Portable Basketball Hoops - A Checklist Before You Buy

In-Ground Basketball Hoops - A Checklist Before You Buy

Buying an in ground basketball goal is a fantastic investment for your home. Not will it only help you and your kids have a lot of fun for years, but it will also be a great way to get in daily exercise. If you are serious about buying an in ground basketball goal, here are some vital questions to ask before you make the big purchase.

What Size Backboard Do you Want?

Generally speaking, the bigger the basketball hoop you can get, the better. Basketball backboards range in size from forty four inches all the way up to seventy two inches (that's a full six feet across), which is the official NBA size. The bigger your basketball board, the easier it is to do bank shots and other techniques that the pros rely on during NBA games. You should be warned while purchasing a basketball hoop, though: the small backboard systems usually are very affordable, costing only a couple hundred dollars, while the official NBA sized systems will set you back over a thousand dollars.

What Material Backboard?

For residential permanent basketball goals, there are four main materials that basketball backboards come in: acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, and plastic. Acrylic and plastic (sometimes called composite or graphite basketball hoops) are on the cheaper basketball systems, but they are great for the casual player. If you want a higher quality residential system, you should go with polycarbonate inground basketball hoops. They act just like the acrylic models, but they are much more durable and last much longer. Glass backboards are usually more expensive, but they offer the best, more responsive rebound that you can find anywhere.

What Shape and Gauge pole?

On more affordable in ground basketball hoops, you can expect the pole to be round, separated into three separate sections, and made of 16 gauge steel. If you have a bigger budget for your basketball pole, you might be able to purchase a basketball system with 11 or 7 gauge steel pole, and a basketball pole that is a single piece. You typically see these on mammoth or Goalrilla basketball hoops.

What Basketball Accessories do you Need?

Obviously, an inground basketball goalswon't be much fun without a quality basketball. If mostly adults are going to play, you should purchase an official size 29.5 Inch basketball. If kids are going to be playing, you might prefer a 28.5 inch "intermediate" sized basketball system. In order to keep basketball hoops from rolling away, you should also definitely consider getting a protective net. These are usually very, inexpensive, and can even attach directly to the basketball rim to keep airballs from rolling away from your driveway.

Do I have Everything I need for installation?

If you are going to install the in ground basketball hoop yourself, you are going to need a couple bags of cement, some basic tools, and a shovel. Installing a basketball equipment isn't difficult, but it can be time consuming. If you prefer, you can call a local handyman or fence installer who is usually willing to install the basketball goal professionally for a nominal fee.

For a great selection of both adjustable and fixed-height in-ground basketball goal systems please visit Pro Dunk Hoops. You'll find heavy-duty basketball hoops that are for driveways, backyard courts, schools, parks and playgrounds.

Wall Mounted Basketball Hoops - A Checklist Before You Buy That Basketball System

If you want a basketball hoop for your home without ever having to deal with installing a basketball pole or filling up a basketball base, a wall mounted basketball hoop is probably the best route for you. All you need is a sturdy wall and a flat surface to play on.

But you shouldn't simply rush into purchasing a wall mounted basketball hoop.  Here are some questions to ask before making that big purchase.

What Shape Basketball Backboard?

Basketball backboards on wall mounted basketball hoops are generally available one of two different shapes: fan shaped and rectangular. Fan shaped basketball backboards are only really found on the least expensive backboards, and should be generally avoided because they don't offer a lot of good surface area for bank shots. If you can afford it, rectangular basketball backboards are preferred because you just get more surface area for rebounding for your dollar.

What material backboard?

Probably one of the most important questions you will ask is what material your backboard will be. On the low end of the spectrum, you will find graphite and acrylic basketball backboards. They are extremely affordable, and have adequate durability if you are just look for a recreational basketball hoop to play on.

If you think you are going to be a little bit rougher with your basketball system, it's better to invest in a polycarbonate Wall mounted basketball hoop. They are a lot more durable, and as a result can take a lot more abuse.

If you want something that has really high-end durability, you should definitely consider purchasing a wall mounted basketball hoop with a glass backboard. These models can set you back a thousand dollars or more, but they are a must have for anyone who wants a real NBA feel when they play.

Will you need a Basketball Bracket?

On higher end wall mounted basketball hoops [http://www.basketballhoopbuyingguide.com/the-three-primary-kinds-of-basketball-hoops.html], the bracket that attaches the backboard to the wall is usually included. However, if you are purchasing a wall mounted basketball system that costs under four hundred dollars or so, more often than not you will have to purchase the bracket separately.

You may want to check and see if you have options for the bracket for your Wall mounted basketball hoop. Some models give you a choice between a stationary and an adjustable bracket.  

Do you Have all of the Important Basketball Accessories?

For a great driveway basketball experience, make certain that you have all of the basketball accessories you need to have fun. Here are a few ideas.

Basketball - Make sure you have a good quality basketball, preferably a 29.5 inch model. If mostly kids will be playing on it, you might instead opt for a 28.5 inch basketball.

Court Marking Kit - Pick up basketball games are a lot more fun when you know where the free throw and three point lines are. Court marking kits are a great way to make driveway games more official. These come in either temporary chalk models that can spray off after the game is done or as stencils that allow you to lay down permanent court lines.

Guard Nets - In basketball games where you are playing in a confined space, it's best to set up nets to make sure that basketballs don't roll into the street or onto someone's else's property. One of the best ways to make this happen is by buying a basketball guard net along the edges of your driveway. They are typically ten feet across and can make games a lot more fun because you don't have to waste time chasing after basketballs.

The more you know about, the more money you will save. Get the complete lowdown on the best and most affordable basketball hoops at basetballhoopbuyingguide.com.