Product Description

Fun for the entire family, this portable basketball system can go anywhere you want to shoot hoops. This system features a 42-inch acrylic backboard, three pieces of 3-inch round black telescoping pole sections, a black classic rim, direct mount extension arms, and a 27 gallon portable base. The backboard is constructed of break-resistant acrylic, making it durable and rugged to withstand the elements. The rim features a solid steel ring for stability; the all-weather nylon net is long-lasting. The telescoping pole is adjustable in 6-inch increments by tipping the system and moving the telescopting pole to the desired length. To stabilize the base, a 27-gallon capacity (about 234 pounds of water or 364 pounds of sand) allow for a stable foundation.

Portable basketball systems depend on a base filled with sand or water for stability. Although it will take up more space than an in-ground system, the portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location (and also allowing storage in a garage). Simply assemble, fill the base and play today. There is no fussing with concrete.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40869 in Sports & Outdoors
• Brand: Lifetime
• Model: 1239

Features

• The portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location
• Durable backboard is made of clear acrylic and can withstand the demands of aggressive play
• The 27-gallon portable base provides a stable foundation by filling it with water or sand
• Five-year limited warranty
• Telescoping pole sections provide height adjustment capability to include all players

Customer Reviews

IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!
Wow, I'm glad I didn't base my decision to buy this basketball goal based on the other guy's review. I researched this item through several other websites and found it to be a genuinely good quality item at a fantastic sale price! I bought this for my 2 sons and they love it. Mu husband put the whole thing together in about 30 - 45 minutes and all the parts were there and they all fit perfectly. In less than an hour after opening the box, my kid's were shooting hoops happily and two weeks later, they are still shooting and still happy. Way to go Amazon and Lifetime!!!!!

Great product
After reading several HORRIBLE reviews on other name brands, I went with a Lifetime product simply because there hadn't been any bad reviews on a Lifetime product. This goal is great! It set up quickly and there were no missing parts. The kids were playing ball an hour later. I would highly recommend this product! And, it was only $100 including tax and shipping! WOW!

Good, inexpensive but has some limitations
Let me start by saying that I really like this system because it is portable and does the job. I just put it together today and like many have already said, it is lots of fun. I won't repeat the good points but rather want to give some of the limitations for those who are thinking about purchasing this.

The first thing I notice so far is that the backboard is really small. Yes, I know it is the smallest, 42 inch model, but I just didn't realize how small it is until I've used it. There's almost no room for layups. Second thing I notice is that the backboard is not that sturdy and absorbs most of the force of the ball. The last thing i want to point out is that when the base is completely filled with water, it's almost impossible to move. At one point I thought I was going to break the supporting rods because it is too heavy to tilt. So if need to move the system everytime you play, fill it half full (or half empty =P) but put weights to make it stable.