A new basketball hoop is a fun addition to your home. It will allow your friends and family to exercise while playing an exciting game of basketball. A hoop is an investment that must be carefully considered to suit your budget and situation. Here are some features you should consider.

Portable or Permanent

The decision to make the hoop permanent or not depends on your needs. If you don’t have a lot of space and you have to move the hoop, you may want to consider a portable solution. This may require adult assistance as the hoops tend to be weighted at the bottom to prevent them from tipping over. This is not a great solution for teenagers who like to dunk the ball as there is less stiffness. Also, if you live in an area prone to high winds, then the hoop is at risk of being damaged.

If there is a location that will always be used for basketball, you may want to consider a permanent installation. Most popular brands allow for semi-permanent solutions where the anchor bolts are cemented into the ground and the post is secured to the top. This is more desirable than driving a post into the ground, which requires a lot of work to remove.

Adjustable

Most boards can usually be adjusted with a handle. Read reviews about how easy it is to fit the backboard onto the hoop, as some may need adult help. Younger children will be able to throw a ball between 6 and 8 feet. Children 9 years and older can play at the regulation height of 10 feet.

separable rim

This simply means the rim will flex if an overzealous teenager makes a monster jam. The feature prevents the hoop or backboard from bending too much and causing damage. It’s a good option to consider if you have a lot of basketball fans in the family who like to recreate NBA highlights.

back boards

The type of backboard material can affect your budget, as polycarbonate and acrylic tend to be cheaper, while tempered glass is more expensive. Polycarbonate and acrylic are transparent and provide some rigidity. Tempered glass is of higher quality, which provides the best bounces.

As the size of the board increases, so does the price. Most boards range from 32 to 72 inches. I recommend keeping the size within the 50-60 inch range. The larger size will allow for more rebounding and less chasing for aerial balls.

post size

Post width is not as important for portable hoops, but it is more of a factor in permanent installations. Just like with backboards, the wider the width, the more expensive the hoop will be. Higher priced systems have posts up to 5 inches wide. If you plan to have a rough game, consider a wider post. Some poles may come in two pieces and are considered less strong, but will be less expensive.

other tips

• Look for rust resistant coatings on all metal parts.

• Consider options like post pads and backboards

• Multi-year warranties offer reinsurance