Lifetime Basketball Hoops | Lift Mechanism Comparison

Lifetime Basketball Hoops Lift Mechanism Comparison for all products manufactured by Lifetime Products.

When purchasing a basketball system it is important to know the difference between height adjustment mechanisms.  Some height adjustments are very difficult and inconvenient to maneuver and others are very effortless.  Some adjustment mechanisms last longer than others and some are more prone to breakage.  The adjustment mechanism made by the Lifetime Products Brand vary significantly.  This article will explain the different adjustment mechanisms in order of how convenient it is to adjust it.

 1)      Telescoping Pole

 The most basic entry level adjustment mechanism is the telescoping pole.  This allows the user to adjust the rim height, but does not have any fancy or sophisticated handle to use.  Rather, it requires the user two tilt this system forward or on its side.  At that point the user unscrews the knob on the pole and pushes up on the backboard; the poles will then slide up and down.  When you have found the desired height (in 6 inch increments) you then screw the knob back in and tilt the basketball system back into its upright position.  This mechanism has a five year warranty.

2)      Quick Adjust

The next adjustment mechanism is called the quick adjust mechanism.  It may be very quick, but it still is not as simple and quick as the kinds that have a handle built into the back of the unit.  This particular mechanism requires that you use a broomstick to raise it up and down.  You push up on the back of the rim to raise it up.  As its is being raised up it clicks into position (in 6 inch increments).  At the desired level, you simply stop pushing up on the broomstick and the backboard will lock into place.  If you need to lower it, you push with the broomstick behind the backboard into a groove on the bracket itself.  This mechanism has a five year warranty as well.

3)      Speed Shift and Action Grip

This adjustment mechanism is very simple and forthright.  It is behind the pole and includes a handle with a trigger in the handle.  To raise it up and down, you simply squeeze the trigger and push up or pull down.  There are counterbalanced springs involved that do the work for you.  As soon as you release the trigger it will lock into place (in 6 inch increments).  The handle slides up and down the channel behind the pole.  This may be one of the easiest adjustment mechanisms to use physically;  however, it is probably not as durable as the other adjustment mechanisms since the handle can break if it is being misused or vandalized.  For example, if a player is hanging on the rim and another player is trying to adjust the system to raise the player up the first thing to break is the handle.  This mechanism has a five year warranty.

4)      Powerlift

The power lift adjustment mechanism is very beefy and very durable.  The technology used on this mechanism is very impressive.  It uses hydraulics and a cylinder behind the pole to raise the backboard up and down.  This mechanism also includes a handle that is shaped like a horse shoe and is probably has the best apperance overall.  The Power Lift is also one of the most durable adjustment mechanisms since it is very difficult to break or damage.  With the Power Lift, you can grab and release the handle at any time – in stead of in 6 inch increments – giving you infinite height adjustments. This mechanism has a five year warranty.

5)      Rapid Cam

The rapid cam adjustment mechanism is only included on very high and basketball goals, including the Mammoths.  It is very similar to the power lift, but it is  a bigger and stronger.  It works the same.  The handle is shaped like a horseshoe.  Inside that handle there is a smaller handle shaped like a horseshoe.  You simply squeeze them together and you can push up or down and quickly raise the backboard up or lower it down. You also have infinite increment possibilities, like the Power Lift offers.  These ones have a lifetime warranty.

 It should be noted that the warranties on all of these mechanisms does not include a rust; since, it is very difficult for the manufacturer to control rust.  If you live in dry climates, then you may never see rest on these.  If you live in humid wet climates, after several years you may see some rust.  You can remove that simply by sanding it off before it becomes a big problem. You can also use touch up paint to help prevent the rust from spreading.  All lift mechanism have a powder coated finish to prevent rust; bBut, eventually you will see it creep in.  On average, the lifespan of of most lift mechanisms is around 10 years.  The rapid cam mechanism is closer to 20 years.

Tags: height adjustment, lifetime basketball hoops, power lift