Product Description

52-inch polycarbonate backboard w/heavy duty steel frame; Helix lift system; 3-piece 3.5-inch diameter poles; ground sleeve for easy in-ground installation

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58146 in Sports & Outdoors
• Size: One Size Fits All
• Brand: Spalding
• Model: 88307H
• Released on: 2006-07-20

Features

• 52-inch polycarbonate backboard with heavy-duty steel frame and in-ground base
• Helix height adjustment system with pushbutton adjustment between 7.5 to 10 feet
• 3-piece, 3.5-inch diameter pole system; ground sleeve for easy installation
• 5/8-inch solid-steel Pro-Slam breakaway rim with all-weather net
• Powder-coated matte black finish; 8-year limited warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Bring home years of basketball fun with the Spalding residential in-ground basketball system (model 88307H), featuring the Helix height adjustment system with push-button activation for accurate adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet. It offers a a three-piece pole construction made of 3.5-inch square steel as well as a ground sleeve for easy installation and removal and a powder coated matte black finish. Other features include a durable 3/8-inch thick polycarbonate backboard (52 by 38 inches with steel frame), 5/8 inch solid steel Pro-Slam breakaway rim, and an all-weather net. It's backed by an 8-year limited warranty.

Specifications:

• Backboard Size: 52 inches
• Basketball Backboard Material: Polycarbonate
• Backboard Shape: Rectangular
• Height Adjustment: Helix System
• Adjustable Height Minimum: 7.5 feet
• Adjustable Height Maximum: 10 feet
• Rim: Solid Steel with 1/2-inch support arms
• All Weather Basketball Net: Yes
• Pole Pieces: 3 Poles
• Pole Diameter: 3.5 inches

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner.

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.

Customer Reviews

Good system but be prepared to spend the time needed to install it
I wanted to get an in ground system and in retrospect I think I made a sound decision to purchased this particular item. The only thing I was a bit surprised by once I received it, is the amount of time and resources it took to install it. I used about 500 lbs of concrete in the installation process! 380 lbs went into the ground and another 120 lbs went inside the tubing (this is required for warranty and performance purposes). Since I only worked on weekends, it took me 10 days from start to finish. You have to wait twice at least for 24 hours to let the concrete cure. So, the first weekend I dug the hole, installed the in-ground sleeve and assembled the system. The second weekend I poured concrete into the metal tubing and the next day installed the whole thing into the in-ground sleeve.

Once installed, it does seem pretty sturdy. The height adjustment is very smooth and easy for any adult to adjust. Overall, it is very decent looking and a good value.

Excellent quality at a great price.
I am very pleased with this basketball system. It is very well built and was easy to assemble. The directions are well written and minimal tools are required. I was impressed at how easy it is to adjust the hoop to different heights with hardly any effort. I would definitely recommend this basketball system to others. Great product!

Greatest Bang for the Buck!
I did much research, and decided on this in-ground hoop combo. I liked the width of the backboard for the price. I have 3 young sons, and bought this for them to grow up with. We have already had 300$ of enjoyment out of the hoop in the two weeks I have had it up. It did take 3 days before we could play on it (1 day for base, 1 day for pole, 1 day for both to dry). No regrets a great purchase!!!