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Having the ability to not only adjust the height of the rim but also to move the basket from one place to another is a very convenient and practical way to start a game. This type of flexibility is not available with traditional wall-mount or in-ground basketball hoops and, on many occasions, permanent setups require a special permit to install them, if not by your building manager then perhaps by city hall.
Portable basketball hoops enable you to adjust the height of the rim to fit the players’ needs. For example, if most of the players are between 8 to 12 years of age, you would want a shorter rim size for them. If most of the players are 18 years old or older, then you will need a higher rim.
For these two reasons, getting a portable and adjustable basketball hoop is by far the best investment you can make to help your friends and fellow teammates improve their basketball skills, whether playing indoors or outdoors.
What To Look For When Buying A Portable Basketball Hoop
There are only four main factors to consider when deciding what the best portable and adjustable basketball hoop are. They are:
Backboard
There are many different backboard sizes and materials so picking the best one often depends on our needs and preferences. Backboard Size and dimensions often vary between 44” to 54” wide. These are the more affordable end in terms of price but the downside is it makes practicing layups and shooting off the backboard too difficult, especially for the younger ones. Remember, the NBA official backboard regulation size is 72” wide by 42” tall.
The material also plays a big role in both playing and cost-wise. Plastic backboards are among the most popular because they are virtually indestructible and shatter proof but they offer very little rebound or bounce. Acrylic is the material used for mid-range priced backboards. An acrylic backboard offers a pretty decent balance between rebound, professional look, and, most importantly, cost.
Lastly is tempered glass, which is what is used at the professional level and offers the perfect rebound effect on the ball and, unlike acrylic-based backboards, won´t scratch over time. The downside is that it’s on the expensive side and also requires a larger support base.
Rim
Here, we´re not talking about the material as all basketball rims are built of iron. Instead, we´re referring to not only the rim´s diameter as well as how the rim is attached to the backboard. The official NBA rim diameter is also 18” so that’s the size to look for if you want something authentic.
Is the rim screwed into the backboard directly? Or is it a breakaway type? The first option, even though it is the most cost-effective solution, brings high levels of in-and-out bounce shots making it very difficult to make accurate long-distance jump shots. Also, when dunking the ball, it generates a great deal of pressure on the backboard, potentially damaging it over time. The breakaway system offers a spring between the rim and the backboard that absorbs the vibration produced by the ball when shooting, resulting in a much less pronounced rebound. It does, however, protect the backboard in the long-run.
Support Pole and Base
This is perhaps one of the most overlooked factors when buying a basketball hoop but it is a very important one. The support pole controls the hoop´s adjustment capabilities in terms of the height while the base dimensions largely depend on the type of backboard you have. The base offers stability to the entire setup so make sure to take this into account when determining the type of backboard you´re looking for.
Now, based on the above, we have gathered what we believe to be the best portable and adjustable basketball hoops available online right now. Check out the following for ideas.
Spalding – 54” Polycarbonate Backboard Portable Basketball Hoop
The Spalding 54” Polycarbonate Backboard Portable Basketball Hoop isn’t quite up to professional basketball hoop standards in terms of size but it is a great quality 54”. It’s both portable and adjustable with a breakaway rim and a steel board frame. Although it’s not at the NBA regulated size, very few home basketball courts actually are and it’s possible to raise the height to the NBA regulated 10 feet.
- Arena style padding
- Fully adjustable
- Polycarbonate backboard
- 34-gallon base
Seatopia Portable Adjustable Junior Basketball Hoop
A much more affordable option for juniors is the Seatopia Portable Adjustable Junior Basketball Hoop. For this basketball hoop, the height can be adjusted from between 5.73 feet to 6.87 feet. Since it is intended for children, the base doesn’t need to hold as much water, so, for this hoop, the capacity is 9.53 gallons. A great amount for younger players. The materials used for this basketball hoop are very durable and supportive. As for portability, it quite literally couldn’t be easier. There are two wheels located at the base so you can move it anywhere you like.
- Water-resistant nylon net
- Made with heavy-duty steel
- Unbreakable PE panel
- 9.53-gallon base
Spalding NBA 60” Acrylic Portable Hoop
An option that’s pretty pricey but a great portable basketball hoop is the Spalding NBA 60” Acrylic Portable Hoop. It is more suited to adults and teens with a 60” by 34” board size. It also features an arena slam breakaway rim as well as an adjustable hoop height up to 10 feet. This basketball hoop has 2 wheels for easy transportation. Although acrylic may be inferior to that of tempered glass, it is the absolute best second choice and it will in no way affect your progression.
- 40-gallon base capacity
- 4” steel pole
- NBA padding on pole
- 60” by 34” board size
- Acrylic board with arena-style padding
Quality portable basketball hoops aren’t the easiest items to buy as they are expensive and there are limited sellers. Always do your due diligence before purchasing and be sure to check out the return options just in case it doesn’t meet expectations.