As part of your purchasing research for a basketball system you will inevitably run into the question of what backboard material is best. This question is not lost on either low-end or high-end basketball system purchases. So, we will address this questions here. Different manufacturers building basketball backboards with different materials; many manufacturers build systems with with multiple types of backboard materials depending on the system. Typically, your optoins for backboard material will include polyethylene plastic (or similar plastic material), polycarbonate, acrylic, and tempered glass. These backboard materials have many different suppliers and purposes. We will look at them one at a time.

Plastic (polyethylene, eco-composite, etc) Backboard

This type of material is frequently seen on low-end or introductory-level basketball backboards. This is the cheapest material wise and production wise of any of the backboard materials. This product cost allows for these basketball systems to be priced very affordably for most any budget. So, when you think plastic, think budget conscious. The limitations of this material is that they frequently produce the worst rebound; when the ball hits it, it dies on the spot and drops down instead of bouncing off. The plastic material is also much easier to break if the system is used abusively. While not necessary for function, most basketball systems with plastic backboards will have low-end components in the form of smaller poles, weaker high-adjustment mechanisms, and smaller mounting brackets. From here we will visit polycarbonate and acrylic backboard materials.

Polycarbonate and Acrylic Backboard

These two materials are grouped together because they are generally used on systems in the same price range and provide a similar playing experience. These types of backbaord materials have more rigidity than plastic backboards, and thus produce a better rebound. They are clear, which improves the aesthetics of the system. Because these materials are also oil-based, like plastic, they allow the manufacturers still cater to a lower budget. However, nearly every one of these systems will be priced higher than their plastic counterparts.

Tempered Glass

The most frequent high-end backboard material is tempered glass. Tempered glass backboards are typically most desirable due to their more rigid than other backboard materials. The more rigid feel provides for a better rebound when the ball bounces off the backboard. Glass backboards are seen on every high-end basketball system and some intermediately-priced systems. In the same quality and price range, some manufacturers will also offer the same-sized backboard goal system in acrylic too.

Just about every manufacturer of basketball system uses one of these backboard materials on their systems. Use this guide as you shop for just the right basketball backboard for your system.

Of all of the basketball system manufacturers, Lifetime Products might be the trickiest. The most basic materials used on systems are: plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, and glass. Of these 4, glass and plastic do not have substitute names. Lifetime Products uses polyethylene plastic on their plastic systems, which would be the only thing tricky with plastic backboard purchases. As for glass, glass is glass. The only difference you may see between manufacturers is the thickness of the glass; but, all factories call glass, glass.

As for polycarbonate, Lifetime has several names for this material. All of these names essentially refer to the exact same material. These names would include: makrolon, polycarbonate, and Shatter Guard. Models where this understanding would be important would be in certain comparisons such as comparing the Portable Basketball Systems models (currently in production at the time this article was written) 71522, 71523, and 71524. All of these feature just about the same specs, except for the backboard material. You will notice that the 71523 and 71524 refer to a Shatter Guard or Makrolon backboard. These both refer the polycarbonate. On the other hand, when you look at the 71522, you will notice it mentions a “fusion” backboard. In all cases, when a Lifetime Products system refers to a “fusion” backboard, it is referring to Acrylic. An attempt of differentiating these two backboard types will not be done in this article; you should just take note that acrylic and polycarbonate are different and have slightly different functionality.

Spalding Basketball Backboards Materials:

The last explanatory feature concerning basketball backboards is to mention Spalding’s “eco-composite” backboard type. Essentially, this is a plastic-like material made from completely recycled components. Eco-Composite is very comparable to Lifetime Products’ polyethylene plastic and has the same functionality.

Have fun shopping!

We are authorized reseller’s for Lifetime Products and Spalding Basketball systems. Come see us for any questions or product inquiries for any Basketball Backboards.