time after transitioning out of the city.
The nice thing about a portable basketball hoop is that it gives you more options. You don’t need to have that perfect garage setup with a level driveway because it can easily go on the street. Or if you do have it in your driveway, you can move it out of the way for cars.
Here’s a list of the best portable basketball hoops you can get now.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Basketball Hoops by Backboard Size: Small to Large
1. Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 27 gallon
- Pole: 3 piece steel telescoping mechanism adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polycarbonate
- Rim: standard/classic
- Overall weight: 55.8 lbs
- Frame: Polyethylene
2. Lifetime (90690) Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 27 gallon
- Pole: 3 piece steel telescoping mechanism adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polycarbonate
- Rim: standard/classic
- Overall weight: 55.8 lbs
- Frame: alloy steel
3. Lifetime 90040 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 27 gallon
- Pole: telescoping mechanism adjusts from 7. 5 to 10 feet in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polyethylene
- Rim: standard/classic
- Overall weight: 50 lbs
4. Lifetime 90023 Portable Backboard Basketball System, 44-Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 31 gallon
- Pole: adjusts from 8 to 10 feet using a broomstick in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polycarbonate
- Rim: standard/classic
- Overall weight: 66 lbs
5. Lifetime 90992 Full-Size Height Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop, 44-Inch Backboard
Features:
- Pole: telescoping adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polyethylene
- Rim: standard
- Overall weight: 56 lbs
6. Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop, 50 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 25 gallon
- Pole: 7.5’ to 10′ height adjustability in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polycarbonate
- Rim: standard
- Overall weight: 155 lbs
7. Lifetime 1529 Courtside Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 50 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
Features:
- Base: 31 gallon
- Pole: speed shift adjusts from 8 to 10 feet
- Backboard: polycarbonate
- Rim: breakaway
- Overall weight: 75 lbs
8. Lifetime 90061 Portable Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
Features:
- Base: 35 gallon
- Pole: 3 piece powder coated steel that adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6″ increments
- Backboard: polyethylene
- Rim: standard
- Overall weight: 106.6 lbs
9. Lifetime 71524 XL Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 54 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Pole: power lift mechanism adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet at any height
- Backboard: acrylic
- Rim: breakaway
- Overall weight: 107 lbs
10. Spalding Screw Jack Portable Basketball Hoop, 54-60 Inch Backboard
Features:
- Base: 40 gallon
- Pole: 3 piece Screw Jack mechanism adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet at any increment
- Backboard: acrylic
- Rim: breakaway
- Overall weight: 111 lbs
Important Considerations
Portable basketball hoops are made up of several different components, each of which play an important part to the function of the overall system.
Base
Since the base of a portable basketball hoop is not fixed into the ground, it needs to be sturdy enough so it doesn’t fall over. This is especially important as the players get bigger and stronger, and therefore may exert more force onto the structure as they’re shooting, dunking, or potentially knocking into it.
Most bases are either filled with sand or water. Water has the potential to evaporate, so you may lose some weight in that process and need to keep an eye out for refilling it. Water also has the ability to freeze during the winter, which could end up damaging your base. Sand, on the other hand, could be more time-consuming with filling or emptying the base.
Support Pole
A stable support pole is essential when it comes to a hoop system. Since most are adjustable, there are 2 things to look for: the number of components and the adjustment type.
The more pieces there are to the pole, the less stable it is. Therefore, the cheaper systems tend to have a 3-piece pole versus more expensive systems with 2-piece poles.
The higher quality height adjustment systems will allow for easier use and greater variability in that you can choose any height between 7.5 to 10 feet. The cheaper systems use a telescoping pole that adjusts in preset 6 inch increments only.
Backboard
An NBA regulation size backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops don’t have a 72 inch width in order to make them lighter and more transportable. Most are also not made out of glass in order to reduce the overall weight of the system.
Going with a smaller backboard is still a good option for younger players, if you’re looking to improve your accuracy, if you have a smaller court or driveway, or if you’re wanting to save some money.
If you want more of a professional feel, look for a backboard between 54 to 60 inches wide. They will cost you more, but you’ll also be able to do more with them.
Here are the different materials used:
- Tempered glass has the look and feel of an authentic system, but is more costly.
- Acrylic and polycarbonate are types of plastic that will dull the rebound, but are very durable. Acrylic should stay clear over time, whereas polycarbonate will fade.
- Plastic and eco-composites have the worst rebound, but are the lightest and cheapest materials.
Rim
The 3 different styles:
- Standard style is a 5/8 inch solid steel ring that offers good stability, but should not be dunked on.
- Breakaway style has a double compression spring, which springs back after weight is applied to it during a dunk.
- Professional style is a double compression spring with wrap around brace for maximum support and rust protection.
Assembly
Putting together a portable hoop system usually requires a minimum of 2 people. The parts are also on the heavier side, and total time could vary from an hour to several hours.
Cost
A portable basketball hoop will cost you anywhere from under $100 to over $2,000. These are the main differences:
Cheaper systems:
- Less stable and shakiness from shots off the backboard will get worse over time.
- Cheaper materials that won’t last as long and will affect rebounds, graphics, and dunking capabilities.
- More difficult to adjust.
Expensive systems:
- Increased stability.
- Higher quality materials that better mimic a professional hoop in terms of look and feel and will last longer.
- Adjust more easily.
Final Thoughts
As with most things, there are many options when it comes to the best portable basketball hoops. The one that will work for you depends on your needs.
If you need something for older or bigger players, a higher quality system is the way to go.
If you’re looking for something for kids or less serious players, a cheaper system will most likely fit your needs.
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