Basketball Selection Guide

Lifetime Basketball Hoop Selection Guide - Competitive Edge Products, Inc

So you want to buy some basketball equipment and set up a basketball court. But you're not quite sure what you're looking for in a home basketball system. Portable basketball goal or in-ground basketball system? Classic Rim or Slam-It Rim? What's a Power Lift? Lifetime Products, Inc has provided this choose-it-yourself guide with technical facts that can help you answer questions like these and choose your basketball goal for the game you play and the area where you play it. Purchase from Competitive Edge Products, Inc to get the best price on a Lifetime basketball accessory, goal or system. Notify us if you find a lower price and we will make you a deal.  You can also pick up most Competitive Edge Basketball Hoop Lifetime sports products from us here in Utah if you wish to avoid shipping.  We also have some Competitive Edge Products coupons and Lifetime Basketball coupons to our Mammoth and Competition Basketball Systems.  Call us if you are interested.

View Lifetime Products Videos on how to select a basketball system.

In-Ground Basketball Hoops In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground, so be sure to choose an ideal location. Inground basketball hoops tend to be more rigid and take up less space than portables. Plan on spending approximately $15 on concrete and waiting 72 hours for the concrete to dry.	Portable basketball hoops A Lifetime portable basketball system depends on a base filled with sand or water for stability. A portable basketball backboard system will take up more space than an in-ground. The portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location. Simply assemble, fill the base and play on your portable basketball hoop today. No need for concrete.	Backboard Rim Combo A Combo is comprised of a backboard and a rim. It can be attached directly to a roof, eave, or wall, using an extension bracket.

Beginner Basketball Goals: Price Range $100-$299 Click here for a list of beginner models Beginner hoops are designed to be economically priced with entry level features. What can you expect from a beginner hoop? You can expect an affordable price and still get the adjustability from 10' down to 7.5' depending on the hoop"s description. These generally have smaller boards around 44" wide, smaller diameter poles between 3"-3.5" round, and simple adjustment mechanisms. The adjustment mechanisms allow you to change the height of the backboard and rim. A standard NBA, College, and High School rim is set at 10'. These rims adjust from 10 and downwards to as low as 7. depending on the model. The beginner hoops adjust with either a telescoping pole where you lean the system over, unscrew a bolt, adjust up or down the height of the goal, and reinsert the knob. The telescoping pole is an adjustment mechanism found in pro-court models. It is not as convenient as the more expensive systems that have a handle in the back where you squeeze and effortlessly push up and down. However, if you are intending on keeping it at one height or adjusting it rarely, then a telescoping mechanism may suit your needs. The other beginner system adjustment feature is called a quick adjust height system. The quick adjust refers to a basketball system wherein you use a pole or a broomstick to raise it up or down. It is much quicker than the telescoping pole and takes less effort since you do not need to lean the hoop down to remove and reinsert a knob. Both adjustment mechanisms require a responsible adult to help change the height. Who generally purchases a beginner hoop? Customers who are purchasing these hoops generally get them for children from ages 6-12 years old. Because it has a standard 18"diameter rim you can play with a standard size basketball and that is probably the most important feature since it allows you to play by regulation rules and effectively practice for recreational and local basketball games.

Intermediate Basketball Goals: Price Range $300-$400 Click here for a list of intermediate models
Intermediate hoops are designed for a serious basketball player with growing interest and playing skills. What can you expect from an intermediate hoop? You can expect a larger board around 48"-50", a standard 3.5" diameter round pole, and a convenient adjustment mechanism to raise and lower the backboard and rim from standard 10' height to as low as 7.5' to accommodate children. The height mechanisms on intermediate systems generally consist of a handle in the back to quickly and effortlessly raise up and down. Unlike the beginner height mechanisms children around 11 years old are able to change the height. These also have spring loaded rims for heavy slam dunking. Who generally purchases an intermediate hoop? Customers of all ages purchase intermediate hoops since it allows children around age 6 and adults to have a competitive game. The backboards are generally made of polycarbonate and have a steel frame. Many of these models have free shipping.

Advanced Basketball Goals: Price Range $400-$500 Click here for a list of advanced models
The dedicated player who may be playing junior high or high school ball or frequent players from children to adults purchase advanced basketball hoops. The rebound off the board is more solid since these boards have steel frames supporting the polycarbonate or acrylic material. The board size is generally 50"-54" allowing a wide range of bank shots. The system weighs more on average than beginner and intermediate systems so the stability and rigidity improves significantly. The height adjustment system is more durable using a hydraulic gas lift in the back with a single handle to raise the board up and down anywhere between 7.5' and 10'. A standard NBA, College, and High School rim is set at 10". People who purchase these systems expect frequent or constant play including adult weight slam dunking. Most of the advanced models qualify for free shipping.

Expert Basketball Goals: Price Range $500-$1,500 Click here for a list of expert models
The dedicated player who may be playing junior high or high school ball or frequent players from children to adults purchase advanced basketball hoops. The rebound off the board is more solid since these boards have steel frames supporting the polycarbonate or acrylic material. The board size is generally 50"-54" allowing a wide range of bank shots. The system weighs more on average than beginner and intermediate systems so the stability and rigidity improves significantly. The height adjustment system is more durable using a hydraulic gas lift in the back with a single handle to raise the board up and down anywhere between 7.5' and 10'. A standard NBA, College, and High School rim is set at 10". People who purchase these systems expect frequent or constant play including adult weight slam dunking. Most of the advanced models qualify for free shipping.

Lifetime Basketball Backboards

Lifetime has four families of basketball backboards that range in size from 42-54 inches. The most common sizes are 44 and 48 inches. All Lifetime backboards are screen-printed with UV-protected inks offering fade-resistant color.

Graphite Basic, Affordable Basketball Backboard Ideal for Players Just Learning the Game	Impact Molded of High-Density Polyethylene Good All-around Performance
Acrylic Arena-Style Look Steel Frame Provides Added Rigidity Improving Rebound EM5 Break-Resistant Acrylic Available in Beginner, Intermediate and Competition Sizes	Acrylic Fusion EM5 Break-Resistant Acrylic High-Impact Polyethylene Frame Fade-Resistant Graphics
Shatter Guard Now changed to Shatter Proof With the introduction of Shatter Proof polycarbonate backboards, Lifetime continues it's unbreakable" record of innovation by virtually eliminating the need to replace broken backboards. Shatter Proof TM - Strong as Steel, Clear as Glass!	Acrylic is the current industry standard for clear backboards. However, with With the introduction of Shatter Proof Polycarbonate backboards, Lifetime continues its "unbreakable" record of innovation by virtually eliminating the need to replace broken backboards. With Shatter Proof Polycarbonate technology, broken backboards are a thing of the past. All of our shatter proof backboards are made with Makrolon polycarbonate, making them virtually unbreakable and many times stronger than acrylic. The superior impact strength of Makrolon polycarbonate provides enough protection to withstand the toughest abuse. A patent-pending UV-treatment insures that your backboard wont yellow or degrade over time. All graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color. Shatter Proof Polycarbonate is available on Fusion, Steel-Framed and Reactor Rebound backboards. Shatter Proof Polycarbonate backboards are available on a variety of portable and in-ground basketball systems, and all Lifetime basketball brands. The systems range from beginner systems to our highest-end equipment and can be found at various sporting goods and discount retailers throughout the country. Shatter ProofTM polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic.   The superior impact strength of polycarbonate provides enough protection to withstand the toughest abuse, including an errant rock that is thrown at your backboard. A patent-pending UV-treatment insures that your backboard won't yellow or degrade over time. All graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color.   With the introduction of Shatter Proof Polycarbonate backboards, Lifetime continues its "unbreakable" record of innovation by virtually eliminating the need to replace broken backboards. Shatter ProofTM backboards are available on a variety of portable and in-ground basketball systems, and all Lifetime basketball hoop brands. The systems range from beginner systems to our highest-end equipment

Rims

Lifetime's rims are designed to withstand today's style of aggressive play. Welded-steel net hooks do not require replacement and help avoid the annoyance and danger of dangling net loops common in cheaper rims. All rims feature a 5/8-inch ring of solid steel supported by 1/2-inch bracing.

Classic Basic Model Basketball Rim All-Weather Nylon Net

Slam-It Excellent Durability Double-Compression Springs Provide     Spring-Back Action All-Weather Nylon Net

Slam-It Pro High-Performance Arena-Style Wraparound Brace Double-Compression Springs Provide     Spring-Back Action Built for Aggressive Play All-Weather Nylon Net

Height Adjustment Mechanisms

The ability to raise or lower the backboard to the desired height is one of the most exciting features home basketball systems have to offer. This allows players of any age or skill to enjoy the game at their level!  Lifetime systems are adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet no tools required!

Portable Bases