How to make sure your replacement Lifetime basketball backboard is compatible with your system:
We have written about this before, but figured it might be useful for a refresher course in case people get hung up on how to replace the backboard on their Lifetime basketball system. You should always verify compatibility of the backboard you are interested in before ordering the product.
Please note that if your Lifetime basketball system was made before 2007, you may only be able to get a compatible backboard from Lifetime's customer service due to the discontinued mounting brackets that were used on basketball systems from before this year.
Match manufacturer with manufacturer
First things first. If you are ordering a replacement Lifetime basketball backboard as a replacement backboard for your system, your system absolutely has to be a Lifetime basketball system. Every manufacturer has their own designs and measurements. If your system is not made by Lifetime Products, it will not work. If you have a Lifetime basketball system, please see the next step to learn about pole sizes and shapes and their relation to your choice.
Pole size and shape
Next, the mounting brackets - the four arms that attach the backboard to the main pole of the system - can change depending on the size and shape of the pole of your existing system. The shape we need for a replacement Lifetime backboard to fit is round; the size is 3.5 inches in diameter. If measuring the diameter of your pole is difficult, you can also obtain the diameter by measuring the circumference. The circumference for a 3.5 inch diameter pole is 10.99 inches. If the size and shape of your pole match up, please continue to the last step below. Please note that the now discontinued 3.5-inch square pole Lifetime used previously on certain basketball systems is also not compatible with any replacement backboard and rim combo that is currently being made.
Where is the "Y"?
Lifetime has different mounts for different systems with the same size pole. The way you can determine if your mounting bracket is correct is to look on the back of your existing backboard (assuming it is still attached to your basketball system) and look for a bracket that looks like a capital letter "Y". It is very obvious if you have it, so you should not have to look hard. If you do have that Y-bracket, then you are set. Any of the replacement Lifetime basketball backboards on our website will be compatible with your basketball system. You can change the size of the backboard if you want. You can change the quality of the backboard and rim as well. Note that when purchasing a replacement basketball backboard, the Y-bracket is not included in the purchase; you will use your same bracketing system on your current basketball goal to attach the new backboard.
The rarest of rare exceptions:
Everything in life just cannot be simple, and so it is with replacing a backboard. Even if all of the above steps check out, the age of the system might make your Y-bracket outdated. No need to worry though; it just adds one more step. In this case, if you receive your backboard and the bracket holes/size does not match up to your new backboard, simply contact Lifetime Products directly at 1-800-225-3865. Their customer service line can actually get you a replacement left and right Y-bracket so you have up-to-date parts. As the heading shows, this need is the rarest of rare exceptions, probably effecting 1 percent of Lifetime basketball backboard customers we deal with.
View Video of Lifetime Basketball Systems, Performance
Michael Sweeten, Lifetime's Sporting Goods Product Manager, describes various kinds of basketball backboards, rims and systems, taking the guesswork out... Video Rating: 4.625 / 5
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26 Comments
val yenko
I thought all backboards fit all systems but now I know better. Lifetime makes some very strong backboards, we have had ours for years and it gets used almost every day when it's nice out.
James Neumann
Our Huffy Sport backboard #219078 has cracked. Do you have a standard replacement? I am in Brisbane
admin
Glad to hear you are getting lots of use out of yours.
Bob Y.
I need help in the replacement of a Huffy Sports basketball backboard. You mention that before buying one purchases a replacement backboard you should make sure the mountings on the replacement board should match the existing set up. Yet no where do they show the mounting holes on the new replacement board. I have the dimensions for the board I need. Can you suggest a product I can buy that will allow me to solve my problem?Thank you, Bob Y.
admin
Hello, For Huffy replacement backboards, they are pretty tricky to work with as Huffy/Spalding does not publish enough information for dealers to confirm compatibility with existing systems. Your best move is to first call Spalding's customer service at 1-800-558-5234. They will be able to confirm what backboards will work with your existing system, if there are any that can work. Thanks,
Lea Woodall
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks.
admin
That would be fine.
Evelyn C. Bailey
I'm looking for a plastic replacement for the backboard only, mine has shattered. Do you sell such a thing?
Donald Niebauer
I had an AMF Graphite Backboard I purchased in 1987. It broke this year so I need a replacement. I don"t have the model number handy, but it was an adjusted pole mounted system. Any recommendations. Don
Charley Hansen
What brand is it? Does it say Spalding, Huffy, NBA, lifetime, sport court, street court or any other graphics?
Janice Conrad
Do you have replacement pole braces
Charley
You'll want to contact 800-225-3865 for that.
Melony
I am getting ready to move into a new house. There is an existing pole and a really old goal. Its literally just a pole. Can a backboard be attached to just a pole? I'm looking for a 60 inch goal.
Jen
We have a Silverback system and the backboard shattered. Are there any backboards that will work with the existing mounts or an I stuck buying a $300+ backboard?
Josh
Jen, I am in the same boat with the same brand. Were you able to find a replacement for the silverback hoop without having to go through the manufacturer?
Rachel Samaniego
Need backboard replacement for Lifetime 46'
Justin Shepherd
Can I get a replacement backboard only for a lifetime back board?
Charley
You can get a replacement backboard only, yes, but you would need to call 800-225-3865 for that. Otherwise online everybody cells just backboard and rim combinations together.
Sarah Diggs
I am looking to replace the backboard to my Spaulding 'The Beast" 60 inch backboard. Do you have anything that would fit this system?
Dan Schack
I have a "Porter adjustable backstop support kit" that I installed in 1992 The backboard was damage and needs a replacement with rim. Porter is not in business any longer and I need one for the grandkids !! Can you please help me find the correct one that will bolt back on to the existing mounting hardware??
Charley
Unfortunately nobody has anything that works with the beast except for Spalding's customer service department you can call them at 800-558-5234
Katie E
I am looking to replace the backboard and rim to my Spaulding 'The Beast' 60 inch. Do you have anything that would fit this system?
Charley
You can get a replacement by calling Spalding at 800-558-5234.
sttom
My pole rusted and broke in half. The lifetime system has two poles and one of the poles for over top. I just need to replace the pole. How do I know what part I need. The bottom of my backboard is so worn there are no part numbers or serial marine's.
Charley Hansen
You can get a replacement lifetime pole by calling 800-225-3865. They may ask you for the diameter of the pole and some other questions. You will want to be next to your pole when you call them.
sttom
My pole rusted and broke in half. The lifetime system has two poles and one of the poles for over top. I just need to replace the pole. How do I know what part I need. The bottom of my backboard is so worn there are no part numbers or serial marine's.
James Reed
I have had my Lifetime basketball goal for 18 years here in Colorado. This summer the backboard finally cracked and subsequently, some pieces of it started to drop off during use. I believe it cracked mostly due to the weather since it only gets occasional use when my adult son is visiting. Neither of us were "dunkers", so I know it was the weather. Anyway, I went through the steps above for backboard replacement and believe this 18 year old equipment qualifies for standard replacement. Do you agree? I really only want the least expensive backboard/goal replacement. Also, do you have either a military or senior discount? What backboard do you recommend?
Charley
On a backboard that old you would need to contact lifetime directly to get a replacement at 800-225-3865.
Ms. Loy Gilbert
What is the best product to attach a plexiglass backboard to the backboard frame. Ive tried many products and it keeps popping off.
JB Lee
I had Sport Court installed with basketball rack and board which is broken. Do you provide the service to replace if I purchase yours? I am willing to pay the fee for the service too because I am afraid of screwing up.
Mary Broas
I have a Goalrilla backboard that shattered. How can I replace?
Charles Hansen
It's not possible to replace it with any other backboard. You can only replace your goalrilla brand board by calling 800-467-1421.
Merilee MacKay
Hi. I also have a gorilla that shattered. Is it possible to just replace the backboard/hoop with one of your products?
Charles Hansen
It's not possible to replace it with any other backboard. You can only replace your goalrilla brand board by calling 800-467-1421.
Vincent Mann
I have a Goalsetter Systems GS2000 Portable System. I wanted to replace the backboard and possible the rim assembly. The measurement of the backboard is 48 inch X 32 ½ inch (possible 32 ¾ inch) which do not match your 48 inch dimensions. Do you have such a backboard? Cost with shipping? What kind of person/trade would I call to install?
Nick Z
Spalding Infusion Reactor Rebound System Backboard (part#cb05900). Is there a replacement backboard for this? Cracked plastic on back where bolts screw in. Thanks!
Charley
If there is a replacement (and there likely is) it can be obtained by calling Spalding directly at 800-558-5234
Averie Dunn
What if my Lifetime elite series does not have y-bracket? How can I replace the backboard then?
Jatinder
Hello do you have the plastic part of the basketball board?